Federal University of Kashere Journals
Not a member yet
639 research outputs found
Sort by
Impact of Climate-Smart Agricultural Cooperatives on Conflict Prevention and Rural Prosperity in West Africa
Full text linkThe climate change exacerbates resource conflicts and undermines rural livelihoods in West Africa, yet climate-smart agricultural (CSA) cooperatives offer a promising solution. This study investigates how CSA cooperatives in Ghana and Senegal reduce land and water conflicts while enhancing rural prosperity. Using a mixed-methods case study approach, data were collected from local government records, NGO reports, and focus group discussions with cooperative members. In Ghana’s Asunafo North Cooperative, agroforestry and land-use agreements increased maize yields by 39% and incomes by 28%, while reducing farmer-herder disputes by 70% between 2018 and 2024. In Senegal’s Louga Water Users’ Cooperative, drip irrigation and water-sharing agreements boosted rice yields by 28% and incomes by 32%, cutting water-related conflicts by 80%. Community perceptions highlight cooperatives as platforms for trust and economic stability, reinforcing peace. Challenges include funding constraints, limited technology access, and policy gaps. The findings address a gap in understanding CSA cooperatives as dual drivers of peacebuilding and economic resilience, offering a scalable model for climate-vulnerable regions. Recommendations include sustained funding, stronger policy integration, and inclusive governance to scale cooperative impacts. This study underscores the potential of CSA cooperatives to transform resource scarcity into opportunities for collaboration and prosperity in West Africa
Unveiling the Roots and Ripple Effects of Banditry in Katsina State: A Deep Dive into Causes and Consequences
Full text linkThis study explores the underlying causes and far-reaching effects of banditry in Katsina state, with a particular focus on the perspectives of local communities through qualitative methodologies. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) involving community members, stakeholders, and security personnel in Danmusa, Kankara, Batsari and Jibia Local government areas, this research aims at understanding the factors driving banditry and its social, economic, and psychological impacts. The qualitative approach enable the collection of rich, descriptive data, revealing the complexity of the issues beyond what factors contribute to the rise of banditry in Katsina state. Drug abuse emerged as a major catalystthat triggers criminal activities. Bad governance seemed a fertile reason for bandit groups to thrive. Furthermore, inter-tribal mistrust rooted in the longstanding farmers-herders conflict has exacerbated tensions, particularly between the Fulani nomadic herders and Hausa sedentary farmers. This mistrust, often ignited by competition over land and water resources, has led to communal strife, further destabilizing the region. The consequences of banditry are profound including kidnapping and displacement of communities to the disruption of agricultural activities, which form the backbone of local economy. The study also found significant psychological impacts, with many residents living in a constant state of fear and insecurity. Addressing the root causes requires a comprehensive approach, including strengthening governance, promoting dialogue between communities, and providing youth-oriented programs to curb drug abuse. This research highlights the need for policymakers and stakeholders to address the multi-faceted drivers of banditry to ensure sustainable peace and development in Katsina state
Power Sector Reforms and Citizen-centered Social Policy in Nigeria
Full text linkThe Power sector reforms in Nigeria have evolved overtime. It aims to significantly revolutionize the electricity industry concomitant with various economic reform measures like privatization, liberalization, deregulation and regulatory changes. The maximization of social gain is the heartbeat of public policies. The core focus of these reforms is the need to create a loop of technicality, market-driven changes and citizen-centered social policy goals. The Electricity Act 2023 was a watershed in efforts to decentralize ownership, control, management and regulation to the sub-nationals. This was designed to sustainably promote renewable energy integration, and encouraging localized electricity markets. However, encumbrances surrounding political will, haphazard privatization, weak regulatory enforcement, gaps in infrastructural investments, and politicization of development drives continue to thwart progress, affect service provision and cost advantage for many Nigerians. Relying on a descriptive analysis of available secondary information, this study thematically reviews concepts that are related to power reform and social policy. With the use of systems theory, the power sector operates within an organically connected ecosystem where reform policies, operators, and citizen experiences create a continuum of feedback, mutually reinforcing one another. It was noted that effective reforms hinged on adequate political will must therefore institutionalize mechanisms for citizen involvement, autonomy for market actors, transparent tariff-setting and social protection to ensure equitable outcomes. To enhance the social impact of reforms policy, the study recommends strengthening operational independence and adequate regulatory schemes to enforce corporate social responsibilities and obligations of power sector investments to the citizenry
