Recent waves of sex crimes in Nigeria have drawn long overdue public attention to them and ignited debate on the causes, spread and solutions. Individual states have taken the initiatives to strengthen or enact new laws against sex crimes, including chemical castration (Kaduna State) and the death penalty (Zamfara State) as punishments for convicted rapists and child sex offenders, respectively. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PROF. CHRISTIAN Y. OCHE EDITOR/SECRETARY DR. LEONARD S. BOMBOM ASST. EDITOR DR. ELIJAH A. AKINTUNDE DEPARTMENTAL JOURNAL COMMITTEE Prof. Christian Y. Oche – Chairman Assoc. Prof. Nankap L. Binbol Mrs Ruth A. Nesla Dr. Elijah A. Akintunde – Asst. Secretary Dr. Leonard S. Bombom – Secretary
Department of Geography and Planning Faculty of Environmental Sciences University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
EXPLORING BURN SEVERITY OF SEASONAL FIRE IN YANKARI NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA, USING LANDSAT DATA
Fire is generally used as an environmental management tool around the world but it also has devastating impacts on biodiversity and may cause drastic changes to carbon, energy and water fluxes. Although parks and games reserves are demarcated and protected from undue human influences such as fires, fires have continued to impact these protected areas. In many developing countries with poor data collection capacities, the use of Remote Sensing technologies offers a credible solution to monitoring the health of the environment. In this paper we apply the normalized difference burn ratio (dNBR) to Landsat 5 images for the dry season months to explore burn severity of fire in Yankari Games Reserve in Northern Central Nigeria. The games reserve is one of the most popular and well-known reserves in the West African sub- region. Results suggest that fires are started at the edges of the park, where many settlements are now established and spread towards the central area, which shows less severity probably as efforts are made to combat it. This pattern of spread may be responsible for the observed distribution of wildlife in the reserves in the dry season, with large concentrations at the center of the reserves. This has implications for policy at several levels including restrictions on settlements and farming activities within or near the reserve.
Copyright (c) 2021 African Journal of Geographical Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
ERODIBILITY OF SOIL IN ANGWAN RIMI, ZANGO KATAF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
The Soil is a vital component of the environment and serve as a medium for many biological and other non- biological activities on agricultural farms. The aim was to assess the erodibility indices of soils under different agricultural land. Four farmlands of Ginger, Beans, Maize and Fallow land were selected at a distance of 130km apart. The study plot size ranges between 1036m2 to 8640m2 and a total of 12 soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-10cm. Three (3) samples from each site were collected and analyzed for pH, electric conductivity, particle size distribution, organic carbon, exchangeable acidity and bases (exch. Na, Ca, and K) using standard laboratory procedures. Result showed that Clay Ratio (CR) did not significantly vary with the agricultural land uses, likewise mean value of clay ratio across the farmlands was found to be 9.92%. This result imply that there was loose soil structure and high susceptibility of the soils to erosion; the Maize farm had clay ratio of 68.07% and Ginger farm have 61.95% implying an unstable structure and erosion risk while the mean values of beans farm and fallow land implied lesser susceptibility to erosion with 59.18% and 59.95% respectively. Communal tree planting (re-vegetation), use of organic manure, farming across the slopes, crop rotation and grass fallowing are proffered solution.
EFFECTS OF POULTRY DROPPINGS APPLICATION ON SELECTED PROPERTIES OF LATERITIC SOILS DERIVED FROM BASALTS ON THE JOS PLATEAU, NIGERIA
One of the greatest challenges confronting farmers on the Jos Plateau, as in other parts of the tropics, is soil fertility maintenance. In addition, lateritization the tropical soil forming process, has resulted into soils with very low inherent fertility. The high cost of chemical fertilizers has necessitated farmers to seek alternative sources of fertilizer material and poultry droppings application has found wide acceptance. This research was carried out to study the effects of poultry manure on selected soil properties on a lateritized basalt in Bokkos L.G.A. of Plateau State. Soils samples were collected from an area of highly ferruginized soils, not cultivated and where there has not been application of poultry manure and from two farms where the farmers had been applying poultry manure for over 10 years. A total of 3 profile pits were dug and 16 soil samples collected. Results of physical and chemical analyses showed that water content was higher for soils with poultry manure application with 18 and 20% and 28 and 16% for surface and subsurface horizons compared to 8 and 10% for soils without poultry droppings application respectively. The organic matter content for the surface soils with poultry droppings application were higher with values of 3.42 and 1.36% and 3.92 and 1.42% compared to 0.75 and 0.60% for soils without poultry droppings application. Another positive effect was found in the total nitrogen content of the soils. While it was 0.350 and 0.245 cmol/kg and 0.245 and 0.280cmol/kg soils with poultry droppings application, it was 0.210 and 0.140 cmol/kg for those without. Exchangeable Mg content was also higher for soils with poultry droppings application. Results of t test confirmed significant differences in contents of total nitrogen and organic matter between the two groups of soils.The study has shown that poultry droppings application is capable of building up the organic matter levels and general fertility of soils. The practice of liming was recommended to maximize the benefits of the high organic matter content of the soils in view of the generally low pH values obtained.