Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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EFFECTS OF MONETARY POLICY INSTRUMENTS ON COMMERCIAL BANK’S LOANS AND ADVANCES IN NIGERIA (2000-2024)
No full textThis study examined the effects of monetary policy instruments on commercial bank’s loans and advances in Nigeria (2000 – 2024). While the specific objectives were to: examine the effect of cash reserve/ liquidity ratios on loans and advances; to: evaluate the effect of interest rate on loans and advances. The study employed the ex-post facto research design. In addition, it made use of secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and Published Financial Statements of Deposit Money Banks. The data obtained were analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques. The results indicated that: cash reserve ratio, liquidity ratios, interest rate of commercial banks in Nigeria have negative significant effect on bank’s loans and advances. The implication of the study shows that monetary policy instrument contributes to increased quantity of loans and advances provided by commercial banks in Nigeria. The study concluded that monetary policy instruments influences the level of loans and advances of banks in Nigeria. And so, the study recommends among others that: Expansionary monetary policy should be adopted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to force down interest rate and increase money supply because a fall in the bank rate will reduce interest on loans made by commercial banks. This will encourage more customers to secure loans from their banks thereby, increasing investment opportunities in the country ceteris paribus
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING AND SALES PERFORMANCE OF FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study investigated the influence of social media marketing on sales performance of fastfood restaurants in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study aimed to examine how social media marketing techniques comprising Facebook marketing, Instagram marketing, YouTube marketing and Twitter marketing influence sales performance of fast-food restaurants in Enugu state. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected using wellstructured questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample size of three hundred and twenty-five owners, management and staff from the fast-food restaurants in Enugu state. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. It was observed that all the social media marketing techniques-Facebook marketing, Instagram marketing, YouTube marketing and twitter marketing have positive and significant influence on sales performance of fast-food restaurants in Enugu state. Based on the findings the researcher concluded that social media marketing has a positive and significant influence on sales performance of fast-food restaurants in Enugu state. The researcher recommended that management of fast-food restaurants should provide facilities, equipment, personnel, and communication materials that support their social media marketing to ensure effective customer interaction and engagement which will result to improved sales of organizational products. The implication is that if fast-food restaurants continue to engage in social media marketing activities, the tendency is that sales performance will also continue to increase. 
Analysis of Oyan River Channel Changes Using Remote Sensing Technology
No full textThis study employs remote sensing technology to analyze river channel changes in Oyan River, Abeokuta North, Ogun State, Nigeria. Understanding and monitoring river dynamics are essential for ecological sustainability and effective water resource management. Remote sensing and GIS techniques provide a cost-effective and efficient approach to assessing these changes. Landsat satellite images (30m resolution) from 2002 to 2023 at three-year intervals were compared and analyzed. Land use land cover, river channel, and river bank erosion maps were produced. The quantity of accretion and erosion was assessed using the geoprocessing tool in a GIS system. The results of this study revealed significant morphological changes in the Oyan River channel. Between 2002 and 2011, erosion and accretion affected 95 and 104 hectares, respectively, while 2403 hectares remained unchanged. From 2011 to 2023, erosion and accretion increased to 213 hectares each, with 2294 hectares unchanged. Over the entire study period (2002–2023), 147 hectares underwent erosion, 156 hectares experienced accretion, and 2351 hectares remained stable. A critical period of accelerated erosion occurred between 2011 and 2023, largely influenced by the 2014 flood event, which significantly altered the river\u27s course. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate flood risks and protect surrounding communities and infrastructure, ensuring the sustainable use of river resources
Analysing the Environmental Consequences of Urbanization on Climate Change in Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThe rapid urbanization experienced by many regions like Kaduna state, Nigeria, has become a major issue of concern due to its potential effects on the local climate. This research aimed to analyse the environmental consequences of urbanization on climate change in Kaduna State, Nigeria, from 2008 to 2023 to provide future projections of these consequences. This was done by analysing the spatio-temporal Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes in Kaduna, analysing the relationships between the LULC, Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Built-Up index (NDBI) trends in the state, examining the correlation between LST and NDBI. Landsat imageries for 2008, 2013, 2018 & 2023 were used for determining the LULC, LST & NDBI over Kaduna state, precipitation, and relative humidity