Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Assessment of Landfill Site Suitability in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, using Geospatial Techniques
No full textLandfills have been regarded as an effective waste disposal method. This study aims at determining the most suitable sites for siting landfills in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The spatial distribution of current open dumpsites were determined. Five factors of landfill suitability selection used in this study are: soil, distance from road networks, slope, elevation, geology, and land use/land cover. This study uses a combination of Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and GIS technology to produce maps of each of the landfill suitability selection factors. By combining the criteria weights produced by the suitability modeller technique, the suitability of the existing landfills were determined and the best location for landfill sites were identified. According to the survey, 13.36% of the region is classified as unsuitable, 4.81% as fairly suitable, 30.64% as moderately suitable, and only 0.1% as highly suitable
Evaluating Water Scarcity Vulnerability Levels in Rural Communities of Iseyin Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria: An Integrated and Multidimensional Approach
No full textWater is essential for life, yet water scarcity persists globally, driven by population growth, poor quality, and limited access. This study assesses water scarcity in 19 rural communities in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, using primary data from geodetic GNSS receivers and household estimates via Google Earth. A bespoke Water Scarcity Vulnerability Mapping (WSVM) software, developed by the researcher using VB Net 2022, combined with multi-criteria decision analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) evaluated village vulnerability based on water availability, quality, drought resilience, and proximity to sources. The survey identified 32 water sources—including boreholes, wells, ponds, and rivers—revealing disparities: some villages have improved access, while others rely heavily on surface water, increasing their vulnerability. Villages were categorized into three levels: severe (7 villages, 37%), moderate (9 villages, 47%), and low (3 villages, 16%). Drought resilience and water quality were the main drivers of water insecurity, especially during dry seasons. An adaptive measure recommended is the installation of water infrastructures to enhance drought resilience of rural communities and ensure improved water quality
Spatiotemporal Assessment of Shoreline Changes in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textThe world we live in is dynamic, constantly changing and evolving, and changes, both natural and anthropological, have profound impacts on our environment and ecosystems. The goal of this study is to present a spatiotemporal assessment of shoreline changes in Ilaje Local Government Area (LGA), Ondo State, Nigeria, utilising remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The primary objectives were to quantify the extent of shoreline changes and to predict future shoreline dynamics. By analysing Landsat 7, 8 and 9 satellite imagery from 2003 to 2023, significant transformations were observed. QGIS 3.32.1 was utilised in pre-processing the imageries, ArcGIS 10.8.2 was utilised for creating composite images and spatial analysis. Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software was used in calculating Linear Regression Rate (LRR), as well as predicting the shoreline changes. The results indicate a substantial shoreline retreat, with erosion impacting over 85% of the transects analysed, leading to an average shoreline retreat of over 160 meters. Predictive models suggest that vulnerable areas could experience up to 400 meters of additional erosion by 2033. These findings provide critical insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of shoreline changes, supporting the development of adaptive management strategies. Recommendations include shoreline stabilisation efforts and integrated land-use planning to mitigate the adverse impacts of ongoing and future shoreline changes on the local ecosystems and communities
Factors influencing adoption of improved postharvest storage technologies among grain traders in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria
No full textPostharvest grain losses, particularly for staple crops, are a significant challenge to food security in Nigeria, with losses estimated between 20% and 35%. This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of improved postharvest storage technologies (IPSTs) among grain traders in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 229 respondents from four major grain markets in Ilorin, Nigeria. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and questionnaire as the instrument. Analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, with binomial logistic regression identifying key factors influencing technology adoption. The results showed that grain traders had an average age of 45, with men (77.3%). The majority of the respondents were married (81.8%) and had primary education (51.8%). They had an average of 13 years in the grain trade and earned an average weekly income of ₦250,000 ($166). The majority (98.2%) were aware of improved postharvest storage technologies, with the usage of Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags (51.5%) ranking first. Grain-based associations were the main source of information on awareness of IPSTs among respondents. The perceived benefits of IPSTs, starting with the most important, included improved grain quality, extended shelf life, and reduced pest infestation with a mean score of 4.39, 4.13, and 4.08, respectively. Binomial logistic regression indicated that education, association membership, access to credit, and income significantly influenced the usage of IPST among grain traders in the study area. The study recommends improving access to credit, enhancing training, and strengthening trade associations to promote IPST usage and reduce postharvest losses