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES. Vol. 1 No. 2, 2020 (ISSN: 2786-9741) 150 ASSESSMENT OF ACCESS TO DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY SOURCES IN GYEL DISTRICT OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Access to clean potable water and good sanitation facilities is a great problem for many households in Nigeria. The issue is particularly very severe in most parts of northern Nigeria with few households having access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. This is responsible for high incidences of waterborne diseases, threats to livelihoods of many poor households, and a contributor to low levels of school enrollment, especially among girls. This study therefore seeks to determine the distribution pattern and its effects on the level of user accessibility to domestic water supply sources in Gyel district of Jos South LGA Plateau State, Nigeria. The research utilized the Satellite data, coordinates of various sources of domestic water and their attributes, population data and a structured questionnaire and photographs from field in determining the locations, density and proximity of water supply projects to their target users. ArcGIS 10.3 tool was used in determining the density and proximity, mapping and Geo-processing, while SPSS and Microsoft software were used for the Statistical analysis. Findings showed that hand dug wells had the highest number among the public water sources and 60% of the respondents depends on it as their primary source of domestic water supply. The pattern of the distribution of water supply facilities were clustered around the city centre and well planned cadastral area, this exerts serious pressure on access to water sources especially on those within the unplanned and newly developed area as only 32% of the respondents had access to the public domestic water sources. Most of the built-up areas which constituted the households fall within the basic access level while the thinly occupied areas fall within no-access level where the basic standard for domestic water usage are not met, 71% of the respondents asserted that there was a problem of water scarcity as a result of distance (no proximity) and longer travel time, inconsistency of supply and seasonal effects. The study recommended the provision of more domestic water sources in unserved districts by the Plateau State Water Board (PSWB), private sector and individuals, the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB).
WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN STONE QUARRYING ACTIVITIES IN JALINGO, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
The debate as to whether women provide a bulk of unpaid care and domestic work is not in doubt but the fact that they contribute largely to informal economy is underreported. Mining activities help to generate fund for those involved in it especially now that an almost permanent increase in poverty has compelled people to seek alternative liveihoods. The aim of this study is to investigate the involvement of women in quarrying activities in Jalingo, Taraba state, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was used to arrive at 186 respondents out of about 400 women involved in the quarrying industry, which takes place in four different wards in jalingo loal government area. A structured questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. All the questionnaires administered were accurately filled in and returned. The results indicated about 43% of respondents fall between the ages of 36-45 years and only about 5% falling between of 26 years and below. It was also discovered that about 51% of respondents earn between N2000 to N4000 of Nigeria currency daily while about 20% of respondents earn N5000 and above daily. The result also shows that there is no significant relationship between local quarry and women livelihood in Jalingo but there existed statistically significant relationship between age and daily earnings r (184) = .546, P = .000. It was recommended that Introduction grant schemes such as survival fund for small-scale quarry operations could come together under one umbrella. This move would make banks and other financial institutions more willing to give them loans as credible and creditworthy entity; this will create better opportunities for diversification of livelihood incomes and assets that will promote positive livelihood outcomes.
PARTICIPATORY SLUMS UPGRADING IN KABONG COMMUNITY IN JOS, NIGERIA
Slums upgrading is a desirable activity in urban areas. It does not only upgrade the status of the area but improves the quality of life of its residents. Kabong community is a neighbourhood in Jos, Nigeria which has a substantial area with slum characteristics. The infrastructural facilities are decayed or deteriorating, the environmental conditions are not palatable and the housing is in squalor conditions. Of recent, however, attempts have been made to upgrade some of these facilities. The government has upgrade a large portion of its inner roadways and electricity has been restored in many portions. This study examines the extent to which residents of the community have participated in this upgrading activities. The study administered 410 questionnaires to residents and had focus group discussions and interviewed the leadership of the community development association in the community. Results indicated that most residents in the community, though aware of the existence of the community development association, are not actively involved in its activities. Only a few pay the annual dues to the association. With the relatively meagre amount of finances available to it, the community development association has renovated the public primary and secondary schools and the primary health care facility situated in the community. They have also provided electric poles and constructed culverts as well as embark on community waste disposal efforts. Individuals in the community have also constructed culverts to lead to their houses or link their sections of the community to other parts. These activities show that the community is becoming more involved in the slum upgrading project of their community. A lot still needs to be done with community mobilization to ensure more commitment of more residents in this activity.
