Bauchi State Research Articles

Assessment of Concentration and Potential Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Samples Cultivated in Toro Mining Site, Bauchi State Nigeria

Assessment of Concentration and Potential Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Samples Cultivated in Toro Mining Site, Bauchi State Nigeria

Appraisal of the Propping Potential of Luwa Sand in Nigeria for Hydraulic Fracturing Applications

Natural sands made of spherical and round grains are widely used as proppants during hydraulic fracturing to increase recovery rate of hydrocarbon production. Synthetic proppants with high crush strength are employed for deep reservoir fracturing; however, this type of proppants suffer the disadvantages of high density, high cost and pose environmental hazards. This research was conducted with the aim to assess sands collected from Luwa River in Toro, Bauchi state of Nigeria for possible use as natural sand proppants. An epoxy resin-coated sand was produced using a simple method to modify the sands’ properties. A series of experiments were conducted in accordance with API recommended practice to determine the propping potential of the sand and the resin coated sand. The result from sieve analysis of 20/40 mesh size of Luwa sand revealed a mean size of 625.2 microns (0.625 mm). An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) result showed the presence of aluminosilicates (Al2O3 and SiO2) composition in Luwa sands. The sands recorded a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. Analysis of the shape parameters for sphericity and roundness was 0.8 and 0.8 (Krumbein-Sloss) respectively; it has bulk density of 1.64 g/cm3, acid solubility of 0.7% and 4.32% for the resin-coated sand. The sand has turbidity value of 28.98 NTU, loss on ignition in the range of 1.33% to 1.64% and crush resistance varies between 2000-3000 psi for Luwa sand and 4000-5000 psi for the coated sand. A comparison of the experimental results with API standard and conventional Ottawa and Brady models showed the sand competes favourably with these standards in all parameters for consideration as a proppant except for the crush resistance where more than 10% fragments was generated at low pressure of 3000 psi. However, the sand can be applied in shallow depth reservoirs.

Assessment of the Impact of Household Income on Child Labour in Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study examines the impact of household income on child labour in the Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The study employs the use of a survey research design through questionnaires. Data were obtained from 50 respondents who reside in the Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The study makes use of percentage analysis and chi-square for data analysis and tables for data presentation. The result shows that low household income and lack of economic opportunities are the major determinants of child labour in the area, with an inverse relationship between household income and child labour. The research finds that a large majority of respondents (80%) do not receive grants or support from the government. Therefore, the study recommends policies that will provide more employment opportunities and household income schemes.

Assessment of the extent of desertification in Gamawa LGA of Bauchi State using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Assessment of the extent of desertification in Gamawa LGA of Bauchi State using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Perception and Barriers to Spectacle for Remedy to Refractive Eye Problems among Patients Accessing Refration at the Ophthalmology Units of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Background: Spectacles stands as the economical, effective and generally tolerable method of refractive errors correction. The research purpose is to appraise the perception of spectacle lens for remedy to refractive errors among patients accessing refraction at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital Bauchi.  Methods: The study adopted descriptive survey research design; with convenient and purposive sampling techniques in participants’ selection. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) male and female patients, aged 18 to 80 years, accessing refraction at the Ophthalmology Units of the hospitals comprised the respondents; with average age of 46.0±15.4 years and 47.9% were females. Questionnaire generated through the literature review was adopted in accessing the participants’ demographics, perception and barriers to spectacles utilisation. Relationships between outcome variables were investigated using Pearson chi-square test at 95% confidence level and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.  Results: Great number of the respondents (80.0%) were of the perception that spectacle lens would worsen their vision, but the elderly age group (87.5%), secondary (66.7%) and tertiary (75.0%) educational levels disagreed. There was association between respondents’ educational level and perception of spectacles in the area of ‘spectacle inconveniences and would lead to blindness (X 2=66.79, p-value=0.0000).  Conclusion: Educational level and age played significant role in the respondents’ positive perception of spectacle lens for refractive errors’ correction. The study recommended patients counselling on the benefits of managing refractive errors with spectacles so as to eliminate associated misconceptions with its use.

