North East Local Government Area Research Articles

Sampling efficiency and screening of Aedes albopictus for yellow fever virus in Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Aedes albopictus, like Aedes aegypti, is a virulent vector of arboviruses especially the well-documented spread of yellow fever around the world. Although yellow fever is prevalent in Nigeria, there is a paucity of information in the Niger Delta region on the distribution of Aedes mosquito vectors and molecular detection of the virus in infected mosquitoes. This study sampled Aedes mosquitoes around houses associated with farms from four communities (Otolokpo, Ute-Okpu, Umunede, and Ute Alohen) in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. various sampling methods were used in Aedes mosquito collection to test their efficacy in the survey. Mosquitoes in holding cages were killed by freezing and morphologically identified. A pool of 15 mosquitoes per Eppendorf tube was preserved in RNAi later for yellow fever virus screening. Two samples were molecularly screened for each location. seven hundred and twenty-five (725) mosquitoes were obtained from the various traps. The mean abundance of the mosquitoes was highest in m-HLC (42.9) compared to the mosquitoes sampled using other techniques (p<0.0001). The mean abundance of mosquitoes was lowest in Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps without attractant (0.29). No yellow fever virus strain was detected in all the mosquitoes sampled at the four locations. this study suggests that Aedes albopictus are the mosquitoes commonly biting around houses associated with farms. More so, yellow fever virus was not detected in the mosquitoes probably due to the mass vaccination exercise that was carried out the previous year in the study area. More studies are required using the m-HLC to determine the infection rate in this endemic area.

An Assessment of Social Well-being of the Elderly in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

The paper focused on the Assessment of Social Well-being of the Elderly in Ovia North-East Local Government Area Edo State. It specifically examined social supports for the elderly; it accessed how the family members render social supports for the elderly; it accessed the relevance of the informal caregivers to the elderly; it also investigated how neglect affect the well-being of the elderly and examined the causes of neglect of the elderly. It was found that a majority of people have good intention towards the welfare of the elderly. The main source of income and care of the elderly was mainly from their family members. The various forms of informal social support and certain demographic characteristics predicted the wellbeing of the elderly. The elderly would prefer a combination of both formal and informal social support. It is recommended that all stakeholders involved in the welfare of the elderly should deliberately make adequate efforts to adopt a proactive approach rather than reactive approach in the health of the elderly persons. Keywords: Care, Elderly. Support, Welfare, Well-being

Infrastructural Facilities and Supervision: Strategies for Effective Management of Nursery Schools in Ika North East

This work focused on the infrastructural facilities and supervision of instruction as strategies for effective management of nursery schools in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. The research design was ex-post-facto. In carrying out the research 180 teachers were selected from 20 nursery school. The instrument used for eliciting information from the respondents was questionnaire titled strategies for effective management questionnaire (SEMQ). The statistical tool employed was the chi-square. Some of the findings of the study revealed that adequate infrastructural facilities lead to effective management of nursery school, effective use of infrastructural facilities lead to effective management of nursery schools and adequate supervision of instruction leads to effective management of nursery schools. The researcher recommended that adequate infrastructural facilities should be made available in schools, because these facilities help to make learning easy and significant, promote meaningful teaching and learning and consequently, promote the standard of education in the country and there should be adequate supervision of instruction in both public and private nursery schools with a view to improve the management of schools.

Socio-Economics and Health Impact of Quarry Sites on the Surrounding Localities in Ogun State, Nigeria

Rock quarry provides needed materials used in the road and building construction thus has significant impact on the economy. The aim of this investigation is to look into the socio-economics and health impact of the quarry sites on the surrounding locations in Ogun State. Two hundred copies of structured questionnaire were administered to elicit socio-economic, health, and environmental impact information in eight locations, namely Isara, Igodo, Ilagbe, Baaki Ake, Adelokun, Idode, Ogbere, and Iwaye; while reported diseases data were collected from six Local Government Areas (LGAs) health centres. Data collected were subjected to both inferential and differential statistics using a statistical package for science (SAS 94.0) version. The diseases commonly suffered by the residents were insomnia (34.8 %) Iwaye (Ijebu North east LGA), malaria (63.6 %) Ogbere (Ijebu East LGA), catarrh (40.9 %) Kajola (Owode/Obafemi LGA), skin irritation (46.7 %) Isara (Remo LGA), headache (42.1 %) and cough (31.6 %) Odeda (Odeda LGA),. The environmental impacts of quarrying activities revealed that nearby residents were negatively affected while their economic status was better. In conclusion, the environmental and health impacts of quarrying activities revealed that nearby residents were negatively affected.