ASSESSMENT OF FLOOD VULNERABILITY IN LOKOJA METROPOLIS, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
This study assessed flood vulnerability in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State. The Geographic Information Systems analytical technique was used to assess the flood vulnerability zones of Lokoja metropolis by exploring the benchmark minimum and maximum water level sourced from the National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA), Lokoja area office for years 2006 to 2015. Data on Land-use/land- cover and flood vulnerability maps were generated from digitized satellite imageries sourced from Google earth imageries and the Gumbel‘s frequency distribution method. The study ascertained that the maximum water levels records corresponds with the area extent of flood coverage in Lokoja. The highly and most inundated areas are actually recorded in 2012 with area coverage of 3,638.19 ha, 3,011.2 ha in 2015 and least 1966.05 ha in 2011. By extension, more impact of flooding phenomena were felt more in years 2012, 2015 and less in 2011. Furthermore, the farmlands/ open spaces are most inundated areas e.g. 3,542.13 in 2012, 81.43ha of residential land use, 10.15ha of commercial land use, 4.38ha. of public and industrial 0.1 ha. The agricultural areas, and residential areas are the most vulnerable to high flooding while the industrial areas the least vulnerable. The study therefore recommends the preparation of flood management plan using the mapping of the flood areas done by the study and ensure enforcement by a joint task force that should consists of the Planning Authorities, Ministry of Environment, National Inland Waterways Authority and Ministry of Environment with each a clear cut role in ensuring safer floodplains management.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CHALLENGES OF SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRIES IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Small-scale industries serve as pivot to socio economic development especially in areas of employment and income generation, self-reliance and reduced dependency. This study focused on the characteristics and challenges of small- scale industries in Jos North Area of Plateau State. It analyzed the nature of ownership, sources of finance, nature of contributions to socio-economic development and challenges faced by small scale industries in the study area. The quota sampling was used to delineate the study area into four industrial zones while the random sampling approach was used to administer a total of 120 copies of questionnaire, 30 in each quota to generate the data which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that most small-scale industries in Jos North are owned by private individuals who have personal savings as a major source of finance and employed less than seven persons. One of the major contributions they have made is the creation of employment opportunities and in encouraging self-reliance. The study also found out that small-scale industries in Jos North face challenges which have limited their growth, such include poor funding and low patronage. Also using Chi-square test at 5% significant level, the study established that there is no significant difference in the types of challenges faced by different types of small-scale industries in the study area. The study therefore recommended that the Public-Private-Participation (PPP) strategy should be adopted to help solve some of the challenges and encourage the growth of small-scale industries sustainably
ASSESSING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN LOKOJA, NIGERIA
Waste management has become a common issue of discourse among individuals, groups and governments. This study which assessed urban solid waste management in Kogi state with focus on Lokoja urban specifically sought to find out why indiscriminate solid waste disposal/dumps has persisted in Lokoja urban, investigate the measures put in place to curtail the tide and ascertain the extent to which indiscriminate waste disposal affects people’s health and environment. Two null hypotheses were formulated and Human Capital Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study used survey design whereby data were collected from the sample considered to be representative of the population. Taro Yameni’s formula was applied to reduce the initial population of 195,261 to a smaller researchable size of 399 while data were collected through structured questionnaire. The data collected were presented in tables containing frequencies of the responses and their corresponding percentages. The two hypotheses of the study were tested using chi-square (X2) statistical tool and the result of the analyses revealed that: there is currently no government approved dumpsites in Lokoja metropolis, most communicable diseases are contracted from dirty environment, among others. The implications are that most households will soon be cut off by flood arising from the blockage of water channels, some streets and roads will be blocked by heaps of wastes and more epidemics will be contracted by the people if nothing urgent was done. The study concluded that, the Kogi State Environmental Protection Agency (KGSEPA) currently have no required manpower, technical skills and competences to curtail the tide of waste and therefore made the following recommendations: Kogi state government should strengthen the already established departments of Environmental in Kogi State polytechnic (KSP) and the School of Health Technology, Iddah, by providing and equipping them with modern waste management equipment for students to be exposed to practical methods of waste management, Government should contract foreign-based private firm through Public-Private- Partnership (PPP) arrangement to establish waste management industry in Kogi state, immediate provision of permanent waste dumpsites by the government, among others.
RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE IMPACT OF FLOOD IN SHIMANKAR RIVER BASIN, SHENDAM LGA OF PLATEAU STATE
A flood disaster is an unforeseen and sudden event that causes damage to physical infrastructure, destroys lives and properties as well as induces human suffering. This study aimed at assessing the impact of floods on the environment and the livelihood of people in Shimankar River Basin in Shendam Local government Area of Plateau State. To achieve this, relevant data were collected by field observations, interviews, and self-administered questionnaires. A total of 189 respondents were chosen from seven (7) communities residing close to the river channel by probability random sampling. Microsoft excel was employed in creating a database used for descriptive and inferential statistics. The result obtained showed that 73.5% of respondents were self-employed and a little above half of the population (50.8%) were aged between 40 and 59 years. The marital status of the respondents reveals that most were married, with an average monthly income of between N25,000 and N 40,000. The finding also revealed evidences that yearly floods has occurred from 2006 to 2016; with 2012 flood year being the worst. The result also revealed that flood impact on livelihood was worst on agrarian-based livelihoods (crop, livestock and Fish farming) while its impact on infrastructures was across allsections except on communication masts. The findings further revealed that 10% of all building types collapsed due to floodings and 50% of the collapsed buildings were of the traditional housing types. Healthwise, Cholera/Diarrhea, Malaria, Typhoid and Bilharziasis with 28%, 17%, 13%, and 10% response, respectively, were at the fore of diseases associated with floods. The study hypothesised that there is no significant difference in the coping strategies adopted by the studied communities. The One Sample t-Test parametric statistics was adopted to test the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in coping strategies adopted by the communities in the river basin.These results confirm the assertion that there is significant difference in the coping strategies with all p-values being less than 0.05 Thus, the null hypothesis that there is not is rejected.
THE PATTERNS, TRENDS AND INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG ESSENTIAL CLIMATIC VARIABLES IN OKADA TOWN, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
A number of adjustments and changes in many socio-ecological systems globally have directly and indirectly been linked to the variable and changing patterns of climate. All human endeavours including climate-smart agriculture which guarantee sustainable food security to a large extent need in-depth understanding of interactions among essential climate variable (ECV) which are responsible for the changes. The aim of this study was to assess the interrelationships among ECV in Okada Town, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Specific objectives were to examine the patterns and trends of ECV in Okada Town, investigate the temporal variations of ECV in the study area, and assess the interrelationships among ECV in the study area. The ECV datasets used include minimum temperature (TMin), maximum temperature (TMax), rainfall, soil moisture (SM) at the depth of 0-40cm, potential evapotranspiration (PET) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The dataset were on monthly and spanned across 40years starting from January 1980 to December 2019. They were sourced from the University of East Anglia-Climatic Research Unit, the National Aeronautical and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center along with the University of Maryland (repository of global climatic data). Data analyses were carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics of simple linear regression, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) in Microsoft Excel and SPSS 22. The results showed that all the investigated ECV exhibited a rising trend: TMin (0.013OC per annum; R2 = 0.169), TMax (0.018OC per annum; R2 = 0.363), rainfall (1.192mm per annum; R2 = 0.007); SM (0.009m3/m3 per annum; R2 = 0.307), PET (0.057mm per annum; R2 = 0.233) and NDVI (0.001 per annum; R2 = 0.293). Also, at 95% level of confidence, it was found that all the studied ECV excluding rainfall varied with time in Okada Town. Regarding the interrelationships, the correlation coefficient (R) between TMin and TMax was 0.594 (p ≤ 0.01), TMin and NDVI (R = 0.356; p ≤ 0.05), TMax and NDVI (R = 0.347; p ≤ 0.01), rainfall and SM (R = 0.485; p ≤ 0.01) as well as SM and NDVI (R = 0.444; p ≤ 0.01). It was concluded that the upward trends in all the studied ECV is a marked indication that Okada Town is gradually getting warmer than before in recent history. The study recommended the establishment of well-equipped synoptic weather station for ECV monitoring and improved weather forecast, early warnings, disaster preparedness and risk reduction in Okada Town.
ANALYSIS OF THE SPATIAL PATTERNS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE SENATORIAL ZONES OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
This research studied the spatial patterns of secondary schools in selected parts of Benue state with the aim of identifying the pattern of distribution of secondary schools and its implications in the state. The objectives of the study were to establish spatial patterns and assess spatial relationships. The study adopted field observation and measurement to obtain the needed data. GIS and inferential statistical techniques were employed to map, visualize and analyze the data. In Logo Local Government Area, the Nearest Neighbour Index (NNI = 0.533139) is higher than the Z-score value (-3.893099). The implication is clustering of schools in the area. In Gboko Local Government Area, the Nearest Neighbour Index (NNI = 0.700016) was higher than the Z-score value (-5.165005). This also implies that the schools in the area are clustered. In Obi Local Government area, the Z-score value (1.191313) was higher than the Nearest Neighbour Index (NNI = 1.146777). This implies that there is a dispersion pattern of schools’ distribution in the area. The result showed a randomly distributed pattern of the schools in the area. The distribution turned towards clustering in Logo and Gboko Local Government Areas and towards dispersion in Obi Local Government Area. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the use of GIS for schools mapping and to create a database that can easily be updated at desirable intervals to cover the entire state for effective and efficient decision making.
