South-eastern States Of Nigeria Research Articles

Feed resources management of smallholder sheep and goat producers in Imo and Enugu states of southeastern Nigeria

A survey was conducted in six hundred households spread across two Local Government Areas of Imo and Enugu Slates of southeastern Nigeria, where either sheep, goat or both were reared at the time of the study. The study was conducted with the aid of questionnaires, farm visits and personal interviews, to determine the feed and feed resources management of smallholder sheep and goat producers in the area. Materials fed to sheep and goats included cut forage such as grasses, weeds, herbs, forbs, trees and shrubs, lianas, crop residues, kitchen and local food processing wastes. Cut forage was fed to goats and sheep by 84.3 and 32.3% of the farmers irrespective of season. Kitchen waste was the commonest type of supplementary feed offered in 84.0% of the households irrespective of season and animal species. Concentrate and improved pasture were rarely fed to sheep and goats. Crop residue was offered by 7.4% and 9.4% of the sheep and goat farmers respectively. Feed shortages were more prevalent in the dry season. Fodder conservation and agro-forestry were not practiced except for live fencing. About 40.3% and 22.6% of the smallholder goat and sheep farmers adopted cut and carry feeding system alone, 56.7 and 14.0% adopted cut and carry in conjunction with free grazing, 26.4 and 63.4% practiced free grazing, where 0.25 and 4.0% adopted tethering in bush fellows for goats and sheep respectively. Shepherd grazing was not practiced. Keywords: Smallholder farmers, feed resources, fodder, browse, crop residue, sheep, goat, Nigeria

Self Medication in Rural Africa: The Nigerian Experience

Self medication in rural Africa has reached a crisis state, as people take anything, and even potentially toxic substances as remedies. Thus, this study investigated the self medication profile of the rural people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States of Southeastern Nigeria. Five hundred and fifty two out of seven hundred and thirty six persons which were randomly selected served with structured questionnaires, were interviewed. The study revealed that 99.4% relied on self medication, while 0.6% consulted physicians. A wide range of substances such as herbs, antibiotics, ash, kerosene, petrol, etc, are used as remedies, and no specific drugs are used for specific ailments, depicting a confusing state of folk medicine in rural Africa. Herbs (10.8%) and antibiotics (9.1%) can be used for the treatment of any of the identified sixteen ailments in the communities. The intervention of government to reduce poverty and provide adequate healthcare and education is recommended.

Public Sector Spending and Rural Poverty Reduction in South Eastern States of Nigeria

This study is concerned with public expenditure and growing incidence of poverty in South Eastern States of Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to determine the impact of poverty on human development, to examine the implications of government budgetary allocation (to selected area of specific needs) on development and to assess the effectiveness of national poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria with particular references to south eastern states. It also seeks to generate informed policy suggestions for the alleviation of poverty in Nigeria. The investigation was based on library research. This consisted of a review of the theoretical background and some related literature/works carried out in the area of study. Data were sourced from secondary and primary sources through the administration of questionnaire to the poverty alleviation stakeholders, junior and senior staff of related ministries, and employees of core poverty alleviation agencies/parastatals, state Government Committees of poverty alleviation, local government poverty alleviation committee and representatives from all the wards in the area of study. Available information reveals that despite the government initiatives towards poverty alleviation, the incidence of poverty is still on the increase. Further Evidence reveals that the high incidence of poverty has translated to underdevelopment. The poverty alleviation programmes are less effective as their performance is abysmally at a low ebb. Reasonable confusion, conflict of goals and duplication of functions are fashionable in poverty alleviation agencies and programme. On the strength of the above some recommendations are proferred so as to reverse the trend of poverty in the land. Other vital areas for further research are suggested.

The haematinic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Brillantasia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) in rats

Ethnopharmacological information indicates that the leaves of Brillantasia nitens are used in the treatment of anaemia in the south eastern states of Nigeria. In this study, the methanol extract of the leaves of B. nitens was tested for haematinic activity in rats using phenylhydrazine (PHZ- 10 mg/kg. po)- induced anaemia. The red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC) and haemotocrit (PCV) were analyzed as indices of anaemia. The phytochemical and mineral contents, as well as the acute toxicity (LD50) of the extract were determined. Oral administration of B. nitens extract (400 - 3200 mg/kg/day) to rats previously treated with PHZ increased the Hb, RBC, WBC and PVC within one week. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponin, terpernoids, carbohydrates and resins. The extract also contained substantial amounts of vitamins B6, C and E, as well as folic acid and iron. The LD50 value of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg. These results lend credence to the traditional use of B. nitens leaves in the treatment of anaemia.