Household Waste Reduction Practices in Ibadan, Nigeria

With an average of 42 million tons of waste produced annually and no effective structure for managing solid waste in Nigeria, indiscriminate disposal of waste poses a serious danger to the constituents of the environment. Waste reduction at source is one of the potent strategies for reducing disposable waste, thereby, making non-reused waste at the household level manageable by municipal authority. Therefore, this study examines household waste reduction practices in Ibadan. A random selection of 281 respondents was conducted using a sampling ratio of 3% among three places within the Ibadan North East Local Government Area. Buying packaging-less products, targeting reusable and not items that are disposable in nature, using reusable bags made of recyclable materials for shopping, reducing food remnants and waste, and maintaining and repairing household items are the five household waste reduction practices that have been identified. Results showed that plastic accounted for more than half (54.4%) of the garbage produced, 14.6% was kitchen waste, 19.2% was glass and bottle, and 11.7% was paper waste. The study suggests an aggressive sensitisation programme by Oyo State Waste Management Authority to raise awareness of the benefits of reducing waste before disposal in Ibadan, to curb indiscriminate disposal of waste.

Awareness of the effects of small-scale cassava mill effluent on the environment in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria.

The threat of environmental pollution in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region, cannot be solely ascribed to oil spillages; rather, it also encompasses the discharge of cassava mill effluent (CME), frequently disposed off in an unregulated manner. Existing studies on CME have focused on its potential environmental consequences on soil characteristics, microbial populations, and heavy metal levels. There is limited study on the awareness of the impact of CME on the environment. Thus, this study contributes to the literature on CME by examining the awareness of its effect on the environment in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The study used interviews, observation, and questionnaires administered to 399 respondents for data collection. A Student t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation were employed to analyse the data in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results revealed limited awareness, with 51.3% unaware of CME's environmental impact. Slight, moderate, and extreme awareness were reported by 7.5%, 17.3%, and 23.8%, respectively. Gender's influence on awareness was insignificant, but age showed a significant influence (p < 0.05), while education, occupation, and income correlated positively with awareness (p < 0.001). The source of information significantly predicted awareness (r = -0.727, p < 0.001). It indicates that gender's influence on awareness might depend on education levels. Socio-economic factors are strongly related to awareness. Reliable information sources are vital for understanding CME's environmental impact. The study underscores the need for enhanced environmental education and reliable information dissemination to promote sustainable practices.

Situational context of home-based sexual education in urban slums of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract Background Little is known about how events in slum settings interfere with informal sexual education in Nigeria. This study explores the influence of situational context on parent-adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues in the urban slums of Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in the Southeast and Northeast local government areas of Ibadan. Eight (8) vignette-based focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents and adolescents of both sexes were conducted in addition to four (4) key informant interviews (KIIs) with community and women's leaders. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Descriptive and interpretative analyses were conducted with the aid of ATLAS Ti 9 software. Results Findings portray SRH meanings and experiences, intergenerational cultural norms, and expectations for SRH, gender double standards in SRH discussion, streetwise SRH knowledge, and social media exposure to SRH as contexts that interfere with parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues. The findings show that although parents and teenagers understood SRH issues and their consequences, there was no effective communication about them. Also, the conversation between parents and adolescents promotes gender inequalities as different SRH information is passed to adolescent girls and boys. Streetwise SRH knowledge was identified to impede effective parent-adolescent conversation on SRH issues. Social media exposure had a significant impact on where teenagers got their unfiltered SRH knowledge, interfering with and distorting SRH discussion between parents and adolescents. Conclusions Interventions that enable parents to give and allow their children early access to appropriate SRH knowledge, considering their context, are urgently needed. Key messages • The study emphasizes the need for tailored sexual education programs that are culturally sensitive, age-appropriate, and accessible to parents and children in urban slums. • The study highlights the absence of formal sexual education in schools and communities in urban slums of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Religious Leaders and COVID-19 Guidelines Enforcement in Rural Communities of Nigeria