POLLUTION LOAD AND HEALTH RISK INDICES OF DOMESTIC WATER SOURCES IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF LANGTANG AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
Potential health risk of metals in domestic water sources to the local population of Langtang area in Plateau State and their possible sources was investigated. Forty water samples, 20 each from surface and groundwater sources were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer method for 26 parameters and compared with the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality. Results revealed that turbidity, Fe, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Al, pesticides and phenols seriously polluted, while coliform bacteria strongly polluted in surface water. In groundwater, only turbidity, Fe, Pb and phenols constituted serious pollutants, while Ca and Mg were strong pollutants. Chronic Daily Intakes (CDIs) of metals were in the following order; Fe > Cu > Pb >As > Cd > F > Al >Mn >Zn > Pesticides >Cr > phenols in surface water, and Fe >F >Cu >Zn >Pb >Al >Mn >Cr >As >pesticides >phenols >Cd in groundwater. Health Risk Indices (HRIs) of metals were present in the order of A
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN SOUTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Nigeria accounts for high percentage of global maternal deaths and most studies on maternal mortality has been tied to hospital data that capture only the percentage of women that finally receive care from any of the existing orthodox health facilities. A population-based research on maternal death offers a more prospective approach at identifying areas of challenges. This research seeks to investigate spatial variations of maternal deaths in Southern Senatorial District of Edo State, Nigeria. Community-based survey design was employed to investigate the level of maternal mortality. To examine significance and spatial relationship, measurement of total fertility rate, maternal mortality ratio, lifetime risk and proportion of maternal death, descriptive statistical and cartographic methods were used. Data was collected from 2100 respondents using the indirect sisterhood method. The findings show that Total Fertility Rate for the study area was 4.605 and the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) calculated from the lifetime risk was 3877 per 100, 000 live births. Comparative analysis showed the period and place of maternal death was during /after delivery at health facilities in the study area. Most maternal deaths in the study area were between the age groups of 25–29 and 30–34 years occurring more amongst married women. Spatial variation of maternal mortality levels between urban areas and rural areas was (3806 and 4041) per 100,000 live births, respectively. With increased maternal risk across the study area, there is need for policies and actions that will accelerate the progress needed to achieve the SDG 3.1 goal by 2030.
AN ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL AND AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES, ZARIA, NIGERIA
Healthcare services are aimed at improving wellbeing and preventing potential human health risks and environmental hazards. In the process, however, wastes that are potentially harmful are generated. Poor management of these healthcare waste (HCW) exposes the health workers, patients, waste handlers and the general public to health risks. Thus, this study assessed HCW management practices at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria and Ahmadu Bello University Health Service (ABUHS) A.B.U. Zaria. The study utilised questionnaire administered to all the heads of waste management units in each of the hospitals (4 at the ABUTH and 1 with the Medical Director at the ABUHS) for assessing the effectiveness of HCW management practices in accordance to the Townend and Cheeseman (2005) guidelines. The study established the total quantity of HCW generated at ABUTH and ABUHS at 845kg and 77kg per day respectively; which translates to 1.18kg and 1.54kg per day per bed at ABUTH and ABUHS respectively. The study revealed the availability of (190 at the ABUTH and 2 at the ABUHS) operational staff specifically responsible for medical waste management and personal protective equipment for use by medical waste handlers in both ABUTH and ABUHS. The study further revealed the availability of well distributed receptacles, storage containers, dumpsites and separation of collection of sharps or infectious materials at both ABUTH and ABUHS. The study, however, also established absence of colour coding, central purpose-built storage facility, recycling on healthcare waste management in both ABUTH and ABUHS. It was concluded that both the ABUTH and ABUHS are classified as Level 2 hospitals based on their operational performance in accordance with the Townsend and Cheeseman (2005) guidelines, which implies that some aspects are considered sustainable while some other aspects considered unsustainable. The study recommended more sustainable practices in the management of HCW. Given the importance of effective healthcare waste management practices and the current unsustainable level of performance, the study recommended further study on the effects of the healthcare wastes from the two hospitals on the environment (soil, water and air).
EFFECTS OF TILLAGE OPERATIONS ON THE PROPERTIES OF AN ALFISOL ON THE JOS PLATEAU, NIGERIA
One of the major constraints to sustainable agriculture on the Jos Plateau is soil erosion. This is due to the nature of the topography of the area. Most smallholders in the area carry out tillage operations for many purposes. These include ridging across slopes to control erosion, seed bed preparations and weed control, among other operations that are done manually by using hoes. This study was conceived to determine the effects of tillage operations on some of the physical and chemical properties of the Alfisols, which are the most widely cultivated soils in the area. Two types of soil data were collected: Soil profile pits’ data and surface soil data. Standard procedures were employed in the detailed laboratory determinations of soil properties. The results show that tillage operations have led to significant differences in both soil physical and chemical characteristics of the soils. Despite the fact that the conventional tillage has been practised just for only four years, the results here show that tillage practices have significantly affected the organic matter, total N, exchangeable Ca, K, Mg contents and CEC of the soils. Perhaps, this is as a result of rapid decomposition under minimum and conventional tillage due to aeration and oxidation. Therefore, tillage practices need to be carried out with caution because soils in the tropical environments generally experience the reduction of organic matter and are susceptible to degradation because of such practices.