Synergy of lemon grass and neem leaves as growth promoters on performance, digestibility and carcass yield of broiler finisher
No full textHerbal plants have been considered as an effective growth promoters feed additive, majorly because of their bioactive compounds. It is on this note that this study was conducted to assess the synergetic effects of lemon grass (LG) and neem leaves (NL) as growth promoter feed additives in broilers\u27 diets. LG and NL were harvested, chopped (2 mm), and air-dried (DM ≥ 75%). The air-dried samples were analyzed for phytochemicals, proximate composition, and selected minerals before being incorporated into the broiler finisher diet at 5% each (T2 and T3) and 2.5% each in the combined treatment (T4). Four diet treatments were formulated to supply an average of 20.73% CP and 3336 kcal/kg ME. Each treatment comprises 3 replicates with 10 birds/replicate. The results show that the plants were rich in flavonoids, phenols, tannins, resins, and terpenoids, while they both had appreciable amounts of sterols and alkaloids. Lemon grass was richer in crude protein, crude fiber, and ash than NL, while the latter was richer in calcium, potassium, and sodium. Inclusion of these plants as feed additives had a significant (P<0.05) effect on performance, carcass yield, and nutrient digestibility with birds on T4 recording the highest weights in all the measured parameters. Notable effect on feed efficiency ratio (1.32), which indicated that the birds on T4 utilized the feed better than other treatments. It was concluded that the synergetic effect of LG and NL enhanced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass yield of broiler chickens fed these plants as growth promoter feed additives
Field evaluation of cultural control strategies for managing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) infestations on maize crops
No full textThis study aims to proffer a solution by promoting minimal use of insecticides using good agronomic practices that suppress pest development. Field trials were conducted during four cropping seasons in 2021 and 2022 at Kpong, Ghana. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with cropping system as the main factor and planting date as a factor with four replications. Maize was planted with cowpea as the intercrop and was planted at two-week intervals each for three different dates to determine the effects of the factors in FAW infestation and damage on maize. The results revealed that planting dates did not influence the infestation of the pest in terms of larval population across all seasons (F (2, 12) = 1.27, P = 0.3150); however, the damage caused was significantly different, with maize planted late recording the highest damage. The cropping system shows its impact where maize planted solely recorded high infestation of FAW as well as a high level of damage across all seasons examined. Seasonal variation occurred in the total number of FAW larvae (P < 0.05) regardless of the factors, and this could be attributed to the prevailing rainfall pattern. However, the yield of maize was not influenced by the cropping system or planting date across seasons. Parasitoids of FAW, including T. remus, Ch. bifoveolatus, and Coccygidium luteum, were observed, with Coccygidium luteum recording the highest abundance (71.43%). The findings in this study have shown the potential of cultural strategies as a sustainable means of fall armyworm management
Evaluation of phytochemicals and anti nutrient changes in canned mushroom (Calocybe indica) in different brine solutions
No full textThis study evaluated the effect of storage period on the phytochemical and anti-nutrient contents of fresh and canned milky Calocybe indica stored for six weeks. Freshly cultivated mushrooms were washed, cut into 5 cm sizes, and canned in brine solutions containing varying ratios of salt and citric acid (2.0:1.5, 2.5:1.5, 3.0:1.5, and 3.5:1.5). Each can weigh approximately 190g. Phytochemical and anti-nutrient compositions were analysed weekly using standard methods. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05). The phytochemical results (%) ranged as follows: total phenol (7.07–24.54), flavonoids (20.20–29.17), glycosides (0.02–0.34), alkaloids (0.11–2.67), total antioxidants (3.01–4.39), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.22–0.68). Anti-nutrient values (%) for tannins, phytates, saponins, and oxalates ranged from 0.04–0.29, 0.11–0.89, 0.06–0.54, and 0.23–0.44, respectively. Canning significantly reduced all parameters except flavonoids, which increased. During storage, most phytochemicals and anti-nutrients decreased significantly, though total phenol, total antioxidants, and ferric reducing antioxidant power increased with higher sodium chloride concentrations in the brine. The brine solution had little effect on other parameters. The study concludes that storage time influenced the anti-nutrient composition, with levels remaining below harmful thresholds, confirming the mushrooms’ safety for consumption. Overall, canning and subsequent leaching of phytochemicals into the brine contributed to notable phytochemical losses over time
