Nsukka Local Government Research Articles

An Assessment of the Causes of Low Performance in Music in Junior Secondary Schools in Enugu State: A Focus on Nsukka Local Government Area

Music is the centre piece of life which gives human life a meaning and makes his existence worth its value. It determines man's interactional achievements and all that becomes of it and characterize the pattern of life and the extent of development in any society. This articles titled “An assessment of the causes of low performance in Music in J.S.S in Enugu State: A focus on Nsukka Local Government Area” discovered from the data presented that the students' are not interested in studying music, there is acute shortage of music teachers and musical instruments. Others include low level of government's financial support and non-availability of qualified music teachers in the area. The study adopted the empirical and historical methodologies before arriving at these results. Five (5) secondary schools within the local government were studied, two (200) hundred questionnaires were distributed and a total of one (150) hundred fifty returned and analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages. Results were presented and the qualities of a good and effective music teacher presented.

Comparative Analysis of Loan Repayment Rates of Individual and Group Agricultural Loans from Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank (NACRDB) in Nsukka Local Government Area.

Comparative Analysis of Loan Repayment Rates of Individual and Group Agricultural Loans from Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank (NACRDB) in Nsukka Local Government Area.

Rural-Urban Interdependence in Food Systems in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

The paper explored the rural-urban interdependence in food systems in Nsukka Local Government Area, of Enugu State in Nigeria. Using a stratified sampling technique, 270 household heads participated in the study, comprising of 180 respondents from two rural communities and 90 respondents from the urban area. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results show that household socio-economic characteristics such as age, income, education and occupation play significant role in rural-urban interdependence by influencing the decision to migrate, remain in the rural area, or provide urban services in rural areas. The interdependence revolves around five key aspects namely; the urban supply of food and raw materials, migration, labour supply, remittance, and socio-cultural obligations which facilitate the extent of flow of money, goods, and services between rural and urban economies. Large scale production mainly cassava, pepper, and maize occurs in the rural areas whereas small to medium scale production, mainly vegetables, are practiced in the urban areas. Most rural households use rudimentary farm implements and inputs which limit their capacity to increase agricultural production and maintain the flow of agricultural goods in the rural-urban food systems. Factors such as migration; lack of access to land, market and infrastructure; political instability; and poor policy support affect the rural-urban interdependence and hence will require the diversification of enterprises; provision of requisite infrastructure, technologies and farm inputs; and the provision of enabling environment for the interdependence to thrive.

Influence of Socio-Economic Status and Classroom Climate on Mathematics Anxiety of Primary School Pupils

The study investigated the influence of socio-economic status and classroom climate on mathematics anxiety of pupils in Nsukka Local Government Primary Education Authority of Enugu State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. Expost-facto research design was used, the study made use of 103 public primary schools with a population of 12628 primary five pupils in Nsukka Local Government Primary Education Authority of Enugu State, Nigeria. The sample was 432 primary five pupils. The instrument used for the study was a questionnaire with three clusters, SES, CCS and MAS. The Cronbach Alpha Reliability yielded 0.82, 0.79 and 0.89 respectively. Research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) Statistics, post-hoc test and t-test analysis at 0.05 probability level. It was found that socio-economic status and classroom climate significantly influence mathematics anxiety of the pupils. It was recommended among others, that caregivers, parents, teachers and school administrators should create enabling physical, emotional, intellectual and social classroom climate to ensure successful teaching and learning and enhanced interest of students in all subjects especially in mathematics.

Effect of feed type on performance of pullet chicks in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, Nigeria

A five-week study was conducted to determine the effect of feed type on performance of pullet chicks in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty 4-week old pullet chicks (ISA Brown strain) averaging 100.03g body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups of 30 birds each. Each group was randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets (self-compounded starter diet (C) and three commercial starter diets-A, B and D, respectively), using a completely randomized design (CRD). Each diet constituted a treatment. Each treatment was replicated 2 times with 15 birds per replicate. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. There were significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments in average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein intake, protein efficiency ratio and final body weight. Birds on treatment C (self-compounded feed) had significantly (P<0.05) higher final body weight and average daily weight gain than those on treatments A, B and D (commercial feeds), while birds on treatment A had significantly (P<0.05) higher average daily feed intake than birds on other treatments. Birds on treatment C had the least FCR value and higher (P<0.05) protein efficiency ratio (PER) value. Birds on treatment C had the least (P<0.05) cost of daily feed intake and total feed intake and cost of feed per kg weight gain. It was concluded that diet C (self-compounded feed) was superior to the commercial feeds because it supported the highest growth rate of chicks and its use resulted in drastic reduction in feed cost per kg weight gain.Keywords: Feed type, growth performance, pullet chicks, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Awareness and Attitude of Family Planning among Rural Women of Nsukka Local Government Area: Implications for Social Work Intervention