data from NASA’s POWER (Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources). The study leveraged the ability of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Cellular Automata (CA) within the Modules for Land Use Change Evaluation framework to model complex, non-linear relationships for prediction analysis. The model’s accuracy was measured using Kappa and had an accuracy level of 0.67. Some key findings include doubling the developed areas from 12.37% to 24.85% from 2008-2023 with a corresponding decrease in cultivated and rocky areas. A strong positive correlation was also identified between urbanization and land surface temperature within the study area, suggesting the presence of urban heat island effects. The projection for 2043 shows that urban growth would most likely continue with developed areas expected to reach 35.54% in 2043, precipitation and humidity are also likely to decline. The study provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers by emphasizing the need for sustainable urban development strategies and climate resilience measures within Kaduna state
Comparative Evaluation of GNSS Positioning Accuracy Using RTK Techniques and CORS-Based Post-Processing Solutions
No full textGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications in Osun State, Nigeria, are limited by poor positional accuracy, particularly in vertical measurements. With the recent establishment of a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) by private surveyors, it is important to assess the performance of real-time and post-processed GNSS solutions for local survey practice. This study compared two real-time kinematic (RTK) connection methods: radio frequency (RF) and network RTK via internet (NRTK) with static precise positioning using Canadian Spatial Reference System Precise Point Positioning (CSRS-PPP) and Osun CORS RINEX data processed in South Geomatics Office software. Field data were collected on three control stations with a Tersus Oscar GNSS receiver, and accuracy was evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE) against published control coordinates. Results show that CSRS-PPP (0.11 m easting, 0.17 m northing, 3.78 m height) and Osun CORS (0.09 m easting, 0.11 m northing, 3.76 m height) achieved horizontal accuracies within the allowable 0.05-0.50 m limit, but vertical errors exceeded the 0.10 m tolerance. NRTK (0.06 m easting, 0.03 m northing) performed better than RF-RTK (0.53 m easting, 1.29 m northing) for horizontal positioning, yet both produced unacceptable vertical errors of 24.14 m and 8.54 m, respectively. The findings confirm that online PPP and internet-based RTK provide reliable horizontal accuracy in Osun State, but vertical accuracy remains inadequate and requires further methodological improvement
Assessment of social media usage among cashew farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
No full textThe rapid rise in social media usage presents opportunities for cashew farmers to access market information and improve productivity. This study investigated social media usage among cashew farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed. In the first stage, Offa, Oyun, and Asa Local Government Areas (LGAs) were purposively selected for their high concentration of registered cashew farmers. In the second stage, proportionate sampling was used to allocate the sample size across these LGAs of the State based on their share of registered cashew farmers. Using Yamane’s formula, a total sample size of 162 farmers was determined at a 6.6% precision level from a target population of 550 registered cashew farmers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. The collected data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression. Findings revealed that respondents were predominantly male (56.8%), with a mean age of 41 years, and most were married (78.4%) with an average household size of 7 persons. Secondary education was the highest level attained by 40.7% of respondents, and farming experience averaged 11 years. The level of social media usage among cashew farmers was found to be moderate. However, significant constraints hindered usage, including difficulty engaging clients with a Weight Average Index (WAI) of 2.62 and limited time availability (WAI = 1.95). The study recommends targeted educational programs by agricultural extension services and investments in rural infrastructure, particularly electricity and internet connectivity, to enhance social media usage and improve market reach among cashew farmers
Emerging climate-smart-agriculture strategies: Determinants to adoption by Nigerian arable crop farmers
No full textClimate change is a major threat to Nigeria’s food security because of its human population. This research assessed the determinants of Nigerian arable crop farmers adopting emerging climate-smart agriculture strategies. Specifically, it investigated the respondents\u27 awareness of signs of climate change, identified the human contributions to climate change, its effect on agricultural production, and the determinants of respondents\u27 adoption of emerging climate-smart agricultural strategies. Respondents were 120 arable crop farmers randomly selected from 4 communities in Akinyele LGA, Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data collected with a structured questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Findings indicate respondents had experienced signs of climate change, notably poorer yield (mean=4.15), unpredictable weather patterns (mean=3.95), and intense heat (mean=3.88). Respondents strongly agreed on human contributions to climate change such as deforestation, agrochemical use, continuous cropping, and overgrazing. Challenges posed by climate change to production identified by respondents were reduced yield, erosion, pest infestation, poor soil moisture, and decreased work hours. The most significant determinant of the adoption of the emerging climate-smart agricultural strategies was agronomic strategies (p = 0.008), while environmental strategies were marginal determinants (p = 0.072). The research concluded that the respondents recognized signs of climate change and were aware of humans’ contributions to it and its consequences on their production. Their choice of strategy was significantly determined by the agronomic strategy. The research recommends integrating indigenous and modern emerging climate-smart agricultural strategies and bolstering farmers’ awareness, technological expertise, and financial resources through comprehensive awareness and training programs
