Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Economic analysis of allocative efficiency of resources use for pig production in Southeastern Nigeria
No full textThis study was conducted to analyze the allocative efficiency of resource use for pig production in southeastern Nigeria. Four hundred respondents were selected using a random sampling technique. Primary data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire and interview schedules. Frequency distribution table, percentage responses, principal component analysis, and an allocative efficiency model were used to analyse the data collected. The results showed that the majority of the respondents were aged (mean=47 years), educated (mean=9 years of formal education), had moderate household sizes (mean=6 people), were experienced in piggery (21-40 years), belonged to cooperative societies, and had limited access to credit. The result of the allocative efficiency showed that none of the sampled farmers achieved absolute efficiency of resource use as they either underutilized or overutilized the resources. The under-utilized resources were farm size (33.25), feed (0.88), medication (0.47), and labour (3.02), while capital (-2.69) was over-utilized. The limiting factors to pig production were poor access to credit (3.5472), high cost of feeds (3.3075), poor access to improved breeds of piglet (2.2822), poor access to information (2.0339), and water scarcity (2.1567) at (P<0.01). Conclusively, the allocative efficiency results show that none of the respondents were able to use resources as efficiently as possible since they either overused or underutilized them. Thus, there is a need to enhance pig farmers’ access to credit at a low interest rate, feed materials at a subsidized cost, and improved breeds of piglets at a moderate cost to enable them to attain absolute efficiency in their piggery endeavour
Fungitoxic potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Cymbopogon citratus extraction methods and concentrations on Fusarium proliferatum of Rice (Oryza sativa)
No full textThis study evaluated the fungitoxic efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) extracts against Fusarium proliferatum, a significant pathogen affecting rice production. Treatments comprised of 2 plants (bitter leaf and lemongrass) extracted using 2 methods (Soxhlet and Maceration) at 4 concentrations (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) respectively to assess their inhibitory effects on fungal radial growth over a 7-day period. The experiment employed a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial laid in a completely randomized design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant main effects (p<0.05) for plant type, extraction method, concentration, and interactions between all factors in controlling F. proliferatum growth. Results showed that lemongrass extract exhibited superior antifungal activity compared to bitter leaf, with maximum inhibition of 39.88% observed on day 4. Soxhlet extraction proved more effective than maceration, particularly in maintaining consistent inhibition rates during later stages of observation. A clear concentration-dependent response was observed, with 100% concentration showing the highest inhibition rates (50.62 - 63.93%). The interaction between extraction methods and plant types revealed that Soxhlet-extracted lemongrass provided the most stable and sustained antifungal activity. While macerated bitter leaf showed high initial inhibition (69.74% on day 2), its efficacy declined substantially over time. The study suggested that lemongrass extracted via the Soxhlet method represents a promising natural alternative for controlling F. proliferatum in rice production systems, particularly when applied at one hundred percent. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable disease management strategies in rice cultivation
Genotype and energy level interaction effects on post-weaning production performance, morphometric traits and economic indices of rabbits
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of two rabbit genotypes of Chinchilla (CH×CH; n = 18) and New Zealand White (NZW×NZW; n = 10) and two dietary energy levels (2800 kcal ME/kg [E1] and 3000 kcal ME/kg [E2]) on post-weaning production performance, morphometric traits, and economic indices. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was implemented using two genotypes (CH×CH and NZW×NZW) and two dietary energy levels (E1 and E2) with three replications in a completely randomized design. Analysis of variance indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher initial body weight (IBWT) (388.90 ± 3.99 cm), final head-to-shoulder length (FHTSL) (11.43 ± 0.26 cm), and final hind leg length (FLHL) (16.10 ± 9.10 cm) in favour of the interaction between the NZW×NZW genotype and the E2 diet. The NZW×NZW genotype in comparison with the CH×CH, exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher IBWT (377.63 g vs. 239.35 g), final body weight (742.42 g vs. 416.73 g), total weight gain (364.79 g vs. 177.38 g), average daily feed intake (13.03 g vs. 7.16 g), and several morphometric traits. The NZW×NZW genotype also significantly (p < 0.05) outperformed the CH×CH in revenue (₦1635.77 vs. ₦740.85) and gross margin (₦1424.65 vs. ₦820.45). Whereas the E2 diet resulted in significantly higher IBWT, the energy level had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the economic indices. The interaction of NZW×NZW genotype and E2 energy level diet was most effective in enhancing production performance, conformation traits and economic returns, and is recommended for profitable rabbit production