The global response to the outbreak of novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, and its rapid spread to over 200 countries/territories has been intense. Following the discovery of its index case on 27 February 2020 in Lagos, Nigeria, various measures were adopted at the federal, state and local levels to contain its spread. The enforcement of COVID-19 Guidelines/Protocols commenced on 30 March 2020 in the affected states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Thus, it is acknowledged that religious institutions and their leaders are crucial stakeholders in implementing these guidelines. This study used a qualitative research design to examine how religious leaders in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area responded to the enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines during total and relaxed lockdowns. It reveals that prominent Imāms at their respective mosques during the total lockdown suspended daily Salāwāt, Fridays congregational prayers (As-Salāt al-Jumu‘at), daily Ramadān Tafsīrul-Qur’ān, Iftārus-Sawm, Tarāwīh and Tahajjud, and celebration of ‘Īd-el-Fitri, ‘Īd-el-Adhā and Mawlud-en-Nabiyy. They offered their host communities spiritual and socio-welfare support in addition to disseminating information on COVID-19 prevention methods. During the relaxed lockdown, the NCDC’s COVID-19 Guidelines for Re-Opening Places of Worship were strictly followed. Inadequate resources, the lack of belief in the existence of COVID-19, un-Islamic traits of some wealthy Muslims, and a sense of distrust among some followers were identified challenges. The study concludes by suggesting how mosque leaders can proactively assist governments in eradicating coronavirus and related diseases.

Rice Price Differentials in Rural Markets of Edo State, Nigeria

The dispersion in price of rice across different markets in exclusive location, and the astronomic annual increase of 30% in the past 7-8 years in Edo state cannot be attributed mainly to transport costs. Consequently, the study examined spatial price variation of rice vis-à-vis beans, garri, and palm oil as typically consumed substitutes/complements food commodities from a segment of 286 food commodity marketers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo state, Nigeria using the spatial lag model of price-cost of transport data set. The outcomes of the descriptive data showed that the price of 1Kg rice under random test became N1576.82. The consequences of Moran's I (3.652) and Lagrange multiplier exams (10.753) for spatial lag, and Moran's I (0.175) and Geary's c check (0.460) for spatial autocorrelation suggest evidence of clustering in the spatial price of rice at the nearby markets and spatial price of rice between markets than might be under a random experiment. However, the results confirmed no spatial structure, no spatial dependence in the error term, nor spatial dependence within the costs of garri, beans and palm oil. The effects of the spatial lag model showed a mean price of 1kg of rice as N1597.77 with an average total effect of 0.406 comprising 0.274 direct effect and 0.132 indirect effects. Hence, the own-market price of rice in the study area is affected by the across-market price in the nearby markets, in addition to the cost of transportation from market of purchase.

Attitudinal Disposition towards Mandatory Premarital HIV Testing for Intending Couples among Unmarried Christian Youths in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Attitudinal Disposition towards Mandatory Premarital HIV Testing for Intending Couples among Unmarried Christian Youths in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Evaluation of Water Quality within and around Flood Prone area and Dumpsite Environment in Part of Benin Metropolitan city Southern, Nigeria

