Rural Dwellers In Nigeria Research Articles

"Impact of Healthcare Cost on the Health and Well-Being of Rural Dwellers in Nigeria"

"Impact of Healthcare Cost on the Health and Well-Being of Rural Dwellers in Nigeria"

Theatre-for-Development as Information Panacea for Rural Dwellers in Nigeria during a Pandemic: Lessons from COVID-19

The subject of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Nigeria emerged with various misrepresentations and conspiracy theories, such as the notion of COVID-19 as a forerunner of the Anti-Christ or the commencement of a 'New World Order' occasioned by the 5G network. COVID-19 information in Nigeria was managed by the Presidential Task Force through daily media briefings. This paper examined the PTF's information dissemination structure and its impact on four indigenous communities in south-eastern Nigeria: Ikwo in Ebonyi State, Iva-Valley Forestry Hill Camp 1 in Enugu State, Umualumu Old Road in Imo State, and Ogbagu Obukpa in Enugu State. TfD was used during lockdown to inform indigenous communities and promote necessary health precautions. The project used TfD and Brecht's Epic Theatre Theory in 4 Nigerian communities to show how TfD can complement other media in informing rural residents about COVID-19. TfD mobilized indigenous communities in southeastern Nigeria to understand Igbo and take COVID-19 precautions despite PTF's robust information dissemination structure. TfD could have helped the PTF share vital COVID-19 info with rural communities in Nigeria. The Nigerian government should establish a robust infrastructure for raising awareness and combating COVID-19 and other pandemics in rural areas through TfD

A Simple Ceramic Water Filter for Water Purification in the Rural Area

Most rural dwellers in Nigeria are living in areas where tap water are not available and they depend mainly on ponds and streams water for drinking which in most cases the water have been contaminated with pathogens, guinea-worm and agricultural waste products. This study was conducted to develop simple ceramic filters for purification of water. Two ceramic water filters were produced using kaolinite-clay and sawdust. Percentage compositions of sawdust to kaolinite-clay for the ceramic water filters by volume were 40%-60% (F1) and 50%-50% (F2). The Sawdust (from hardwood) and kaolinite-clay were ground and sieved through 0.075 mm sieve. The kaolinite-clay and sawdust were thoroughly mixed, soaked in water for 24 hours, mixed again and heated inside a furnace at 900-950°C for 8 hours. Each filter has 220mm diameter at the top, 180mm diameter at the bottom, 240mm in height and 20 in thickness. Water samples were collected after filtration and analyzed. The flow rate of F1 and F2 were 77 mL/h and 108 mL/h, respectively. Total coliform of raw water was 2.08 cfu/ml but total coliform was not detected after filtration through the two filters. The filters reduced water hardness, turbidity, Calcium, Chloride, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc from the water.

Effect of social cohesion on crime control strategies among rural dwellers in Nigeria.

This study examined how social cohesion variables, SCV are associated with effective crime control strategies, CCS in Nigeria's rural areas. With mixed-methods, we collected data from 3408 participants and 12 interviewees in 48 rural areas; the results showed that strong SCV indirectly hindered an effective CCS. Significant correlation was found between SCV and CCS. The SCV are shared emotions, strong-family and religious-ties, mutual-trust, communal cohesion, well-articulated common information network, and longstanding age-group bond. The CCS adopted by the law enforcement agents were largely ineffective; these strategies are indiscriminate arrest or search with/without warrant, secret deployment of informants, liaising with local security guards and prompt documentation of cases. Other strategies include monitoring crime black-spots, collaboration among different security agencies, awareness programs and strong community-police relationship. There is a need for public awareness about the negative effects of communal bond on crime control to have a crime-free society in Nigeria.

Heat Treatment by Boiling Conserved the Nutritional, Physical, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Tigernut (<i>Cyperus esculentus</i>) Milk: Implication for Improving Rural Health in Nigeria

The health and income of households is important to national development. Sequel to the inadequate and poor electricity supply especially in many low income countries, many small and medium scale enterprises are adversely affected and the household as well as commercial production and consumption of tigernut milk is not exempted. Also, the possibility of preserving the nutritional quality of tigernut milk after production using easy, safe, affordable, available, and cost effective measure other than refrigeration is yet to be ascertained. These are part of the limitations for the adequate utilization of the nutritious tuber towards improvement of public health nutrition among rural dwellers in Nigeria. This experimental study was therefore designed to determine the effect of boiling twice a day for three days after production on the nutritional, physical, microbiological and sensory properties of tigernut milk with a view of encouraging the household and commercial production and consumption of the imitation milk. Tigernut milk was prepared using appropriate method. Sample was taken on the day of production and designated TM0. On the first, second and third day after production the remaining portions of the milk was subjected to boiling (without fully covering the cooking pot) for 5 minutes twice a day and the samples were designated as TM1, TM2 and TM3 respectively. Samples were subjected to proximate, vitamins, minerals analyses while the physical, microbiological and sensory properties were assessed using standard procedures. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means at p≤ 0.05. The boiling sessions in the course of the 3-day ambient temperature storage of the tigernut milk samples did not adversely alter the proximate, vitamins, mineral composition, as well as the microbiological, physical and sensory properties. As the moisture content decreased significantly with storage period all other components increased. The nutritional quality, physical parameters, microbiological status and sensory properties of tigernut milk were conserved by boiling twice a day for three days and storage at ambient temperature. Household and commercial production and consumption of tigernut milk is hereby encouraged and unavailability of refrigeration facility is no longer a deterring factor.