The haematinic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Brillantasia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) in rats

Ethnopharmacological information indicates that the leaves of Brillantasia nitens are used in the treatment of anaemia in the south eastern states of Nigeria. In this study, the methanol extract of the leaves of B. nitens was tested for haematinic activity in rats using phenylhydrazine (PHZ- 10 mg/kg. po)- induced anaemia. The red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC) and haemotocrit (PCV) were analyzed as indices of anaemia. The phytochemical and mineral contents, as well as the acute toxicity (LD50) of the extract were determined. Oral administration of B. nitens extract (400 - 3200 mg/kg/day) to rats previously treated with PHZ increased the Hb, RBC, WBC and PVC within one week. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponin, terpernoids, carbohydrates and resins. The extract also contained substantial amounts of vitamins B6, C and E, as well as folic acid and iron. The LD50 value of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg. These results lend credence to the traditional use of B. nitens leaves in the treatment of anaemia.

Prevalence of traumatic injuries in dogs presented at the veterinary clinics in Enugu and Anambra States of South Eastern Nigeria

Prevalence of traumatic injuries in dogs presented at the veterinary clinics in Enugu and Anambra States of South Eastern Nigeria

Problems Associated With Solid Waste Management Among Peri-Urban Households In Southeastern Nigeria

The problem of solid waste management in Nigeria has been an important issue for discussion among scientists and researchers in recent times. This study evaluates the problems associated with effective solid waste management among peri-urban households in southeastern Nigeria. Data were collected from 94 randomly selected respondents from two states of southeastern Nigeria with the aid of questionnaire and interview schedule. Data collected were analyzed through frequencies, percentages and chi square statistic. Findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents involved in the study were in the middle age category (66%), attained tertiary education (73.4%), had family size of between less than 4 and up to 7. Findings also revealed that most of the respondents (74.5%) were males and earned N21, 000 and above N40, 000 per month. The study revealed that most respondents (59%) perceived the problems associated with solid waste management as moderate, with the following findings: space (mean score =2.09), excess debris (mean score =2.17), poor drainage (mean score =2.49), lack of drainage (mean score =2.57), unavailable dustbin (mean score =2.29), improper town planning (mean score =2.11), habit (mean score =2.39), poor location of buildings (mean score =2.15). Respondents\' attitude towards waste management was favourable. Significant relationships were found between education (X2 = 16.046; p Keywords : solid waste management, peri-urban households, Southeastern Nigeria Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 58-66

Evaluation of potency and immunogenicity of indiginous new castle disease lasota vaccine, sold at various location sin South Eastern states of Nigeria

Evaluation of potency and immunogenicity of indiginous new castle disease lasota vaccine, sold at various location sin South Eastern states of Nigeria

Diversity and production methods of fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.); Experience with vegetable farmers in Makurdi, Nigeria

Telfairia occidentalis is an indigenous vegetable consumed by millions of people in Nigeria. The seeds are in high demand as they serve as food oil for making margarine. However, commercial growers in the middle belt zone of Nigeria, source telfairia seeds from south-eastern states of Nigeria. The growers claimed that seeds of the accessions grown in the area are not as viable as those from southeast Nigeria. Thus, seeds are scarce and expensive at time of planting. This survey sought to examine farmers’ perception of diversity and determine the status of fluted pumpkin production as a basis for facilitating further studies, in order to help resolve the constraints to telfairia seed production. The results showed that farmers were predominantly female (78%), able to identify two cultivars ‘Ugwu-elu’ and ‘Ugwu-ala’ with their distinctive characteristics leaves, stem, fruit and seed. The crop was produced on low ridges, with two seeds planted in a hole about 6 cm deep, at a spacing of 31 x 45 cm, giving a population of approximately 71,700 plants/ha. Mulching and fertilizer use were not practised but weeding and irrigation were undertaken. Apparently, seed production is possible in Makurdi and breeders can breed for telfairia seed.

Radiographers' experiences of stress and methods of coping: a content analytic phenomenologic study

AbstractStress has the potential to discourage radiographers from practice and to cause brain drain in the profession. The aim of this study was to consider stress, from a holistic perspective, of the radiographers' experiences.Qualitative research methods were employed. Using random sampling, 10 radiographers, two from each of the five states of southeastern Nigeria were interviewed. The interview questions aimed to explore the experience of radiographers with a focus on the causes of stress and the associated coping mechanisms. Data analysis involved identification, coding of key concepts and their relationships.A conceptual framework was developed regarding the causes of stress among radiographers and their relationship with other concepts identified by radiographers. The greatest cause of stress was high workload while the most popular coping mechanism was booking modifications.The conceptual framework and methods of coping with stress reported in this study have important implications for professional practice and future research in Nigeria and beyond. Changes in work practices such as employment of more radiographers, positive attitude of management towards radiographers will reduce stress among radiographers in Nigeria and beyond.