Scrutinising Nigeria's Electoral Trajectory: The Electoral Act 2022, The 2023 Polls, and the Judiciary's Verdict
Full text linkThe Consistent scheduling of elections remains a cornerstone of Nigeria's democratic development. The 2023 general elections, marking the seventh consecutive electoral cycle since the 1999 democratic transition, significantly tested the nation's democratic infrastructure, particularly in light of electoral reforms encapsulated in the highly anticipated Electoral Act 2022. This paper critically examines the influence of this Act on the 2023 general elections and explores the ramifications of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal's (PEPT) judgment for the future of elections in Nigeria. It scrutinises the deployment of technological innovations, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), for voter accreditation and results transmission, alongside the attendant operational difficulties. The analysis also highlights persistent challenges that cast doubt on the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) capacity to deliver transparent, free, and equitable elections in 2023. Employing a qualitative methodology, this study draws upon an extensive review of desktop literature, including official documents, academic books, journal articles, media reports, and legal instruments. Key findings indicate that several provisions within the Electoral Act 2022 suffer from ambiguity, with certain sections being overly broad or allowing excessive latitude for subjective interpretation. To bolster the credibility of future electoral contests, the study advocates for the safeguarding of voter interests through enhanced legal certainty across all electoral stages, necessitating the elimination of ambiguities within the Electoral Act and associated INEC guidelines. Such clarity is crucial to mitigate the risk of conflicting interpretations and foster greater public trust
IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY O MARKET VALUE OF LISTED CONGLOMERATE COMPANIES NIGERIA
Full text linkThe study examines how corporate social responsibility affects Nigerian listed market value. Community engagement, Human Resource Management (HRM) disclosures, and charitable contributions are used to examine how CSR affects listed conglomerates' market value in Nigeria. The study used panel data regression to determine how CSR affeccompany market value. The study population includes all five Nigerian stock exchangelisted conglomerate companies as at December 31, 202The study examines how corporate social responsibility affects Nigerian listed companies' market value. Community engagement, Human Resource Management (HRM) disclosures, and charitable contributions are used to examine how CSR affects listed conglomerates' market value in Nigeria. The study used panel data regression to determine how CSR affects company market value. The study population includes all five Nigerian stock exchangeDecember 31, 2024. The study found that communitybased CSR initiatives negatively affect market value, while HRM disclosures have nHowever, charitable contributions boost market value in Nigerian conglomerates. The study recommends that these companies' management take a more targeted and strategic approach to CSR implementation immediately. Strategicbased CSR initiatives negatively affect market value, while HRM disclosures have no effect. However, charitable contributions boost market value in Nigerian conglomerates. The study recommends that these companies' management take a more targeted and strategic approach to CSR implementation immediately. Strategic alignment and transparent communication of CSR initiatives to increase market value, strengthen local ties, and foster communication of CSR initiatives to increase market value, strengthen local ties, and foster business growth and financial performance
EFFECTIVENESS OF TAX INCENTIVES IN PROMOTING SME DEVELOPMENT IN GOMBE STATE: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW
Full text linkSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are widely recognized as critical drivers of economic growth, employment, and innovation, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria. In response to their strategic importance, various tax incentives have been introduced to stimulate SME development. This paper conceptually reviews the effectiveness of tax incentives in promoting SME growth in Gombe State, Nigeria. Drawing on relevant theoretical frameworks (namely, the Tax Incentive Theory, Compliance Cost Theory, and Resource-Based View) alongside recent empirical and policy literature, the study explores the awareness, accessibility, and impact of tax incentives on SME performance. The review reveals that despite the existence of favorable tax policies, their effectiveness in Gombe State remains limited due to low awareness, high informality, institutional weaknesses, and poor policy localization. The study concludes that a more context-specific, inclusive, and transparent implementation of tax incentives is essential to enhance their developmental impact in the state. Key recommendations include simplification of tax processes, localized awareness campaigns, institutional reforms, and coordinated efforts between government agencies. The paper further suggests empirical research to assess tax incentive uptake and their direct impact on SME performance in Northern Nigeria
Physicochemical analysis of Blighia sapida (Sapindaceae) seed oil from Zago, Agaie Local Government Area of Niger state