Critical Analysis of the Vulnerabilities Surrounding the Use of Pos Services in Rural Communities in Nigeria

In a bid to implement the policy of financial inclusion for both urban and rural dwellers in Nigeria, the Point-of-Sale (POS) services has been deployed for financial transactions in the rural communities of the country. This paper took a critical study of the operations of the POS services in rural Nigerian communities-rayed the opportunities it created, analyzed the vulnerabilities surrounding the service and suggested ways of protecting the stakeholders (customers and agents) using the POS services. The paper has done all these to enlighten the POS customers in order to keep their funds safe and also build a trust in the system and thereby helps to achieve the expected financial inclusion.

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< 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.

Phytochemical Screening and in Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Euphorbia Lateriflora on Selected Pathogens

Euphorbia lateriflora is a popular traditional medicinal plant whose leaves are used in Africa, especially Nigeria, to treat wounds and many diseases. This study investigated the preliminary phytochemical constituents, secondary metabolites by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography “HPLC” technique, and antimicrobial potentials (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration “MIC”, Minimum Fungicidal Concentration “MFC” and disc diffusion assay) of various concentrations (100 mg/mL, 50 mg/ml, and 25 mg/mL) of the solvents (ethyl acetate and n-hexane) extracts of E. lateriflora against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The phytochemical screening revealed that out of the thirteen constituents screened for, n-hexane extract contained seven components, including flavonoids, coumarin, steroid, glycosides, triterpenes, terpenoids, and alkaloids. In contrast, the ethyl acetate extract contains saponin, flavonoids, coumarin, steroid, glycosides, triterpenes, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The HPLC chromatogram of n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of E. lateriflora detected numerous unidentified compounds along with a potential antimicrobial compound identified as caffeic acid. The low MIC (6.25 - 50 mg/mL), shown by the n-hexane extract signified a greater antimicrobial activity than ethyl acetate extract. This was further implicated by the varying concentrations levels, rather than the strain-dependent zone of inhibitions obtained. The highest diameter of zone of inhibition (14.23 mm) was obtained at 100 mg/mL by n-hexane extract against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, while the lowest zone of inhibition (6.00 mm) was obtained by n-hexane at 25 mg/mL concentrated tested against S. aureus. However, the diameter of the zone of inhibition of Ciprofloxacin (50 mg/mL) ranged between 10-16 mm for E. coli and 6-10 mm for S. aureus. At the same time, 14.00 mm was obtained by itraconazole (antifungal agent) against C. albicans. Thus, this study shows that E. lateriflora harbors active compounds and supports the claim that its extract may be effective against infections caused by the test organisms, as practiced for years among rural dwellers in Nigeria.

Feasibility analysis of single wire earth return system for potential application in rural electrification in Nigeria

<span>Traditionally, three-phase networks are used to transmit electric power to consumers. However, due to its high initial cost, many isolated rural communities are yet to have access to electricity. Thus, the single wire earth return (SWER) architecture, which uses the earth as the return path, attracts significant cost savings. In this paper, the potential application of the SWER system for rural electrification in Nigeria was presented. The cost-effectiveness of the SWER system which is about 70% less than the three-phase configuration, is due to the need for fewer cables, pole-top fittings, switching, and protection devices. Initially, the dynamic modeling of the equivalent SWER system was derived for the MATLAB simulation analysis. The pertinent parameters of the realized system, namely, micro-former leakage reactance, the resistive and inductive value of the single-phase network, were determined and employed for the SIMULINK and the repetitive power flow analyses. The results obtained from the power flow analysis and the simulation models for different loading conditions were found to agree with an error margin of +5%. This demonstrates that the proposed prototype can be adopted to reduce the prevalent energy poverty and thereby improved the quality of life of rural dwellers in Nigeria.</span>

Corporate social responsibilities and the well-being of rural dwellers: The Lafarge Cement Company’s example