TRADITIONAL CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS AS ASSET FOR TOURISM PROMOTION IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) are the ways in which indigenous knowledge, beliefs and tradition of a people are expressed and passed down from generation to generation. These include folklores, folksongs, rites and rituals, myths and legends, arts, dances and other cultural practices. In many parts of the world, TCEs have been tapped to promote tourism. This paper explores how the traditional cultural expressions of the indigenous people of Plateau State, Nigeria, centred on the volcanic features around them can be harnessed to promote tourism in the state. The study suggests that some of the interesting folklores, myths and legends that the people have woven about the origin, causes and significance of the volcanic features in their communities can become important assets and tools to promote the sites as tourist destinations, introduce new tour regiments and activities, increase local content in the promotion of tourism and engage the communities in tourism development.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF TRICYCLE STATIONS IN KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
This study analyzed the spatial distribution of tricycle stations in Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna state. Specifically the study mapped tricycle stations, the spatial pattern of the tricycle stations and the major areas of influence or service of each tricycle stations. The study used the coordinates of tricycle stations in Kaduna North L.G.A, data generated from structured and validated questionnaires administered to the tricycle operators in each of the nineteen (19) stations distributed within Kaduna North L.G.A and the movement of tricyclist to and from the stations. Focus group discussion with the station operator’s leaders was also adopted to generate data on factors influencing positioning/sitting of the stations. The methods of data analysis used were nearest neighbor analysis and creation of buffers to map the major areas of influence of each tricycle station. Findings from the study revealed that Ahmadu Bello Way had the highest number of tricycle stations with seven (7) stations and that the spatial distribution pattern between the tricycle stations is random pattern. Fourteen (14) of the tricycle stations were located along the major roads. The factors responsible for the location of the tricycle stations vary from one station to another and from one area to another, but most of them had one factor in common, which is, most of the tricycle stations were also stations for buses, taxis or bus stops. Findings also revealed that 46.05% of the operators were in the tricycle business because of the ban on Okada by the Kaduna State Government. As such, Okada operators were converted to tricycle operators; while unemployment, family sustenance and business failure were also part of the reasons why the operators ventured into the tricycle operation. The study recommended that state and local governments should provide a good road transport network and an organized mass transit system to help the tricycle system to provide a more efficient integrated public transport system in the study area.
AN EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSING STANDARDS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA
Housing and building standards are standards that govern how a given housing provision within a locality or environment is planned/regulated. Therefore, there is need for the urban environment to be well regulated. However, several studies have explored how development controls are contravened in Nigeria but limited studies have explored the level of compliance with housing standards in Benin City. This paper explores the level of compliance with the housing standards in addition to identifying the factors responsible for the level of compliance with the housing standards in Benin City. A quantitative method was adopted for this study. A total of 365 questionnaires were sampled and used as subjects for the study and the population utilized for the study were household heads in Benin City. The study made use of frequency count, percentages to analyse the data for the study. The study revealed that housing standards in Benin City is typified by a non-compliance especially with regards to the type of toilet facilities provided, number of persons per room and plot size and site coverage of households. The paper recommends that the government should organise enlightenment programmes for the people in order to facilitate adherence to housing standards in Benin City and Nigeria at large.
DETERMINANTS OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN THE BENIN REGION, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
The aim of the paper is to investigate household characteristics as determinants of rural-urban migration in some selected communities in the Benin region. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaire instrument. The questionnaires were administered to household heads in the communities in rural Benin. Purposive sampling was used in selecting fourteen (14) rural communities in seven (7) LGAs that make up the Benin region, which have recorded highly intensive rural-urban migration. A sample size of 821 questionnaires was used and a total of 761 were retrieved. Frequency counts, simple percentage, mean scores, bar charts and tables were used to present the data. Also, multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of households and the level of rural-urban migration and to predict the possible determinants of rural-urban migration in the region. Results show that family socio-economic characteristics (age, sex, marital status, education status, family size, employment status, income) do not determine the level of rural-urban migration in the study area. However, some of these characteristics showed significance in individual communities. It was recommended that the appropriate authority should as a matter of importance, create public awareness in various communities on the dangers that might befall the communities if household heads continue to encourage their wards to migrate. Also, government should put in place policies that will benefit rural communities, particularly the youth in form of socioeconomic security as well as basic social amenities to prevent rural-urban migration in the Benin region.