Multicriteria GIS-based assessment of biomass energy and hydropower potentials in Nigeria

The deployment of hybrid renewable energy systems remains the quickest way to salvage the dwindling grid supply in Nigeria and improve energy access. The assessment of biomass and hydro potentials across the geopolitical zones of the country to determine the optimal locations for a Biogas fired thermal plant for energy generation is thoroughly addressed in this paper. Multiple Geographical Information System (GIS) approaches were used to assess the energy potentials of crop and forest residues for biomass, as well as waterbodies, and waterlines for a hydrothermal power plant. The study applies the inverse distance weighting and weighted overlay multicriteria decision analysis. Forest areas, waterbodies, distance from water sources and road accessibility were considered for locating the biomass and hydrothermal facilities within multiple ring buffer distances of 200 m–2000 m from the combined biomass and hydropower resources. The result shows four states with potentials to host biomass-hydrothermal power plants in Nigeria; Niger, Kaduna, Bauchi and Taraba states with biomass potentials of 831.9 tonnes/yr, 1173.27 tonnes/yr, 322 tonnes/yr and 739.48 tonnes/yr, respectively and inland waterways. It further shows that these plants can be optimally located within 2000 m from the source of the biomass and hydro resources. This paper recommends the utilization of these results to carry out feasibility studies and make informed decisions on the exploration of these resources for power generation. It also advocates for a control in the commercialization of forest residues to sustain the production from these hybrid plants and supports the Nigerian bio-energy policy that proposes to effectively utilize the Nigeria's non-fuelwood as substitute to felling of trees.

Impact of Yankari Game Reserve to Rural Development and Biodiversity Conservation in Yankari Communities Bauchi State

This paper assesses the development and benefits derived by rural communities in the study area surrounding a game reserve. Questionnaires were administered to residents of fourteen selected communities within the game reserve and to the staff of the park. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted with ten residents from each of the fourteen rural communities. A total of 720 questionnaires were distributed to residents to evaluate the development and benefits received from the establishment of the game reserve, while 250 questionnaires were distributed to the park staff to determine the impact of NGO activities on the communities. Interviews were also conducted with key stakeholders, including ward-heads, village-heads, youths, and women leaders. The findings reveal that the primary developments and benefits received by the game reserve rural communities include the establishment of primary schools, clinics, health centers, construction of roads and culverts, drilling of boreholes and wells, and access to loans for income generation. However, the relationship between farmers and pastoralists is strained, particularly during the dry season when livestock damage crops due to scarce forage. It is recommended that the working relationships between the communities and the game reserve be improved to achieve the overall objectives of conservation programs in Nigeria.

Socio-Economic Factors Impacting Education Attainment in Primary Schools in Katagum LGA, Bauchi State Nigeria

In recognizing education as a fundamental right, Nigeria has striven to eliminate barriers that impede access, ensuring that learners from diverse backgrounds can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. This endeavor is grounded in the belief that education is not just a privilege but a powerful catalyst for personal growth, social progress, and global harmony. However, despite this, Nigeria has the highest number of children not enrolled in school even globally. This study explores socio economic factors affecting enrollment in primary schools in Katagum Local Government Area in Nigeria. The Human Capital Theory by economists Gary Becker and Theodore Schultz guided this study. A qualitative study, framed within an interpretivism paradigm, drawn on a phenomenology design was used. 29 participants were purposively sampled from the study’s population who are stakeholders of primary education including parents, teachers, head teachers and Education Secretary while the data were generated using interviews and focus group discussions and thematically analysed. Trustworthiness was ensured and ethical principles were adhered to. Findings revealed that the stakeholders perceived socio-economic factors affecting enrollment in primary schools as poverty, child labour, distance norms and location of the school, influx of Internally Displaced Persons, belief system and unemployment. It was envisioned that, strategies like abolishing of school fees, shifting socio-cultural norms, introduction of skills acquisition, school’s improvement projects and offering financial incentives to poor families would improve and sustain enrollment in primary schools.