Nigeria’s population increase has become a great concern to demographers, economic planners and even the government agents as a result of people’s apathy in family planning. Many of the rural population are not knowledgeable about the benefits of family planning and as such, they feel that the programs are not for them, and therefore, do not participate. Against this backdrop of the above situation, the study examined the awareness and attitude of family planning among rural women of Nsukka Local Government Area. Data were gathered from 240 respondents who were randomly selected from Nsukka rural communities. Results showed that younger women (55.2%) were more knowledgeable about family planning than the older women (44.8%). It was also found that religion played an active role in the adoption of family planning practices in Nsukka area of Enugu State. In view of this, it is strongly recommended that education should be employed to improve people’s knowledge on sexuality and to curtail the ugly trends in family planning practices in Nigeria. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1404

Rural Farmers Sources and Use of Credit in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Rural Farmers Sources and Use of Credit in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Effect of Origami on Students’ Retention in Geometry

This study was designed to determine the effects of Origami instructional approach on JS I students’ retention in geometry. Two research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental non-equivalent pretest posttest control group design and was restricted to Nsukka local Government Area of Enugu State. Two Co-educational Secondary Schools were drawn for the study, using simple random sampling technique. Out of the two drawn schools, one was randomly assigned to Origami Group (OG) while the other one to the Control Group (CG). A sample of 101 JS one students was involved (65 female and 36 male). The instrument for data collection was geometry retention test (GRT). Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The result of the study revealed that use of Origami in teaching geometry to junior secondary school students enhanced their retention in geometry. The study also revealed that the use of Origami had no statistically differential effect on male and female students’ retention. The study also revealed that there was a significant interaction effect between gender and instructional material, on retention of the concepts taught during the study. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that use of Origami should be adopted in the teaching of geometry (mathematics) in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education system. It was also recommended that seminars, workshops and conferences should be mounted by professional bodies, federal and state ministries of education on the use of Origami for mathematics teachers, students and others. This will enable the mathematics educators, serving teachers, students and all to benefit from such an approach.

Consumption patterns of iron and vitamin a rich foods and contributions of food groups to nutrient intakes of pregnant women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state, Nigeria

The consumption patterns of iron and vitamin A rich foods and contributions of food groups to nutrient intakes of pregnant women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria were assessed. A total of 386 pregnant women randomly selected from 3 communities in Nsukka Local Government Area were used for the study. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect information on respondents’ food consumption patterns. The contributions of food groups to respondents’ nutrient intakes were assessed using a 3-day weighed food intake study. The iron-rich foods most frequently consumed by the respondents were legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds which respectively, made 41.9%, 17.1% and 11.2% contributions to iron intakes of the women. Vitamin A-rich foods most frequently consumed by the respondents were palm oil and vegetables which respectively, contributed 76.8% and 21.5% of vitamin A intakes of the women. Animal foods made very little contributions to the respondents’ nutrient intakes and foods of vegetable origin form very important part of the diet of the study population. Nutrition education on proper processing techniques of foods to conserve their micronutrients, and the need for consumption of ascorbic acid-rich fruits with meals to enhance bioavailability of iron in the diet are imperative. Government subsidization of animal foods to make them more affordable, and biofortification of locally produced foods to increase the bioavailability of micronutrients are also recommended.Key words: Food consumption pattern, nutrient intakes, pregnant women, Nigeria.

Factors That Influence Iron Status of Pregnant Women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Iron deficiency, the commonest nutritional disorder worldwide, has serious impact on pregnant women. The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Africa ranges from 47% in East Africa to 56% in West Africa. Among Nigerian women, South-eastern Nigeria has the highest prevalence (61%) of iron deficiency anaemia. The study investigated the factors that influence iron status of pregnant women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The respondents comprised 386 pregnant women randomly selected in Nsukka Local Government Area. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect information on respondents’ socio-economic and obstetric characteristics. Determination of haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was used to assess the respondents’ iron status. The result showed that less than half (44.1%) of the respondents had normal iron status, while 55.9% of the respondents had varying degrees of iron deficiency. Mean Hb of the respondents was 10.87±0.99g/dl. Iron status of the respondents was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by age, occupation, educational and income levels. Respondents below 20 years had significantly lower Hb (P<0.05) than other ages. Artisans, farmers and traders had significantly lower Hb (P<0.05) than other occupational groups. Hb significantly increased with increase in educational and income levels (P<0.05). Women’s nutritional/health status hinges on improved educational/economic empowerment, and is further impaired by early marriage and teenage pregnancy. Women’s education must be highly prioritized, and community-based approaches employed for promotion of girl-child education and prevention of adolescent marriage/pregnancy. More income generating activities/entrepreneurial skills for women are imperative to boost their income and spending on family food.Key words: iron status, influencing factors, pregnant women, Nsukka.