Mothers perception of childhood malaria in south eastern Nigeria.

Malaria burden is ever increasing. Children in sub – Saharan African countries are the worst hit by the scourge. It is essential that mothers' perception of the disease in the developing world be ascertained to help planners embark on workable programmes to contain the disease especially in the area of mounting public enlightenment campaigns A cross section survey was carried out in two states, Abia and Anambra States in South Eastern Nigeria. A multi- stage sampling technique was used to select 1260 mothers of under- five children in 6 local government areas (LGAs) in the two states. Trained interviewers conducted the survey using semi-structured questionnaires. The mean age of the mothers was 30.51±6.76 years. Most respondents (95.8%) had at least a primary school education, and 97.3% of the mothers knew the disease called malaria. The symptoms of malaria recognized by mothers were; fever 87.7% refusal of feeds 36.8% weakness 44.4%, vomiting and diarrhea 8.5% and cough 1.9%. About 76.8% recognized that malaria was transmitted by mosquito bites while 79.8% of the respondents considered malaria as a section illness. The perceived adverse effects of malaria include febrile convulsion 48.9%, paleness of the body (anaemia ) 40.5%, failure to grow 12.3%, loss weight 18% and death 31.1% A large proportion of the mothers were aware about childhood malaria and its symptoms. A number of them however are unaware of its mode of transmission and adverse effects. It is therefore suggested that malaria control programme should address these issues during health education in malaria control programmes Keywords: Malaria, childhood malaria mothers' perception Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol. 3 (1) 2005: pp. 11-14

The varied beneficial effects of ivermectin (Mectizan) treatment, as observed within onchocerciasis foci in south–eastern Nigeria

In the treatment of humans, ivermectin (Mectizan((R))), a semi-synthetic macrocyclic lactone, is now primarily used as a rapid microfilaricide. The drug has several other benefits, however, and these have recently been investigated in five states in south-eastern Nigeria, where there have been mass treatments with ivermectin, for the control of Onchocerca volvulus, for more than 10 years. Between the January and December of 2005, 3125 adult onchocerciasis patients (each aged >/=20 years and known to have at least one clinical sign of onchocerciasis) were enlisted, clinically examined and interviewed. Relevant data were collected in the interviews, using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire, and in personal and focus-group discussions. Overall, 612 (19.6%) of the subjects reported that they had had nodules that had disappeared following repeated doses of ivermectin, although only 83.8% of the 612 attributed their nodule clearance to ivermectin (the other 16.2% being unsure of the cause). A larger percentage of the subjects (24.6%) reported that they had expelled intestinal helminths following the last round of ivermectin treatment (i.e. been dewormed). Other side-benefits reported in the study were improved vision (11.7% of subjects), reversal of secondary amenorrhea (4.5%), increased appetite (22.3%), reduction in arthritic or other musculo-skeletal pain (7.9%), reductions in the severity of body itching (18.5%) and skin rash (17.3%), darkening of leopard skin (6.6%), improved libido in men (6.6%), and clearance of head lice (4.5%). If, via health education, the local communities could be made more aware of the side-benefits of ivermectin treatment, the sustainability of the on-going programme of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in south-eastern Nigeria would probably be improved.

Constraints To Farmers Effective Participation In Agricultural Extension Programmes Of Non-Profit Non-Governmental Organizations In South –Eastern Nigeria

Part of the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in South-eastern Nigeria is the provision of agricultural extension services to farmers. This study, therefore, examined the constraints to farmers' effective participation in the agricultural extension programmes of four non-profit NGOs in three states of South-Eastern Nigeria. A total of sixty-four (64) participating farmers in the extension programmes of the NGOs were interviewed using structured interview schedule. Mean scores, Factor Analysis and ANOVA were employed for data Analysis. Results showed that unfavourable financial terms, poor extension agents' outputs, poor farmers' educational trainings, poor farmer-agent contacts and complexity of recommended technologies were the major impediments to farmers' effective participation in the extension programmes of the NGOs. ANOVA result showed that there was no significant difference in the factors affecting farmers' participation in the extension programmes of the respective non-profit NGOs in the study areas (P> 0.05). Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol.1(1) 2005: 74-82

Traditional Healers' Practices and the Spread of HIV/AIDS in South Eastern Nigeria