Unveiling Pathways to Sustainable Wealth: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in North-Eastern Nigeria through Digital Marketing and Financial Literacy

In the bustling landscape of North-Eastern Nigeria, where resilience meets innovation, a ground-breaking study has unearthed the keys to sustainable wealth creation for Women Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) through the dynamic realm of digital marketing. Nestled within the vibrant markets of Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states, this research delved deep into the fabric of entrepreneurship, employing a meticulously crafted multistage sampling technique to capture the essence of women’s economic empowerment. Harnessing the power of modern technology, an online questionnaire became the conduit through which the voices of these visionary entrepreneurs echoed. Their insights, aspirations, and challenges were meticulously analysed using the formidable toolset of regression analysis, guided by the sophisticated SPSS software version 23. The findings of this ground-breaking study resonated with a resounding clarity: practical resource utilization and financial literacy emerge as stalwart pillars, fortifying the performance of WSMEs. The significance of astute resource management and financial acumen cannot be overstated, as they emerge as potent catalysts propelling these enterprises towards unparalleled success. Yet, amidst the backdrop of opportunity, a nuanced revelation emerged – the encumbrance of external pressures, manifested in the form of subjective norms, cast shadows upon performance outcomes. Herein lies a poignant lesson for WSMEs – a call to discerningly navigate the terrain of external expectations, empowering themselves to chart their own course with unwavering determination. However, amidst the challenges, a beacon of hope shines brightly – the profound impact of behavioural intention. With each intention forged, a pathway to success is illuminated, underscoring the pivotal role of mind-set in shaping performance outcomes. In light of these transformative insights, the study issues a clarion call for action. Awareness must be kindled among WSMEs, enlightening them to the subtle yet potent influence of subjective norms on their journey towards prosperity. Moreover, WSMEs are implored to transcend intentions, bridging the chasm between aspiration and achievement through decisive action. In the vibrant tapestry of North-Eastern Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, a new dawn beckons. Armed with knowledge, fortified by resilience, women entrepreneurs stand poised to unleash a tidal wave of innovation, ushering in an era of sustainable wealth creation that reverberates far beyond the confines of their states.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Use of Information and Communication Technology for Accessing Agricultural Information among Cowpea Farmers in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Use of Information and Communication Technology for Accessing Agricultural Information among Cowpea Farmers in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

A Comparative Study on the Synthesis of Type <i>NaX </i>Zeolite Prepared from Kaolin for Builder Application in Detergent Production

Zeolites being used as builders in detergents are synthesized from expensive chemicals with a cumbersome production process. In this study, zeolite was synthesized from cheaper and readily available kaolin for possible use in detergent production. Kaolin from two sources namely Ajebo, Ogun State and Darazo, Bauchi State, Nigeria was used as starting materials while wet beneficiation followed by acid leaching was used to purify the kaolin and hydrothermal process was used to synthesize the zeolite. The chemical analysis confirms the presence of silica and alumina which are the precursors materials for zeolite synthesis. An increase in the amounts of the desired silica and alumina for both kaolin accompanied by a reduction in the amounts of the undesired oxides present in the kaolin as impurities are clear indications that the acid leaching was successful. The zeolites synthesized from both kaolin shows better water adsorption capacity and ion exchange capacity compared to those reported for zeolite synthesized from pure chemicals, this ability makes zeolite more suitable for the production of detergent. These results are indications that zeolites synthesized from kaolin can serve as a possible replacement for the more expensive zeolite synthesized from chemicals used as builders in detergent production.

Diversity of Anopheles Larvae in Toro Local Government Area, Bauchi State, North-East Nigeria

Vector control is a critical element of malaria control programs in Africa. To reduce human exposure to infective Anopheles mosquitoes, most programs rely on methods that kill adult mosquitoes. Therefore, the study on the distribution and abundance of Anopheles larvae in Toro Local Government Area (LGA.), Bauchi State, North-East Nigeria was carried out in July 2013. Five villages were randomly selected for the collection of Anopheles larvae. A total of 988 Anopheles larvae were collected from five habitat types. The paddy habitat recorded the highest abundance of 494(50%) while the canal habitat had the least abundance 53(5.36 %). The mean abundance of Anopheles larvae in relation to gradients of larval habitat to houses showed no significant difference (F9 = 0.434, Adjusted R2 = -0.39, P = 0.885). However, there was a significant difference (F14 = 9.18, Adjusted R2 = 0.65, P = 0.001) in the mean abundance of Anopheles larvae in relation to habitat types. The larval abundance in relation to water depths varied significantly (F13 = 29.61, Adjusted R2 = 0.888, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in larval abundance between still and moving waters; light versus shaded water bodies; and clear versus turbid waters, respectively. In conclusion, the inhabitants of Toro LGA should always clear stagnant water bodies so as to hinder mosquitoes breeding success. Also, larval source management should focus more on paddy habitat in peri-urban agricultural sites when designing intervention programmes in order to control mosquitoes’ larvae.