The study was carried out in Egor local government area, Dumpsite in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo state. The study areas are located between latitudes of 6°27'27.8''N to 6°27'44.6''N and longitudes of 5°35'58.7″E to 5°36'16.8''E in Egor local government area and the dumpsite is located with a latitude of 6°22´1.2''N to 6°27´51.3″N and longitudes of 5°36'42.3''E to 5°36´2.1″E in Ovia North-East local government area. A total of five (5) water samples were collected from an existing borehole at different locations within the study area. Physiochemical test, Major anion and cation concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Microbiological Parameters for all the water samples was also determined. The following are the physiochemical parameters, major cations and anions that was analysed from all the water samples collected: pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Ca+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3- , HNO3- , HNO3- , SO42- , Cr2-, Cd-, Ni-, and Pb2+ and the Microbiological parameter analysed for all the water samples are Coliform and E. Coli. The Microbiological parameter analysed for are Coliform and E. Coli as shown in Table 1. The results reveals that the study areas have average value of pH (4.89) which is below the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) standard permissible limit of 6.5-8.5 and this indicates that the water is slightly acidic probably due to the presence of decayed organic matter in high amounts and mineral acids produced during hydrolysis. The average values of E.C (121.86μS/cm), TDS (46.52mg/l), Na+ (1.48mg/l), Cl- (53.85mg/l), NO3- (1.17mg/l), HNO3- (0.39mg/l), SO42- (0.12mg/l), Cr2- (0.031), and Ni- (0.0074) conforms with the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) standard for drinking water expect some physiochemical parameters : Ca2+, Mg2+ Cd-, Pb2+, E.Coli and Coliform which has average values (4.49mg/l, 3.10mg/l, 0.027mg/l, 0.016mg/l, 1.36 X 103 (cfu/100mL)and 1.06 X 103 (cfu/mL) which do not conform with the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) for drinking water because of many factors and anthropogenic activities on the environment which contaminated the groundwater of the study areas. The results analysed from the three-study area reveals that the physiochemical parameters and microbiological parameters show similar trend. The water sample collected in the premises of University of Benin is more acidic compare to other water samples from the other locations. This probably due to the presence of decayed organic matter in high amounts and mineral acids produced during hydrolysis.

A Qualitative Exploration on Knowledge of Community-Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses among Community Resource Persons and Primary Health Care Workers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Community-Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (C-IMCI) is a multipronged strategy developed by the World Health Organization aimed at reducing childhood mortality and morbidity through the integration of enhanced health care services, improved case management skills and healthier community practices. Community resource persons (CORPs) play an important role in the knowledge transfer of this strategy to mothers of U-5 children within their communities. This study explored the knowledge of C-IMCI among CORPs and other primary healthcare workers, as well as accessibility to training, and recommendations for the promotion of C-IMCI. Qualitative data were obtained from a larger cross-sectional study conducted in Ibadan North East and Akinyele Local Government Areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) among community resource persons, community health workers and selected key health officers in two local government areas (LGAs) in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. There was poor knowledge of C-IMCI among the participants, the majority of respondents received C-IMCI-related information from nurses and LGA staff. Regarding training, a few respondents who received the initial training on C-IMCI had been transferred from their LGAs, monitoring was infrequent and implementation of C-IMCI was not effective in the sampled areas. Community Resource Persons and Primary Health Care workers in this study did not receive regular trainings on C-IMCI; hence their knowledge was limited in this regard. Increased access to trainings on community practices would help in bridging the existing knowledge gaps in this field.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Analytic Therapy in Managing Adolescents with Somatic Symptom Disorder in Delta State