Perceived effects of occupational risk factors on fishing activities among fisherfolk in Ilaje, Southwestern Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the perceived effects of occupational risk factors on fishing activities among fisherfolk in Ilaje, Southwestern Nigeria. A quantitative method of data collection was adopted for the study through the aid of a well-structured questionnaire/interview schedule. The descriptive research design of the survey type was used. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select ninety (90) fishers from the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive (frequency count, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square). Findings from the study revealed that the major occupational risk factors affecting fishing activities in the study area were exposure to hazardous weather conditions (3.44), deteriorating mental health due to high stress levels associated with the uncertainty of catch and income (3.27), and risk of accident and injury due to adverse weather conditions (3.26). Similarly, the majority (90%) of the respondents indicated that the lack of financial support and subsidies makes it difficult to maintain their fishing business. Furthermore, the respondents agreed that only experienced fishermen can better navigate and identify risky fishing spots (4.34), regular boat maintenance prevents delays and ensures continuous fishing (4.31), and a lack of safety training increases the number of accidents at sea (4.30). It was concluded that a significant relationship existed between occupational risk factors and fishing activities in the study area (X = 47.575, P < 0.05). It was therefore recommended that wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring adequate rest can significantly reduce occupational risks among the fisherfol
Awareness and adoption of cloud computing in hotel management: A case study of Osun State, Nigeria
No full textCloud computing is transforming business operations worldwide, yet its adoption in Nigeria’s hospitality sector remains limited due to awareness, cost, and infrastructure challenges. This study examines the awareness, knowledge, and adoption of cloud computing among hotel staff in Osun State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 185 staff members across six hotels in three senatorial districts. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of data obtained. The results from the descriptive statistics revealed that 63.2% of respondents were aware of cloud computing, but only 49.7% reported using it. The primary barriers to adoption were lack of awareness (32.3%) and cost (32.3%), followed by security concerns (15.1%) and poor internet connectivity (16.1%). Regression analysis showed that awareness and knowledge significantly influenced adoption (F (1,183) = 38.04, p < .001, R² = .172), indicating that other factors also contribute to adoption challenges. Findings highlight the need for targeted training programs, policy interventions, and infrastructure improvements to enhance cloud computing adoption in the hospitality sector. The study recommends capacity-building initiatives and strategic investments to support digital transformation in Nigeria’s hotel industry
Thermophysiology, haematology, reproductive hormones and antioxidative status of rabbit does fed graded levels of natural oils
No full textThe experiment investigated the effect of black seed oil (BSO), olive oil (OO), and shea butter oil (SBO) on selected physiological parameters in rabbit does to improve their productivity. The study lasted for 8 weeks. Twenty-eight rabbit does were randomly allotted to 7 treatments comprising control (0 ml), 0.5 ml, and 1.0 ml for each of BSO, OO, and SBO within a 2x3+1 factorial laid in a completely randomized design. Respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) of the does were determined twice a week throughout the study. Haematology, selected hormones, antioxidant enzymes, and capacity were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Data was subjected to analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using Duncan\u27s Multiple Range Test (α<0.05). Treatments had no significant effect (p>0.05) on RR. The interaction effect of the oils and their levels was significant on the RT of the does though only OO reduced RT as its level of inclusion increased. Oils and their levels had no effect on the blood profile of the does. The OO group had significantly higher (p<0.05) haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and platelets compared to the control. Oestrogen was similar among treatments, while follicle-stimulating hormone and cortisol were significantly higher in does fed SBO and OO. Serum glucose, total cholesterol, total protein, antioxidant enzymes, and total antioxidant capacity were not different (p>0.05) among treatments. It was concluded that experimental oils did not impair the physiology, haematology and oxidative mechanism of studied animals. Hence, the oils could be utilized in improving rabbit doe production