A 3-year (1997-1999) prospective study was carried out to evaluate the possible role of traditional healers (THs) in the spread of HIV/AIDS in south eastern Nigeria. Their patients' knowledge of HIV infection was also ascertained during the review period. Four contiguous states in south eastern Nigeria with high prevalent rates of HIV infection were chosen for the survey. Sixty-nine patients ofTHs were randomly selected and contacted from the patients' list of five selected THs in each state. Thus, a total of 20 THs and 69 patients formed subjects of the study. The study involved a face-to-face interview of the subjects by trained health personnel in each state using a prepared structured questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited information on their biodata, past/present medical history, social/family history, nature and mode of treatment received or administered, and their knowledge of HIV infection, where applicable. The results showed that there was a serious HIV/AIDS related risk inherent in the practices of Nigerian THs patronized by over 60% of the population. This was suggested by the continuous usage of unsterilized instruments and cross contamination with patients' blood and body fluid in their practices. It was further revealed that, the patients' HIV/AIDS related knowledge was poor (30%). Basic education on HIV/AIDS must be given to all groups in Nigeria including THs, their patients and general public. The World Health Organization and other agencies involved in the fight against HIV infection should focus on the safety of THs' practices as a possible mode of transmission of HIV infection in Africa. Unless this aspect is taken seriously along with other preventive strategies already adopted, the epidemic of the disease condition may continue to spread in Africa.

A survey of the diversity of plants utilized for small ruminant feeding in south-eastern Nigeria

Information is required on the diversity of indigenous plant species for ruminant production in Nigeria. A preliminary field survey was carried out to determine the diversity of plants utilized for small ruminant feeding at three rural farming communities spread over three states of south-eastern Nigeria. Indigenous farmers in the area for their ruminant feeding were utilizing 163 fodder plants. Out of this number, 161 were utilized at Orsumoghu in Anambra State, 143 at Umuokanne in Imo State and 111 at Umugo in Abia State. One hundred and eleven plant species were common to the three sites, 25 were common to Orsumoghu and Umuokanne alone, while two each were common to Orsumoghu/Umugo and Umugo/Umuokanne. Twenty-three plants were exclusively identified at Orsumoghu. Thirteen plants were commonly identified as preferred browses at the three sites, while 10 plants each were named exclusively at Abia/Imo and Anambra sites. Dactyledama batterii, Alchornea cordifolia, Aspilia africana, Manniophyton fulvum and Costus afer among others were highly preferred at the three sites. It is probable that the diversity of plants utilized at the different sites may reflect the differences in livestock rearing systems practiced at these sites. Although the present study produced a more comprehensive list of plants utilized for ruminant feeding in the area than previous studies, further in-depth studies are needed in order to understand whether the differences observed between the sites reflect the availability of plants in the areas.

Assessing the consequences of technological change on farm enterprises in southeastern Nigeria by use of factor analysis

Technological change has affected most aspects of farm enterprises in Nigeria in the past few decades with many positive and negative consequences on the entrepreneurs. The study investigated the extent of this change and the effect on rural farm enterprises in southeastern Nigeria. It also attempted assessing the technical changes in relation to the perceived negative consequences to find out if the changes were neutral and/or biased to those consequences. Data were collected from 200 farm entrepreneurs from four out of nine states of southeastern Nigeria by the use of interview schedules. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used as the analytical tools. The major finding was that technological change was neutral to most of the perceived negative consequences associated with change. Most of the problems were institutional and farm entrepreneur related. The study recommends that all the identified agencies, institutional and social problems relating to technological adoption and use in farms in the area must be tackled if the needed transformation of agriculture is to be achieved in the new century.

Working conditions and employee commitment in indigenous private manufacturing firms in Nigeria: managing business organisations for industrial development

Investment in medium and large-scale manufacturing enterprises by Nigerian entrepreneurs has continued to grow; but little is known about their organisation and management in general, or the nature of working conditions and employee commitment in particular. This study examines the relationship between working conditions and employee commitment in twenty indigenously owned private manufacturing firms in Igbo states of southeastern Nigeria. The findings show that these firms have the potential to contribute to the industrial future of the country. However, a substantial number of their workers were dissatisfied with the extrinsic and equity factors of their work, which are stronger predictors of employee commitment than the intrinsic/responsibility component. To build a viable workforce for enterprise success and industrial development, entrepreneurs should invest in the long-term goals of their workers, and learn to balance their own interests with those of their employees.

Elemental composition of drinking water supplies in three states in Southeastern Nigeria

The levels of some trace elements; Co, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, Hg, Se, As, Ni and minor elements; Na, K, Ca and Mg were determined in public drinking water supplies (public taps and groundwaters) in three states in Southeastern Nigeria using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The mean levels of most of the trace elements in the groundwater samples were below the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water quality limits, the only exception being Hg whose mean value of 3.69 μg/l exceeded the WHO limit of 1.0 μg/l. Violations of the WHO limits were also observed for Fe, Zn, Se and Pb in some of the groundwater samples. In the public tap samples only Hg violated the WHO limit.