Using the Lafarge Cement Company’s example, the study examined the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the well-being of rural dwellers in Nigeria. The design adopted is cross-sectional, where quantitative and qualitative methods were applied in obtaining data from one thousand one hundred and four (1104) respondents from selected communities in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. The research used a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were then analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency tables. At the same time, the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis techniques. However, the findings revealed that 62.1% of the respondents reported that they are aware of the existing projects executed by Lafarge Cement Company. While 36.4% of the respondents reported construction and rehabilitation of roads as the projects with the highest attention. The findings of the study further showed that 36.4% of the respondents identified improved income and wealth as the most impacted aspect of their well-being. Beyond investing in infrastructure, the study recommended that more resources be invested in young people’s human capital development in rural areas. This will help in achieving sustainable development in rural areas

Awareness of Ebola Virus Disease and Information Seeking Behaviour of Rural Dwellers in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: The study investigated the awareness of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and information seeking behaviour of rural dwellers in Nigeria. Methods: The survey type of the descriptive research design was used in conducting the study and the study group comprised adult rural dwellers (18 years and above) residing in six communities (Peretoru, Ekeremor, Obrigbene, Enougbene, Amabulou, and Aya-ama) in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 600 respondents who were randomly selected from the six communities. The data from the study were then analysed using frequency count and percentages. The results were presented in charts (and graphs). Results: The study revealed that rural dwellers possess low awareness of EVD and many of them do not bother to seek EVD information because they do not believe it exists. Conclusion: Consequently, the study noted the need for the federal government to enhance structures that promote community engagements, especially at the time of the epidemic.

Effect of granular activated carbon particle sizes and depths in slow sand filter on water purification

Most rural dwellers in Nigeria depend on contaminated water from ponds, streams and wells for drinking water. Every household needs simple water purification device like Slow Sand Filter (SSF) to prevent water-borne diseases. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) particle sizes and depths in SSF on the purification of water. Two sets of SSF were fabricated using 6 inches (15.24cm) diameter PVC pipe, fine sand (0.25 mm grain size) with 35 cm depth. GAC for the first set SSFs (particle sizes 10 mm, 14 mm with 15 cm depth) and GAC for the second set of the SSFs has 15 and 25 cm depths with particle size 10 mm. The SSF has 50 litres storage tank from which raw water flows into the filter chamber (15.25 diameter and 110 cm long PVC). The filter was kept moist for 21 days for schmutzdecke to fully develop which is effective in trapping bacteria. Raw water was poured into the SSF, water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods. The SSF has a capacity of producing 35 litres/h clean water. Percentage reduction of Lead, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Turbidity and Total Coliform Counts of the filtered water compared with the control were 91.35-99.88%, 90.00-98.33%, 42.00-100.00%, 46.67-100.00%, 13.04-99.15% and 16.67-57.69%, respectively. The SSF increased pH and Calcium by 7.14-27.71% and 83.65-98.21%, respectively. SSF with 10 mm and 25 cm depths GAC reduced the pollutants than the other two filters and it is recommended for purifying pond water.

Influence of Boko Haram Terrorist Group’s Attacks on the Livelihoods of the Rural Dwellers in Nigeria: A Historical Stroke and Empirical Analysis

The article reveals certain historical, socio-economic and demographic aspects of the attacks of Boko Haram terrorist group on the livelihoods of the rural population in Nigeria. The authors used a multidisciplinary approach and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the attacks on livelihoods by Boko Haram in Nigeria in the 21st century. The unique statistics collected through questionnaire survey and key informant interview revealed the causes of Boko Haram and its devastating attacks on livelihood occupations of the rural population in the context of Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. The use of mean, standard deviation and percentage in the analysis of the questionnaire survey together with the KII reveal a thorough analysis of the complexities surrounding the attacks on livelihoods. This allowed the authors to trace the trends of the attacks in terms of its nature, dimension and scale as conducted by Boko Haram. This allowed for the understanding of the impact of the attacks on the livelihood patterns of the local population in the local context.

Poverty Alleviation Progrmme and Rural Dwellers in Nigeria: Socio-Economic Implication

Poverty has been a global problem which is affecting over four billion people all over the world. Nigeria as a developing country is having her own share of the problem, which has attracted many researches both national and international. There have been argument about the effectiveness of poverty alleviation program put in place by government, hence this study looked at the impact of different poverty alleviation programme on rural dwellers in Nigeria. Survey research design method was adopted for the study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire titled: poverty alleviation programme scale (PPAPC). It contained 18 items and was divided into two sessions. The population of the study contained three hundred people living in rural community of Uso in Owo Local Government. The findings from the data collected revealed that respondents agreed that poverty alleviation programme has significant effect on the poverty indices in the rural area such as access to health care facilities and loan. It is therefore recommended that government should continue to introduce poverty alleviation programme as well as encouraging individual philanthropists to assist in alleviating poverty in rural areas.