Assessment of participants’ perception on the use of mass drug administration in communities endemic to <i>Wuchereria bancrofti</i> Cobbold, 1877 in Northern Nigeria

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the neglected tropical diseases that cause permanent long term disability inform of hydrocoele, lymphoedema and elephantiasis that develop as a result of inflammation of the lymphatic system. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and perception of participants towards Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme. The study was a community-based cross-sectional study for screening microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti in consenting participants. A total of 1010 participants’ from selected communities on the MDA programme in 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna states were enlisted into to the study. The communities were chosen based on the presence of the people living with LF according to the signs and symptoms. A well-structured adapted questionnaire was administered to collect participants’ information and their perception of the MDA programme. Microflaria of Wuchereria bancrofti were identified based on the sheathed nuclear, caudal nuclei and bent tail in Parasitology and Entomology Research Laboratory, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared and odds ratio. Participants with knowledge (294/1010; 29.11%) of the MDA programme were less than those without knowledge (716/1010; 70.89%) of the MDA. Similar, the prevalence of LF was higher in participants with knowledge (26.87%) of the MDA than in those without knowledge (25.14%). The status of participation showed that, those that participated (380/1010; 37.62%) in the MDA were lower than those did not participants (630/1010; 62.38%); the infection in participants that did not partook in the MDA programme had higher prevalence (29.68%) of LF than those that participated. Participants gave various reasons for not being part of the MDA programme ranging from absent (177/1010; 17.53%) at the time of the campaign to side effect (2/1010; 0.20%) of the drugs after taking it. However, those that gave reasons for not participating because Community Drug Distributors (CDD) did not come, had highest prevalence (40.74%) of LF compared to those that gave reasons as side effect (0.00%) for not taking the drugs. Overall LF prevalence of 25.64% was found in this study. There is poor knowledge of MDA programme among the participants in the communities examined. Similarly, microfilaria was present in some participants despite the MDA campaign in the selected states. Intensive awareness campaign and drug distribution need to be carried out in most of the remote communities in the affected states. Furthermore, members of the communities must be part of the CDDs for acceptability and effectiveness of the campaign.

Assessment of the Contributions of Bogoro Local Government to the Socio-Economic Development of its Local Communities in Bauchi State

This assesses the contributions of Bogoro Local Government to the socio-economic development of its local communities in Bauchi State from 2008-2018. The study adopted mixed method research designs which involves the use of instruments such as questionnaire, interview and observations. The Population of the study comprises of the inhabitants of Bogoro Local Government Area which is 140,700, with a sample of 464 respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for the interviews and observations. Regression model was used to test and interpret the hypotheses with the help of statistical package for social science (SPSS version 26). The study adopted efficiency service theory and uses the theory to analyse the contributions of Bogoro local government. It relied on primary and secondary sources of data and established that Bogoro Local Government has positive and significant contributions to primary health care service, primary education and agricultural development. However, more effort on adequate funding of primary health care is of necessity for this attainment through scrutiny of fund proceeds by the Health Facility Committees; also, setting up procedures for recording financial management activity. Primary education can be improved through provision and maintenance of educational facilities and equipment such as instructional, recreational, residential and social amenities. On agricultural development, it was recommended that there should be adequate intervention by the government and non-governmental organizations concerned as corruption undermines the efficacy of the programmed.

The Equity Impact of Universal Home Visits to Pregnant Women and Their Spouses in Bauchi State, Nigeria: Secondary Analysis From a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.