This study investigated the effectiveness of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) in managing adolescents in secondary schools with somatic symptom disorder in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. Three research questions were raised to guide the study and three corresponding hypotheses were formulated, which were all tested at 0.05 level of significance. The pre-test, post-test, control group, and experimental design were adopted for the study. The population of the study is three thousand, five hundred and sixty-one (3,561) students, which comprised all Senior Secondary Class Two (SS2) students from the twenty public secondary schools in Ika North East Local Government Area. A sample size of forty-six (46) students, made up of twenty (20) males and twenty-six (26) females reporting somatic symptom disorder were selected from two schools using the multi-stage random sampling technique. The research instrument titled “Adolescents Somatic Symptom Scale” (ASSS) was adapted and modified for use by the researcher. Three test experts of measurement and evaluation revalidated this instrument. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha reliability method to test the consistency of the test items and a reliability coefficient of 0.70 was obtained. The instrument was administered to the students as a pre-test and forty-six (46) students who evidenced somatic disorder in the two schools were randomly assigned for treatment to experimental group A (Cognitive Analytic Therapy), and B (Control Group). The data collected were analyzed, using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics of paired and independent sample t-test. The findings of the study revealed that, there is a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test of somatic symptoms disorder mean scores of in-school adolescents exposed to CAT and also, there is no significant interaction effect on treatment by sex. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others, that counselling psychologists should embrace Cognitive Analytic Therapy as an effective counselling therapy for adolescents irrespective of gender.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF THE OCCURRENCE AND EXTENSION OF INFORMAL WASTE COLLECTION IN IBADAN NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Against the background of the phenomenal influx of labour into the informal waste management subsector of many cities in Nigeria in recent times, despite the persistent official harassment of the participants and the seemingly low economic reward offered by the job, this paper examines the influence of social and economic attributes of participants on the emergence and development of the sector. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, data were collected via a structured questionnaire interview involving 103 identified informal waste collectors in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Both descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation analysis and multinomial logistic regression) were used in analysing the data generated from the questionnaire survey. The study found that informal waste collectors’ socio-economic attributes (gender, age, education, income, marital status, ethnicity, religion, nationalities and state of origin) influenced their participation in waste management. The results of the multinomial logistic regression confirmed the hypothesis that participation in informal waste collection is a function of socio-economic attributes. The study concluded that adequate knowledge of informal waste collectors’ socio-economic attributes will lead to positive policy response from the government towards the subsector, thereby ensuring its sustainability in the waste management sector.

Antibiogram profiles and virulence factors associated with water-borne gram-negative bacteria from Ogbese river, Edo State, Nigeria

Surface waters such as flowing rivers, fresh water lakes and hand dug wells are the major sources of water for most rural dwellers in Nigeria. These are often consumed without testing their potability. This study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of surface water sampled from five (5) sampling locations on Ogbese river in Ogbese and Olumoye towns, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. Water samples were collected in duplicates from the sampling locations during the months of June 2018 to February 2019. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples was conducted using the membrane filtration technique and isolates identified by standard cultural and genomic procedures. Disc diffusion technique was utilized to determine the antibiotic sensitivity profiles of the identified bacteria. Other microbiological analysis which comprised of screening for enterotoxin production, invasiveness, hemolysin production and serum resistance, which are all virulence factors were performed using relevant methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial count varied from 1.0 ± 32.0 ×104𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙 and 1.0 ±0.12 ×104𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙 to 9.7 ± 2.23 ×104𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙. The total coliform count ranged from 0.1 ± 0.02 ×102𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙 to 5.5 ± 0.05 ×102𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙. The observed differences between the mean heterotrophic bacterial and coliform counts recorded for Ogbese and Olumoye sampling points was significant (P&lt; 0.05). The identified bacterial isolates included; Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella enterica, Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Both E. coli (60.0%) and E. cloacae (60.0%) were the most frequently isolated water borne isolates cultured from Ogbese sampling point. All E. coli and S. enterica isolates exhibited sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin and streptomycin. All S. flexneri isolates were invasive and serum resistant. There is an urgent need by relevant Governmental and Non –Governmental agencies to conduct advocacy programs targeted at these communities on the necessity of treating and disinfecting abstracted water sourced directly from the water body prior to drinking.

The use of electrical resistivity tomography to classify the Earth’s subsurface in Ugbogiobo Community, Edo State, South-South Nigeria

Electrical Resistivity investigations using Two-dimensional (2-D) geophysical investigation was carried out in Ugbogiobo community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. This was done to have a good idea of subsurface lithology in the study area. Twenty-four (24) traverse lines were profiled in two locations using a rectangular grid format with electrode spacing of 10 m with a horizontal length of 300 m and 200 m respectively using the Wenner Alpha configuration as a survey technique. The 2-D Electrical Resistivity data was processed using RES2DINV software. From the results obtained it is evident that over a depth of between 5 m to 56 m for all the profiled lines there is composition of Alluvium and clayey soil at the top surface with low resistivity values at a depth below 10 m with resistivity values ranging between 50 Ωm–800 Ωm. While Shale, Slate and Sandstone occurred at a depth of between 13 m to 25 m with resistivity values ranging between 1000 Ωm–3000 Ωm. Above a depth of 30 m revealed limestone and thick clay with resistivity values raging between 5000 Ωm– 30000 Ωm.