Neonatal mortality of pigs in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the causes of neonatal mortality among pig farms in Nsukka Local Government area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Forty (40) pig farms in the study area were randomly selected and used for the 20 weeks study duration. One week post partum was considered as the neonatal period. A total of 124 pregnant sows and 924 piglets farrowed during the study period were used. Data were obtained from farm visitations/physical observations, farm records, oral interviews and structured questionnaires. Feed samples were analyzed for their proximate contents. Pregnant pigs were weighed prior, during and few days after farrowing, while piglets were weighed within seven days after farrowing. Necropsy and bacteriological examinations of samples of feed, maternal and diseased or dying neonates were also carried out. Results showed that mean litter size, piglet weight at birth and daily weight gain were 7.45 ± 0.02, 1.01 ± 0.03 and 0.21 ± 0.01 kg, respectively. 164 (17.75%) of total piglets farrowed died within the first week of life (neonatal period), whereas 144 (87.80%) of this number died within the first five days. In addition, 48 (29.27%) were over laid, 30 (18.29%) died of scouring caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella organisms, 30 (18.29%) died of hypoglycaemia. On the other hand, 20 (12.20%) piglets were cannibalized by older pigs and or their dams, 16 (9.75%) were trapped within the drainage, 12 piglets (7.32%) died of chilling, while eight (4.88%) died of unknown causes. Other contributory factors include inappropriate farm structures, absence or inadequate farm records, nutritional imbalance, improper management practices and inadequate veterinary services. It was concluded that neonatal mortality is a major impediment to optimum profit making from swine enterprise in Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria. Key words : Neonatal, piglets, mortality, Nsukka urban, Nigeria, sow performance.

An Empirical Study of Industrial Conflict and Management in Nigeria Local Government System: A study of Enugu State

The study was carried out to assess labout conflict and management in the local Government system in Nigeria with particular reference to Enugu State. Descriptive Research method was adopted, data were collected and analysed. Essentially, the findings revealed that the organizational framework for management of conflict and grievances is poor. The problem is as a result of leadership ineffectiveness which according to the study had resulted to disputes and consequently to strike actions. Management scarcely bargains with staff in resolving conflict situations. Management does not always explain its reasons for taking a particular position in resolving conflicts.The study further revealed that other factors that heightened labour conflict include low participation of employees in taking key decisions, especially matters affecting them. The Local overnment of Enugu State of Nigeria is believed to be poorly funded, This information was furnished by a key respondent, the poor funding is peculiar to the following local governments: Enugu North, Igbo-Eze North, and Nsukka Local Government Areas.. The aforementioned local government areas were consistently on ‘zero allocation’, which the resultant effect was epileptic payment of salaries and allowances of workers. Flowing from the findings, the following recommendations among others were proffered A democratic leadership style should be imbibed in Enugu State Local Government Councils to ensure congenial work relationship, the reign of democracy, as a style would ensure reduction of labour conflict. In spite of the fact that funding was not identified as a major problem that led to labour conflict, funding of the Local government in Nigeria should be strengthened. Management and staff of the local government should strive to see labour conflict as a process to change and thus try to resolve it in such a way that both parties are winners. Labour conflict should be resolved through the instrumentality of collective bargaining, which involves negotiation, dialogue, or mediation by a third party or through statutory framework which involves Trade Dispute ACT No.7 of 1976 as amended in 1977. Keywords: Labour Conflict, Leadership, Funding of Local Government, Collective Bargaining

Marriage and Motherhood: A Study of the Reproductive Health Status and Needs of Married Adolescent Girls in Nsukka, Nigeria

In Nigeria, in spite of the undeniable and impressive changes in educational attainment, lar ge proportions of females continue to marry in adolescence. For example, in the year 2005, about half of all the women aged 15-19 were married by age 18 in the country. Despite this situation, research studies in Nigeria tend to focus disproportionately on the unmarried and on premarital sexual activities. Indeed, married adolescents and young women have received very little attention as a vulnerable group with distinct needs because marriage is assumed to be safe, and because married adolescents are assumed to face none of the stigma that unmarried adolescents experience in accessing contraceptives, pregnancy related and other sexual and reproductive health services. This study investigated the reproductive health status and needs of married adolescents girls in Nsukka, Nigeria. The study was based on 100 randomly selected female adolescents aged 10-24 years in Nsukka local government area. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guide (FGD) were the instruments for data the collection. The findings show that married adolescents face a lot of obstacles in making informed sexual reproductive health decision, in accessing services and in exercising agency in their lives more generally .