Socio-economically disadvantaged women have poor maternal health outcomes. Maternal health interventions often fail to reach those who need them most and may exacerbate inequalities. In Bauchi State, Nigeria, a recent cluster randomised controlled trial (CRCT) showed an impressive impact on maternal health outcomes of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses. The home visitors shared evidence about local risk factors actionable by households themselves and the program included specific efforts to ensure all households in the intervention areas received visits. To examine equity of the intervention implementation and its pro-equity impact. The overall study was a CRCT in a stepped wedge design, examining outcomes among 15,912 pregnant women. We examined coverage of the home visits (three or more visits) and their impact on maternal health outcomes according to equity factors at community, household, and individual levels. Disadvantaged pregnant women (living in rural communities, from the poorest households, and without education) were as likely as those less disadvantaged to receive three or more visits. Improvements in maternal knowledge of danger signs and spousal communication, and reductions in heavy work, pregnancy complications, and post-natal sepsis were significantly greater among disadvantaged women according to the same equity factors. The universal home visits had equitable coverage, reaching all pregnant women, including those who do not access facility-based services, and had an important pro-equity impact on maternal health.

Screening of some commonly cultivated tomato varieties against Fusarium wilt in Jama’are, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Fusarium wilt disease of tomato is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici and is a limiting factor to tomato production in Nigeria. This research was conducted to assess the effect of Fusarium oxysporum on some tomato varieties cultivated in Jama’are, Bauchi state. The objectives of this research work were to isolate and identify pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum) from the soil, to determine the incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt on different varieties of Tomato grown in Jama’are, and to determine the most resistance variety among four different varieties. The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The four tomato varieties (Roma Savanna, Rio Grande, UC82B and Tropimech) were inoculated at the root region by making shallow groove around the base of the plant in the root region and placing 3 g mycelia plug of 7 days old pure culture of F. oxysporum face-down close to the root of the seedling and covered with soil. At two weeks intervals after treatments the seedlings were then observed for symptoms of wilt infection. Data on disease incidence (%), were collected based on observation after which they were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. The Disease Incidence Percentage for Roma Savanna, Rio Grande, UC28B and Tropimech were evaluated to be 51.6%, 18.2 %,38.4 % and 43.3 % respectively while the Disease Severity Percentage were 72.1%, 24.8%, 40.9% and 62.3% respectively. The findings of this research reveals that; there is a significant effect of F. oxysporum on the tomato varieties, all the varieties were severely infected to some degree, and that of all species, Roma savanna was moderately resistant to F. oxysporum to some degree. This agrees with other findings in the literature, as Fusarium oxysporum affects different varieties of tomato at different growth stages. Also, it was observed that screening excises involving selecting of non-infected seedlings with Fusarium species and other fungi should be done prior to transplanting.

Assessment of Excess Life Cancer Risk from Radon Concentration in Borehole water Samples collected from Katagum LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Radon in potable water has turned out to be an issue of public health concerns, specifically when used immediately from supply for domestic purpose and consumption without any pretreatment. In this study, 222Rn Concentration in 15 water samples collected from ground water sources (borehols) in Katagum local government Bauchi State was determined, using Liquid scintillation counter (Tri-Carb- LSA1000) and the radiological risk was calculated. The study revealed that, 222Rn concentration ranges from 28.44 to 49.61 Bql-1 with mean value of 39.55 Bql-1. These values were found to be higher than the permissible limits set by WHO, USEPA and UNSCEAR. The mean value of annual effective dose due to ingestion for different age categories (adults, children and infants) are 0.29, 0.43 and 0.51 mSvy-1 respectively; and for inhalation the mean is 0.1 mSvy-1. Also, the mean value of excess life cancer risk due to ingestion for different age groups (adults, children and infants) are 0.0010, 0.0015 and 0.0018 respectively while that of inhalation is 0.0003. Thus, this study reveals that borehole water around Katagum Local Government Area Bauchi State is not radiologically safe and there is need for constant monitoring.