Training needs of agro-input dealers in disseminating agricultural information to farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
No full textThis study analyzed the training needs of agro-dealers on agricultural information dissemination in Kwara State, Nigeria. One hundred and eighty-three (183) agro-dealers were randomly selected for the study. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The finding showed that the majority (73.2%) of the respondents were male. The average years of experience in agro-input service delivery was 11 years. The leading agro-inputs and advisory services delivered to farmers by agro-input dealers were insecticides (mean=3.98), improved crop seeds (mean=3.86), and herbicides (mean=3.82). Boric model analysis showed that the topmost ranked training on delivering agro-input services to farmers was storage of viable seeds (Mean Weight Discrepancy Score [MWDS]=1.81), use of viable seeds such as maize (MWDS=1.31), and use of simple agro-equipment maintenance skill (MWDS=0.99). Regression analysis results showed that years of experience (β = 0.112), size of trade (β = 0.626), and access to credit (β = 0.978) were significantly related to the training needs of respondents at the 5% level. The study concludes that training is needed in disseminating agricultural information among agro-dealers and thus needs training to improve their skills in disseminating storage of viable seeds, use of viable seeds, and use of simple agro-equipment maintenance. Therefore, the research recommended that relevant government agencies in collaboration with private/non-government organizations should organize training programmes to improve the skills of agro-dealers in the identified areas. 
Agriculture as a retirement income safety net: Evidence from civil servants in Northeastern Nigeria
No full textAmid persistent economic challenges in Nigeria, marked by inflationary pressures, currency devaluation, and concerns over the long-term sustainability of public sector income, agriculture has emerged as a critical livelihood and retirement income strategy for civil servants. This study examines the extent and nature of agricultural engagement among civil servants in Northeast Nigeria, with a focus on its potential as a retirement income safety net. Drawing on survey data from 179 staff members of federal universities across Gombe, Borno, and Adamawa States, the findings reveal a high rate of participation in agricultural activities, predominantly crop farming (70.8%). However, such engagement remains largely small-scale due to limited access to capital (Mean = 3.7472, SD = 1.2250), which hampers investment in mechanized farming. The most frequently cultivated crops are maize (31.1%), beans (26.2%), and rice (22.2%). Civil servants who participate in agriculture report significantly greater financial stability (Mean = 3.8218, SD = 0.9839), reduced reliance on government salaries (Mean = 3.7861, SD = 1.1338), and enhanced resilience to economic shocks (Mean = 3.7733, SD = 0.9857) compared to their situation prior to agricultural involvement. These findings underscore the role of agriculture as a viable pathway to economic security in retirement. The study recommends improved access to agricultural finance, extension services, and market infrastructure to support productivity, facilitate economic diversification, and reinforce the post-retirement welfare of public sector employees
Functional and sensory evaluation of cashew nut spread complemented with date palm and ripe banana
No full textThis study investigated the functional properties and sensory characteristics of cashew nut-based spread, supplemented with date palm and ripe banana, aiming to develop a nutritious and palatable spread. Mixture design was employed to formulate seven blend ratios of cashew nut: date: banana; 63.33:18.33:18.33, 70:10:20, 70:20:10, 60:20:20, 66.67:16.67:16.67, 68.33:18.33:13.33, and 68.33:13.33:18.33. Roasted cashew nut paste, date palm paste, and ripe banana slurry were homogenized according to the ratios from the design and pasteurized at 60 °C for 3 minutes. Functional properties, including spreadability and viscosity, were measured, and sensory evaluation was conducted using a 9-point hedonic scale. Spreadability values ranged from 15.57 N/m to 26.16 N/m, with the highest spreadability recorded in the 70:20:10 formulations. Viscosity ranged from 20.15 to 35.70 N·s/m², with significantly higher (p < 0.05) values observed in blends with higher cashew nut content. Sensory attributes; appearance, taste, texture, mouthfeel, and flavor, significantly varied among samples, with overall acceptability scores ranging from 6.80 to 8.60. The formulations 63.33:18.33:18.33 and 66.67:16.67:16.67 achieved the highest acceptability scores of 8.60, indicating an optimal balance of sensory appeal and functional performance. The formulation ratio significantly influenced the functional and sensory qualities of cashew nut-based spreads. Blends with approximately 63 - 67% cashew nut and equal proportions of date palm and ripe banana (16 - 18%) are recommended for producing highly acceptable spreads with desirable viscosity and spreadability