Willingness to Pay for Extension Services by Smallholder Oil Palm Farmers in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

Willingness to Pay for Extension Services by Smallholder Oil Palm Farmers in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

Assessment of The Impact Of Sex Education In Reducing Unprotected Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents In Ilese Comprehensive High School Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the impact of sex education in reducing unprotected sexual intercourse among adolescents in ilese comprehensive high school, ijebu north east local government area of ogun state. This project is guided by the following objectives; To determine whether Sex Education Intervention Programme would reduce at-risk sexual behaviours of school-going adolescents. Also, to suggest the need for effective sex education for the adolescents. The research is descriptive in nature and validated questionnaire was distributed to the one hundred (100) participants with balanced demographic characteristics and geographic distribution. The data obtained were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result shows 73% have been having sexual intercourse , 83% are aware tht unprotected sex is an act of sexual intercource or sodomy performed without the use of condom, 86% know that unprotected sexual intercourse is a rising event of sexually transmitted diseases; high rates of abortion and mortality are more among adolescents. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concludes that adolescents in comprehensive high secondary school ilese do not have adequate information about sex. Therefore, parents should be sensitized about the whole question of adolescents’s sexuality so that they can me more involved in teaching them about the same also the educating system should put into consideration the idea of incorporating sex education into the school curriculum. Keywords: Assessment, Sex Education, Unprotected Sexual Intercourse, Adolescents, High School, Nigeria

Effect of climate smart agricultural practices on farming householdsʹ food security status in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

This study investigates the effect of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices on farming households` food security status in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. The study utilized primary data. The data was collected using structured questionnaire. A three-staged sampling technique was used to select 140 respondents for the study. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, FGT model and logit regression model. The result of the study shows that majority of the farmers were aware of the CSA practices, and the following practices were the most utilized practices among the respondents; Agro-forestry, Crop rotation, Mixed cropping, Improved crop varieties, Intercropping, Compost making, Improved fallowing, Organic manure, Mulching and Cover crops. The headcount ratio showed a poverty head count ratio of 0.29, food insecurity shortfall 0.28, and food insecurity severity of 0.13. The regression result indicated age (p&lt;0.05), gender (p&lt;0.01), household size (p&lt;0.01), and years of farming experience were the major determinants of food security in the study area. The study concluded that though climate smart agricultural practices have positive coefficient but however not significant have the potential to enhance food security. The study also recommended that policy be put in place help confront the constraints being faced by the farmers from adopting CSAs in the study area.

Effects of Malaria on some Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the effect of malaria parasitaemia on some haematological parameters of pregnant women in Delta State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment is a vertical survey of pregnant women.&#x0D; Place and Duration: The study was carried out in five designated Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. They include Ughelli South, Ughelli North, Udu, Uvwie and Ethiope East Local Government Area, between January-August 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Vein puncture technique was used to obtain 5ml of blood from 1000 pregnant women in the five selected government hospital in Delta State. Malaria parasite examination was done using thin and thick blood films, following standard parasitological techniques. Haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocyte and basophils were determined and CD4 count was done using flow cytometry. Socio economic data was obtained with the use of structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using student T-test and Anova.&#x0D; Results: Out of the 1000 pregnant women examined, 624 (62.4%) tested positive for malaria. Those with secondary education had the highest prevalence where 234 (23.4%) examined and 202 (86.3%) infected. Data revealed that married women and artisans had very high infections of (70.9%) and (78.7%) respectively. There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the level of PCV, HB, TWBC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Monocytes and CD4 count of those infected when compared to those uninfected. Women with 1+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 712.68 ± 12.23, those with 2+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count 628.88±9.11, while those with 3 +++ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 578.71±2.10.&#x0D; Conclusion: Plasmodium parasitaemia had influenced the haematological parameters of pregnant women in the study. Pregnant women should be advice on the proper use of preventive strategies which include intermittent preventive treatment IPTp and the proper use of insecticide treated bed net.