Composition of some indigenous economic tree species in Yorro, Taraba State, Nigeria
No full textThis study evaluated the composition of some indigenous economic tree species in Yorro Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify indigenous edible tree species and evaluate the proximate composition of the most prevalent species. Data were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis. A sample intensity of 40% was used to select four districts at random. A total of 398 respondents were sampled using Solvin\u27s formula and the Snowball sampling method. Vitellaria paradoxa and Ziziphus mauritiana were purposively selected to elicit information on proximate composition. Matured fresh undamaged parts of these species were harvested, sun-dried, and ground into powder form for laboratory analysis. Data obtained were analyzed using proximate parameters (protein, moisture content, crude fiber, ash content, lipid, and carbohydrates) and statistical tools (frequencies, percentages, ANOVA, and LSD). The results indicated that most respondents were married (58.79%), middle-aged (48.99%), male (53.52%), and had a primary education (31.66%). They engaged in farming (49.25%) and the utilization of indigenous economic tree species for medicinal (21.36%) and trade purposes (15.08%). The respondents identified a total of 23 indigenous economic tree species, with Ziziphus mauritiana being the most prevalent (95.98%). The proximate findings showed the exceptional amount of carbohydrates (89.24±0.148% and 384.29±5.742%) in Vetellaria. paradoxa and Ziziphus mauritiana roots, respectively. Similarly, the protein (35.34±0.652%) and lipid (33.73±1.092%) contents were high in Ziziphus mauritiana and Vetellaria paradoxa seeds, respectively. These attributes indicate the potential significance of these species in the food and pharmaceutical industries. There is an urgent need to implement sustainable management solutions for these species
Growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens to oral administration of Parquetina nigrescens leaf extracts
No full textThe study was to determine the effect of Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract on the performance, health status and immunological response of broiler chickens. Fresh leaves of Parquetina nigrescens were harvested and blended, using 10 g of leaves in 200 ml of water, this was administered in the first 5 days in the starter and finisher phases. Two-hundred-day old Arbor acres plus strains of broilers were assigned to five dietary treatments, four replicates with forty birds per treatment. The treatments were as follows: treatment 1: positive control – commercial antibiotics was used, treatment 2: negative control without commercial antibiotics while treatments 3, 4, 5 birds were administered 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 ml of Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract per bird respectively. The design of the experiment was completely randomized design (CRD). Performance, hematological, serum biochemical and immunological responses as well as the relative organ weights were investigated using standard procedures. Data were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance while significant differences were determined using Duncan’s multiple range tests. The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the final weight and average feed intake of the birds administered with the leaf extract with T5 (0.6 ml) having the highest values (1.84 kg and 3.26 kg respectively) while T4 (0.4 ml) had the lowest value (1.58 kg and 2.97 kg respectively). However, there was no significant among the treatments for other parameters. The study concluded that Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract had no detrimental effect on growth performance and immune response of broiler
Attitude of catfish farmers towards climate change in Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textClimate change increasingly affects aquaculture in Ondo State, yet studies on catfish farmers’ attitudes remain limited. This study examines their awareness, perceptions, and adaptation strategies regarding climate change to inform effective policies and promote sustainable aquaculture development in Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to ninety (90) respondents selected using a three-stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that 80% of respondents were male, 45.6% aged 31–40 (mean age 46), 77.8% married, 85.6% literate, 53.3% Christians, 44.4% had a 6–10 household size, mean farm size 4 ha, and mean farming experience 13 years. Also, 97.8% of the respondents were aware of climate change (x̅ = 4.98). The attitudes of catfish farmers toward the perceived effects of climate change show that 77.8% believed the government is not committed to agriculture in terms of climate change (x̅ = 3.89) and that climate has affected agriculture since they became involved in the sector (x̅ = 3.76). However, most disagreed that climate change programmes or policies have significantly improved agriculture (x̅ < 3.0). The study further revealed that local farmers (50.0%) and extension agents (16.7%) served as major information sources, while key challenges included high technology costs (33.3%), poor perception of climate change (22.3%), scarcity of trained manpower (16.8%) inadequate training (11.1%), and limited financial access (5.5%). The study recommends capacity building, financial support, and climate-resilient practices to improve catfish farmers\u27 adaptive capacity to climate variability