Copyright (c) 2020 African Journal of Geographical Science https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
RESIDENTIAL FUELWOOD CONSUMPTION IN JOS METROPOLITAN AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Consumption of fuelwood has been identified as one of the most significant causes of forest degradation globally. Though fuelwood remains the principal energy service provider to many rural households in Nigeria, a knowledge gap still remains in understanding the fuelwood situation in urban areas. This study examined the extent of dependence on fuelwood as a source of domestic energy among households in Jos metropolis. Two hundred households were selected, through stratified random sampling from: Angwan Daba (Bukuru), Rahol-Kanang (Rayfield), Rusau (Farin Gada), Angwan Rukuba and Tudun Wada. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 200 household heads to collect data. The data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics while Chi-Square was used to test the hypothesis formulated. Results have revealed that most of the respondents: were females (57%); within the active and productive age group of 41-50 years (42%); attained formal school (about 97%); and responsibly married (84%). About two-thirds (59%) of the respondents have 8 household members; with most (44%) of the respondents engaging in petty trading, and three-quarters (75%) of the interviewees earned between N100,000 and N200,000 as annual income. Further, about 78% of the respondents used fuelwood regularly as a source of domestic energy; and majority (75%) of them had been using it for the past twenty-one years; majorly for heterogeneous (53%) activities such as cooking, heating, food preservation and small-scale business; but only 5% of the respondents used a "good fireplace" (ventilated kitchens with enclosed flame hearth). The frequently (92%) identified reasons for households' dependent on fuelwood was its reliability, availability and cost; as modern energy sources (89%) are opposite. Overall, most (mean=86%) of the respondents agreed that many hazards are associated with using fuelwood for domestic chores; yet only 3.5% of them had ever planted trees to reduce the menace. The Chi-Square test was computed and the value obtained is greater than the table value (X²=1.429>p-value=0.001at alpha 0.05, df=18), hence it was concluded that fuelwood consumption causes significant environmental problems. The paper recommended the need for mass public enlightenment campaigns on tree planting, and the provision of modern alternatives to fuelwood at subsidized rates to the people.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA
Housing is vital for the sustenance of humankind. Despite the significance of housing and formal conventional interventions, adequate supply has remained a mirage to all cadres of the society in Nigeria. Consequently, the discrepancy in housing need and supply is high. The Nigerian housing question has reached a crisis, manifesting and expressing itself in quantitative and qualitative dimensions. While several studies have examined the level of compliance with minimum housing standards and development controls, little or no effort has been made to explore the public perception of minimum housing standards. This study, therefore, aimed at filling this gap by documenting the public perception of minimum housing standards in Benin City. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. A total of 365 respondents were used as subjects for the study. The study made use of frequency count, percentages and analysis of variance to analyse the research objective and hypothesis raised for the study. The study revealed that the respondent's perception of minimum housing standards was greatly influenced by their spatial locations in Benin City.
INVESTIGATING THE LEVEL OF EFFECTIVENESS OF CLINICAL GOVERNANCE EFFORTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CLINICAL WASTES IN HOSPITALS IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
The study investigated the level of effectiveness in clinical governance efforts in the management of clinical wastes in hospitals in Jos metropolis, Plateau State. Data were collected from three tertiary, two secondary and one primary health institutions and analysed. Simple frequency counts and percentages were used to discuss the data. Results of analysis indicated that health workers in health institutions in Jos have a high level of awareness of clinical wastes and the risks they pose to human health and environmental safety. However, there is a high level of ineffectiveness in clinical governance concerning clinical wastes. About 67% of health workers who participated in the research indicated they have had accidents with clinical wastes especially sharp objects. Most respondents also claimed that upwards of five persons reported accidents with clinical wastes in the hospitals on a weekly basis. Also about 86% of respondents are not aware of or familiar with the clinical waste management plan of the hospitals they work at. Clinical wastes are also disposed of by non-medical professionals, cleaners and ward attendants, who generally have the least education and training to handle such hazardous materials. A large amount of the wastes are also disposed of at the municipal landfill or buried within the hospital grounds, which have serious implications for environmental safety. About 77% of respondents also observed that containers for clinical waste disposals are either damaged or inadequate. These issues point to ineffective clinical governance in regards of clinical wastes. The study recommends adequate and regular training of staff in the best practices of clinical wastes handling.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
This study was carried out to determine the relationship between environmental awareness and attitude among secondary school students. A total of 240 respondents who were in senior secondary schools in Ijebu-North local government area of Ogun State, constituted the sample. A questionnaire instrument which contained 35 items was employed to collect the data. The results of Pearson Correlation analysis showed a significant but low relationship between environmental awareness and environmental attitude of the students. Furthermore, the t-test statistical analysis conducted on difference in environmental awareness and attitude based on gender, age and class showed that there is no difference in the environmental awareness and attitude of respondents by gender, age and class. The study recommended that environmental education should be considered as a school subject in the Nigerian education system.