IMPACT OF ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES ON YIELD AND INCOME OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES’ FARMERS IN BAUCHI AND GOMBE STATES, NIGERIA

The study was examined the impact of adoption of improved rice production technologies on yield and income of cooperative societies’ farmers in Bauchi and Gombe States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 524 respondents comprising of 262 members and 262 non-members from both States. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that, the mean age of the respondents was 41years for the members and non-members in Bauchi State, while 41 and 42 years were the mean age in Gombe State for both categories of the respondents respectively, with the mean farming experience of 7 and 12 years in Bauchi State, while 9 and 10 years in Gombe State for both the members and non-members respectively. The results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean household size among members and non-members in Bauchi State as the calculated Z-value (2.94) is higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The trend was also similar in Gombe State where there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean household size among members and non-members as the calculated Z-value (2.70) is also higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The results showed no significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean farm size among members and non-members in Bauchi State as the calculated Z-value (0.63) is lower than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The trend wasn’t similar in Gombe State which showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean farm size among members and non-members as the calculated Z-value (4.80) is higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). education level, sex and rice farming experience were found to be positively significant (P<0.001) while extension visit was found to be positively significant (P<0.05) in predisposing adoption improved rice production technologies (IRPTs) among members and non-members of rice cooperative societies in the study area. The results from the Nearest Neighbor Matching (NNM), radius Matching Method (RMM), Stratification Method (SM) and Kernel Matching Method (KMM) indicate that the adoption of IRPTs had significant positive impact on income and yield among members compared to non-members (P˂0.01). It was concluded that the adoption IRPTs have significant impact on yield and income of members of cooperatives societies compared to their counterparts. The study therefore recommends that, farmers should form formidable cooperative societies so as to enjoy economies of scale in pooling their resources to purchase farm inputs.

RURAL WOMEN FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN BAUCHI AND TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BAUCHI STATE

The Study analyzed rural women farmers’ participation in agricultural cooperative societies in Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State. A Multi-Stage Sampling Technique was used to select 195 women farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the average age of women farmers was 36.5 years and majority (55.4%) were married with an average household size of 13 persons. While most (81.0%) had crop farming as primary occupation and (29.1%) of the farmers had attained secondary education. The results showed that women farmers had average farming experience of 13 years with an average farm size of 6.6 hectares. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.723 implying that 72.3% of the variation participation in cooperative societies in the study accounted by the factors included in the model. Education, household size, membership duration, extension visit and access to credit were significant at p<0.001 in the level of participation while, primary occupation, amount of loan obtained and adult education were significant at p<0.05. Constraints affecting agricultural activities were; high cost of inputs (66.4%), inadequate capital (82.8%), and high cost of labour (91.1%). The study concluded that, It was discovered from the study that the majority of the women farmers were not too aged, meaning they are still active and productive, they were mainly married and were literate at least up to primary education level. However, their participation is limited by pressure from household head in the study. The study recommended that, cooperative principles like continuous education and training should be arranged in order to improve women’s participation in cooperative activities. More female extension workers should be trained to help female farmers.

Willingness to adopt precision agriculture: An analysis of Gombe and Bauchi States of Nigeria

Adoption of Precision Agriculture (PA) technologies has apparent benefits for agricultural production management, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. However, these technologies are also extremely complicated and influenced by various social and economic forces, which impact their adoption rate, particularly in developing nations. Demographic and agricultural characteristics also play an important role in determining willingness to adopt PA. This study is a survey aimed at establishing the willingness indices of farmers and other relevant personnel to embrace precision farming technologies in Gombe and Bauchi states of Nigeria. The survey included individuals of varied ages; but an average age of 28.5 years for Gombe and 36.5 years for Bauchi, educational levels, and employment statuses, as well as agricultural and operational features. The willingness to adopt PA is high in both states, with 92% in Gombe and 96% in Bauchi. The findings suggest that, while high costs and a lack of technical know-how had a negative impact on readiness to adopt PA in both states, the level of complexity was rated higher by the older generation in Bauchi state, which had a comparatively high mean farmer age. The size of the farm and the number of employees had no direct influence on the adoption of PA technology. Other criteria, such as age and number of years of operation, indicate overlap between the various stages of internet and digital technology adoption, mechanization, and PA. The high willingness rating indicates that farmers are willing to adopt PA technologies if made accessible. It is therefore advised that legislative tools, training programs, and necessary access to financing facilities be employed to make these technologies available and cheap for farmers.