Evaluation of probability distribution functions for fitting stem diameters of Tectona grandis plantation in Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textModeling frequency distributions of tree variables, such as Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) plays an important role in forest inventories, growth prediction, and management. The objective of the study was to evaluate the 2- and 3-parameter Gamma, Log logistics, Log normal, and Weibull distribution functions fitted to the DBH of Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) plantation in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, for sustainable management. The method adopted for this research was complete enumeration of the teak plantation of size 80 m² x 40 m². The performance of the selected probability distribution functions (PDFs) was compared using Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S), Anderson-Darling (A-D), and Chi-square (ꭓ2) tests. The results showed that the highest frequency (526) of trees falls between the DBH of 0.11-0.14 m. The Weibull 3-parameter distribution had the best fit with K-S= 0.0222, A-D= 0.3908, and ꭓ2=10.868 and was followed by the Weibull 2-parameter distribution with K-S= 0.0238, A-D= 0.4944, and ꭓ2=10.443. Hence, Weibull 3 and 2-parameter were adjudged as the most suitable distributions, also based on the smallest relative rank sum of 17 and 27, respectively, in the study area. The study recommends the Weibull 3-parameter for DBH class distribution of the Tectona grandis plantation in the study area for plausible management and value projection
The Need for Protection of Traditional Knowledge under the Nigerian Intellectual Property Framework
No full textTraditional knowledge is evolving in the intellectual property regime. It is a practice where people showcase their traditional expertise in traditional medicine, traditional herbs, research in traditional ideas and values change, and general traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation. The article aims to showcase the importance and contribution of traditional knowledge in society and why practitioners deserve recognition under intellectual property laws. The methodology adopted in the article is doctrinal, in that the available intellectual property laws were examined vis-à-vis articles written on the subject to ascertain how far traditional knowledge gained recognition under the extant intellectual property laws in Nigeria. It was found that the Nigerian intellectual property law has not adequately made concrete provisions for the protection of traditional knowledge in Nigeria despite the contribution of traditional knowledge practitioners. On the strength of the foregoing, it was recommended that there should be a legal framework for the protection of traditional knowledge and its practitioners in Nigeria under the intellectual property laws. It was concluded that the lack of a legal framework to protect traditional knowledge practitioners exposed their work to a lack of protection and could be manipulated by unauthorized persons
Freedom: A Prerequisite for a Valid Marriage in the Light of Canon 1103 of the Code of Canon Law
No full textIt examines freedom in marriage, especially as found in the Christian domain and to establish the fact that freedom is a prerequisite for a validly contracted marriage. Freedom, an offshoot of canon 1103, speaks of matrimonial freedom, whereby the denial of freedom through coercion (force and fear) would result in invalidating marriage. It considers too marital consent and marital choice, Christian understanding of marriage, force and fear in canon 1103, proofs of force and fear, deprivation of freedom in marriage in a bid to contribute to the enhancement and protection of marital freedom. The study clarified the following problems: lack of love in marriage as a result of lack of freedom due to the interference of parents in the choice of partners for their children, marriage divorces and separations, unhappy marriages and broken homes. The expository, exegetical and the deductive methods were used in this study. The major findings revealed that many marriages were contracted under force and fear accruing from parental influence in the marital choice of their children; also lack of knowledge of what freedom in marriage and Church marriage laws entail. The study recommended: Pre- Marriage Catechesis, Civil Legislations in the society should enshrine in the Constitution laws Prohibiting Marriage Coercion, Establishment of Diocesan Structures to take care of Marriage Problems.
Limitations of Canon Law Jurisdiction in the Enforcement of Property Rights within Nigerian State Legal Jurisdiction
No full textThis article examines the contentious area of Church-State relations concerning property disputes, highlighting the jurisdictional boundaries that exist between Canon Law and State Law. The relationship between religious bodies and the state has long been a central theme in legal and philosophical discussions, especially regarding matters of property rights and governance. Historically, the Church exercised considerable authority over its property in accordance with Canon Law, affirming its autonomy grounded in theological and ecclesiastical principles. With the evolution of secular legal systems, state law increasingly asserted its jurisdiction over property issues related to religious bodies, resulting in situations of overlapping authority and potential conflicts. This article examines the historical context regarding the management of Church property, the evolution of state power, and the points of contention where Canon Law intersects with civil law in property disputes. The main questions addressed are: What are the limits of Canon Law in cases where conflicts regarding religious property are resolved in secular courts? How do contemporary legal systems manage the equilibrium between the autonomy of religious bodies and the power of governmental authority? What factors do courts consider to determine jurisdiction in cases where religious and civil claims overlap? This study seeks to clarify the complex boundaries related to property disputes between the Church and State by examining the current legal principles. The article aims to provide insights that may guide future reforms and improve understanding of the impact of property law on the relationship between Church and State in modern societie