FARMERS’ PERCEPTION AND ADOPTION OF AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES IN JEMA’A LOCAL GOVERNMENNT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the level of perception and adoption of agroforestry practices in Jema’a L.G.A, Kaduna State, Nigeria as well as the factors influencing the adoption rate. One hundred and forty one (141) randomly sampled farmers from six communities were interviewed using the semi-structured questionnaire in conjunction with focus group discussions and field observations. The study employed the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The binary regression model was employed to determine the factors influencing agroforestry adoption rate in the study area. A larger percentage (53%) of the farmers was non adopters while 47% adopted the practice. Major trees planted and/or retained were teak, oil palm, gmelina, mango, oha, banana, black plum, locust bean, guava, orange, pawpaw, moringa and iroko. The most adopted practice was tree planting in boundaries (46%), followed by scattered trees on farm lands (40%), alley-farming (about 36%) and home gardening (30%). The study revealed that though the farmers have favourable perceptions about the benefits of agroforestry such as its economic advantage (4.58), improvement is soil output (3.82) and reducing soil erosion (3.75), a large number with an index of 4.11 perceived it as a practice that limits the growth of crops because of the shade the trees provided and a practice that is expensive (3.65). The binary regression model showed that landownership and agroforestry knowledge with coefficients 3.633, and 0.478 respectively, at P<0.05; age (2.175), marital status (0.236) and farming experience (0.487) at P<0.01 influenced agroforestry adoption significantly. Though the level of agroforestry adoption is low, with a favourable perception it is recommended that the government and other relevant stakeholders provide improved agroforestry extension services and training programmes for farmers thereby exposing the practical aspects of the practice.
ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED SOIL QUALITY INDICATORS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA
The research assessed selected soil quality indicators in Benin City, Nigeria. Eleven soil samples (0 - 15 cm) were collected randomly from selected urban land use areas (market, fuel filling station, cattle lairage, abattoir, sawmill, waste dumpsite, granite dump, carwash, scraps metal dump, auto-mechanic workshop and horticultural garden). Soil texture, bulk density (BD), pH, organic matter (SOM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined using standardized procedures. Soil parameters were interpreted using US EPA (2011) threshold values. The results established that urban land use had varied (good condition, moderate and severe) extent of impacts on the investigated urban soil quality indicators in the study area. Taking into consideration the observed severed status of BD, CEC and SOM in the urban soils, compost applications are recommended.
NUTRIENT STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF SOILS IN UGAH VILLAGE AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
This study was carried out to assess the nutrient status of soils formed from alluvial floodplain of River Benue around Ugah village in Nasarawa State of Nigeria and to recommend management practices that can help to enhance and sustain the agricultural productivity of the soils. Three main soil mapping units were identified and therefore, three soil profile pits were dug and carefully studied in the area and soil samples collected were analysed for their physical and chemical properties. The results of the study show that the soils of the study area are very low to low in total nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus, very low to medium in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and CEC. Therefore, with the present low-input agriculture in the area, nutrient depletion will certainly continue, a situation which can lead to total loss of productivity potential and environmental impoverishment. Hence, the need arises now to enhance the nutrient status of the soils on long-term basis and to achieve this, an integrated management package involving erosion control measures, applications of the right types and adequate quantities of inorganic and organic fertilizers together with better cultural practices are required. The roles of agricultural extension agents are also crucial to agricultural sustainability. Hence, there is the need for their regular interactions with the farmers.
GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE SEX OFFENDER RESTRICTION LAWS IN MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, USA
Sex offender restriction laws have generated a lot of discussions since they were initiated more than two decades ago. The laws require buffer zones against sex offenders in regards of residency and employment and notification to residents of neighborhoods where convicted sex offenders reside. States are saddled with the responsibility of deciding opportunity sites against which the buffer zones should be based and the distances that sex offenders should keep away from the opportunity sites. In Alabama, the designated opportunity sites are schools and daycares and sex offenders are required not to reside or get employed within 2000ft of these facilities. Residents within 1000ft and schools and day cares within 3 miles of residence of a sex offender are expected to be notified of the sex offender’s presence as a resident. This paper examines some f the implications of these restriction laws on sex offenders in the city of Montgomery, Alabama. The study found that 73% and 77% of developed land use areas and residential properties in the city fall within the restriction zone for sex offenders’ residency and employment. These have implications for sex offender recidivism, homelessness and possible loss of proper monitoring, supervision and treatment of sex offenders.