TOWN-CRYING FOR KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE TO NON-LITERATE RURAL PEOPLE IN NIGERIA

This paper interrogated the level of climate change education among rural dwellers in Nigeria. To achieve this objective, the paper relied on extensive document review/content analysis for its information as well as the symbolic interactionist perspective as its theoretical framework. A purely qualitative approach was adopted to analyze information gathered from secondary sources. Based on the information gathered and the results arrived at, the paper submits that a significant number of the rural population in Nigeria have very little or no knowledge of climate change and its associated effects. Subsequently, the paper recommendation the use of using town-criers and town-hall engagement sessions to communicate the causes, trends and progress on climate change issues to rural people will extend the frontiers of knowledge in this regard and ensure that more people in the rural areas, especially non-literate ones, become increasingly aware of climate change and the threats it poses to them.

Development of flame retarded composite fibreboard for building applications using oil palm residue

Residential housing is a critical aspect of human living and in developing countries this is a mirage due to high cost of building materials. In order to meet the needs for affordable housing with low cost materials as well as meet required fire safety standards, this research developed flame retarded fibreboards with oil palm residue reinforced in polyester resin, incorporating 0, 12 and 18% flame retardant loading using hand lay-up compression moulding. The fibreboards were tested for impact, thermal and flammability properties. Based on experiments, it was found that 12% aluminum tri-hydroxide fibreboard meets the impact and thermal limitations while the 18% hybrid formulation meets the required fire safety standard for building interior applications which will benefit rural dwellers in Nigeria and in similar climes around the world seeking to substitute conventional materials with the advantage of low cost, easy to process, biodegradable, environmentally benign and flame retarded composite material.

Broadband Internet Access Services through Power Line Communication to the Rural Dwellers in Nigeria

Broadband Internet Access Services through Power Line Communication to the Rural Dwellers in Nigeria

Digital Divide and its Socio-Psychological Implications on Rural Dwellers in Nigeria

Unprecedented growth in the use of ICTs has contributed to digital divide in Nigeria. Despite global efforts in bridging the digital divide in developed and developing nations, digital equality is yet to be achieved in nations. Government's effort in bridging the digital divide in Nigeria has become a daunting task due to several barriers hindering the use of ICTs by the rural dwellers such as low income, low deployment of telecommunication infrastructure, lack of skills, access, language and cultural challenges among others. In view of this, the aim of this paper is to unravel the socio-psychological consequences of the digital divide on rural dwellers in Nigeria. This paper further discussed dimensions and perspectives to digital divide, causes of digital divide, global efforts in bridging the digital divide, barriers militating against digital divide, and social psychological consequences of the digital divide on rural dwellers. Policy recommendations were made towards addressing the socio-psychological implications of digital divide on rural dwellers in Nigeria.

The Socioeconomic Characteristics of Rural Farmers and their Net Income in Ojo and Badagry Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria

Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for the rural dwellers in Nigeria. This primary research assesses the effects of farmers' socioeconomic characteristics and some infrastructure costs on farmers' income in two local government areas of Lagos State. The descriptive statistics show that the majority of farmers in the areas are educated and married. Farmers in the areas generate more income from the farming than non-farming activities. The OLS regression results show that the age of farmers, educational attainment and the presence of agricultural agencies positively influence farmers' income in the countryside. On the other hand, the findings show an inverse relationship between the cost of basic rural infrastructure (i.e. water and electricity) and farmers' income in the areas. For the income of the farmers in the countryside to be improved, the local councils should educate rural farmers on extension services for sustainable farming and best practices. Additionally, critical rural infrastructure, such as water and electricity should be provided at affordable rates. Arguably, this could not only improve farmers' earnings, but also make the communities attractive to the rural farmers and young people, and stabilize rural populations.

Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Assets of Farming Households in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

There is surfeit of evidence on increase poverty and low agricultural productivity among majority of rural dwellers in Nigeria. Researches have established an inverse linked between rural poverty and sustainable households’ asset based. Agricultural production, being the major livelihood source for majority of rural dwellers needs considerable asset or capital for it to be considered as sustainable. Based on this assertion, the study assesses the sustainable livelihood assets of farming households in Abak Local Government area of Akwa Ibom state in Southern region of Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 110 farming household heads in the study area. Structured questionnaires were used to collect cross sectional data from respondents. Descriptive tools were used to analyse data collected. The socioeconomic features of respondents revealed a sample population that is fast ageing, dominated by married male and moderately educated. Result also showed that, respondents had considerable piles of physical, social and natural assets to assist in livelihood sustenance. However, the index of capacity structure of sustainable livelihood assets revealed a huge deficiency in financial and human assets among farming households in the region. Hence, it is recommended that, farming households should increase their human assets by encouraging education of the younger household members. Also, efforts should be made to improve social capital formation among farming households and communities.