Incidence of Sports Injuries Among Secondary School Students with and without Disabilities in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State: Implications for School Sports Development in Nigeria

The main thrust of the study was the inventory of sports injuries during inter-house sports competitions in secondary schools in Nsukka Local Government Area and their implication for school sports development in Nigeria. The study took account of the various types of injuries which occurred during the 2010 inter-house sports competition in the area. Six public secondaryschools were used for the study. Fifty student-athletes from each of the six secondary schools were used. On the whole 300 student-athletes formed the sample for the study. The questionnaire served as the instrument for the study. It was made up of two sections. Section A contained he demographic variables while section B had the main variables of the study. Simple percentages were used to analyse the data. It was found that 89.7% of the students participating in secondary school intramural sport program in Nsukka Local Government Area Enugu state suffer sport related injuries.The result also revealed that poor sport facilities and equipment are responsible for the causes of sport injuries during school inter-house sport competition. The study further revealed that most students (86.3%) do not make use of sports protective equipments when participating in school inter-house sports competition, it was found to be part of causes of sports injury during interhouse sports competitions.It was therefore recommended that Government should improve the quality of sports facilities in the secondary schools so as to help reduce the risk of students sustaining injuries during inter-house competitions.

Parasites and Morphometric Indices of Frozen Fish Sold in Nsukka Urban Market, Enugu State, Nigeria

The parasites and morphometric indices of frozen fish sold in Nsukka Urban Market in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria were investigated between June and December 2008 to determine the parasite prevalence, mean intensity and abundance and some morphometric indices associated with parasitism. Two species of acanthocephalan endo-parasites were isolated from Savreda sp namely, Gorgorhynchus sp and Paragorgorhynchus sp with overall prevalence of 35.4%. The mean intensity for Gorgorhynchus sp was 14.1+0.2 and the mean abundance was 10.0+0.1. Paragorgorhynchus sp had mean intensity of 1.2+0.1 and mean abundance of 10.0+0.1. Some morphometric characteristics were calculated to correlate weight against standard length (SL) and total length (TL). There was a significant correlation between mean SL (2.76 + 0.59 cm) and mean TL (3.23+0.15 cm) with mean body weight (BW = 320 +0.49g) for Sardinella sp and mean SL (32.6+0.71cm) and TL (35.9+0.66 cm) with mean BW (440+0.13g) for Savreda sp. The mean condition factor (K) fell in 0.01+0.001 in both species, this shows that the fish overall condition is in a good state, whereas b-value (b=1.7) shows that the Savreda sp which hosted parasite had a negative allometric growth pattern (b3) showing a positive allometric pattern. The negative allometric pattern for Savreda sp is probably as a result of the parasites they hosted.Keywords: Parasites, Morphometric Indices, Frozen fish

Geoelectrical sounding for estimating groundwater potential in Nsukka L.G.A. Enugu State, Nigeria

Sixty six vertical electrical soundings (VES) have been used to evaluate the ground water potential in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The project domain lies within longitudes 7°13′00″ - 7°35′30″ and latitudes 6°43′30″ - 7°00′30″ and covers an area of about 480 km² over three main geological formations. The resistivity and thickness of the aquiferous layer at various observation points were determined by the electrical survey. Also zones of high yield potentials were inferred from the resistivity information. Transmissivity values were inferred using the calculated Dar Zarrouk parameters. Results show highly variable thickness of the aquiferous layer in the study area. Aggregate transverse resistance indicates greater depth of the substratum in the southeastern part of the study area, underlain mostly by the Ajali Formation. High values of transmissivity also predominate, thus suggesting thick and prolific aquiferous zone. Key words: Resistivity, transverse resistance, transmissivity.

Factors Affecting Agroforestry Sustainability in Bee Endemic Parts of South Eastern Nigeria.

This paper attempts, in an exploratory manner, to identify the various ways in which bad beekeeping and honey hunting practices result in the loss of important multi-purpose agro-forestry tree species in bee endemic parts of South Eastern Nigeria. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches (Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Community Fora, Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and Semi-structured interview schedules) were used in an interactive manner to collect data for this study from five randomly selected communities in Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, Uzo-Uwani, Igbo-Eze South and Udenu Local Government Areas of Enugu State. Results show that beekeeping/honey hunting in the area are traditionally gender-specific occupations, involving only male members of the households, while female members play active role in the processing, preservation and marketing of products. Majority (69.6%) of the beekeepers/honey hunters were within the age range of 31 Ð 50 years and most (75.2%) of them had less than secondary school education. Findings reveal that outright felling of some trees in order to permit the extraction of honey, cutting tree trunks open and/or cutting down tree branches and setting surrounding bush on fire are among the major factors impacting negatively on the agroforestry of the area. However, species of trees particularly at risk include Irvingia gabonensis, young Chlorophera excelsa, Raphia spp., Elaeis guineensis, Brachystegia eurycome, Dialium guineense, Erythrophleum guineese and Strychnos spinosa. Recommendations are proffered towards improving harvesting practices for hive and other non-timber forest products in order to avert the erosion of natural resource-base of the fragile farming ecosystem of the area. Keywords : agroforestry, beekeeping, honey hunting, environmental sustainability. Discovery and Innovation Vol. 19 (1) 2007: pp. 23-32

Factors Affecting Agroforestry Sustainability in Bee Endemic Parts of Southeastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT This paper attempts, in an exploratory manner, to identify the various ways in which unsustainable beekeeping and honey hunting practices result in the loss of important multi-purpose agroforestry tree species in bee endemic parts of Southeastern Nigeria. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches (Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), community fora, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and semi-structured interview schedules) were used in an interactive manner to collect data for this study from five randomly selected communities in Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, Uzo-Uwani, Igbo-Eze South and Udenu Local Government Areas of Enugu State. Results show that beekeeping/honey hunting in the area is traditionally gender-specific occupations involving only male members of the households, while female members play an active role in processing, preserving, and marketing the products. The majority (69.6%) of the beekeepers/ honey hunters were within the age range of 31–50, and most (75.2%) of them did not receive secondary school education. Findings reveal that outright felling of some trees in order to extract honey, cutting tree trunks open and/or cutting down tree branches and setting surrounding bush on fire are among the major factors negatively impacting on the agroforestry of the area. Species of trees particularly at risk include Irvingia gabonensis, young Chlorophera excelsa, Raphia spp., Elaeis guineensis, Brachystegia eurycome, Dialium guineense, Erythrophleum guineese and Strychnos spinosa. Recommendations are proffered to improve harvesting practices for hive and other non-timber forest products in order to avert the erosion of natural resource base of the fragile farming ecosystem of the area.

Seroprevalence of egg drop syndrome - 76 virus as cause of poor egg productivity of poultry in Nsukka, South East Nigeria

To determine if egg drop syndrome 76 virus infection is among the causes of lowered egg productivity in commercial poultry farms in South Eastern Part of Nigeria and to know the prevalence of the infection, ten farms with history of lowered egg production in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State were randomly selected. Sera from ten hens in each of the selected farms were assayed for antibodies against EDS 76 virus by the haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test. The mean HI titre of the ten hens in each of the farms was recorded as EDS - 76 antibody titre for the farm. Nine out of the 10 farms tested were positive for EDS - 76 antibodies with HI titres ranging between 16 and 256. Out of 10 flocks with production of 65% and above 9 were EDS-76 HI negative.

Frequency of collection, distance from source of collectionc, seasonality and preference rating of identified forage species in Nsukka rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria

A study of forage plants in Nsukka rural communities was conducted between February and March 2005. Interview schedules were administered to farmers in four communities in Nsukka Local Government Area. Forage collection is done twice in all the sampled communities. The source of forage in the area is generally close to the farmers' residence, being 800 metres away. Most of the species are available and utilized all the year round. Leaves of all the species are consumed while twigs and tubers/roots constitute additional feed sources, comprising 26.1%, and 2.2% of all the species, respectively. Generally, most plant families are very palatable with a mean score of 4.0. Fairly palatable and palatable species (with mean scores of 2.0 and 3.0, respectively) constitute 32.0% while two families, Icancinaceae and Malvaceae, contain poorly palatable or avoided species and these constitute 8.0% of all the families. The following species: Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, and Poaceae, had very large number of palatable and very palatable species. Keywords : seasonality of availability, preference rating. Agro-Science Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 33-39