Full text linkDried Blighia sapida seeds were divided into two portions: one portion dehulled (DS) while the other was left as whole seed (WS), and made into fine powder. The oil was extracted with diethylether using Soxhlet extractor, and characterized by determining the percentage yield, acid, saponification, iodine and peroxide values. Moisture, ash, carbohydrate, lipid, protein and crude fibre contents were determined according to standard methods of analysis. The respective proximate analysis for dehulled seed (DS) and whole seed (WS) indicated low moisture content (6.00 ± 0.28 and 3.57 ± 0.21% WW), ash content of (2.50 ± 0.10 and 3.50 ± 0.16% DW), carbohydrate (49.45±0.00 and 54.60 ± 0.14% DW), lipid (36.55 ± 0.1 and 18.20 ± 0.03% DW), protein (9.5 ± 0.16 and 9.70 ± 0.01% DW) and crude fibre content (2.10 ± 0.08 and 14.00 ± 0.24 DW). The DS had the highest saponification value (244.60 ± 0.25 mgKOH/g), acid value of (5.16 ± 0.01 mgKOH/g), while peroxide value (9.14 ± 0.08mg/g and Iodine value (8.10 ± 0.21mg/g) are higher in WS. The results of the physicochemical analysis of the oil revealed that the oil has high stability to rancidity due to low levels of iodine and peroxide values, which invariably indicate low unsaturation tendency and therefore high level of saturation. The high level of saponification values suggests the potential of the oil for use in industries for making soaps, shampoos, cleaners, shaving creams and lubricants
Isolation and Characterization of Flavonoids from Myosotis scorpioides L. (Boraginaceae) and Evaluation of Antimalarial Efficacy of Dichloromethane Extract of the Plant
Full text linkThe plant sample (Myosotis scorpioides L (Boraginaceae)) was selected based on its ethnomedicinal usage by the traditional Lala people in Adamawa State as a remedy to malarial disease. The extract was initially screened for the presence of phytocompounds and antiplasmodial assay and was run in the Vacuum Liquid Chromatography followed by Column Chromatography to obtain the pure compounds. The result of the phytochemical screening revealed that extract of the plant contained most of the important secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, saponins etc. The antimalarial evaluation revealed a potential drug candidate to remedy malaria disease. The Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) followed by Column Chromatography of the plant extract afforded two pure Compounds: Ms-25-3 (1) and Ms-10-102 (2). The two Compounds were analyzed on FT-IR machine, BRUKER NMR-spectrophotometer (700MHz) and a HR-MS machine. The data obtained were used for the structural elucidation of the Compounds. 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-((3,4,5,6tetrahydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)methoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (1) a new flavonoid and 2-(3,4-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-hydroxymethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxymethyl)-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy]-chromen-4-one (2). The two flavonoids might be responsible for the antimalarial activity observed in the crude extract of the plant. The result has supported the ethnomedicinal use of the plant, confirmed its activity and has also provided a baseline data for future research on the plant. However, further phytochemical, biological, pharmacological investigations and exhaustive isolation and purification methods are highly recommended on the solvent extracts of the plants
Locating Karstic Void using Resistivity and Gravity Methods in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia
Full text linkGravity and resistivity are geophysical methods used to delineate the subsurface of the Earth. The interpretation of subsurface layers can be useful for exploration purposes and detecting anomalies that could lead to hazardous events. In this study, a CG-5 Autograv Scintrex was used to measure and collect gravity data where gravity points were calculated at 5 to 10 meters between each station. This method is conducted in a looping manner whereby, after every three (3) hour interval, the gravity points are tied to the base for the closing of the loop. These data points were then transferred into a computer for further processing and interpretation. Similarly, the resistivity method investigates variations of electrical resistance by causing electrical current to flow through the subsurface using wires connected to the ground. In this research, a dipole-dipole protocol was implemented to a 200-meter-long survey line with each line representing 100 meters from the center. The electrodes were planted every 5 meters across 6 survey lines using ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. The obtained resistivity data were also transferred into the computer for further processing using the RES2DINV programme to create a resistivity pseudosection model. The model was further interpreted to locate the karstic void from the difference in resistivity value at different depths. The combined results from both gravity and resistivity methods gave a more accurate representation of the Earth's subsurface layers which in turn enable the location of the void to be pinpointed more accurately
Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation in West Africa: Implication for Nigerian Security
Full text linkThe proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in West Africa poses significant threats to regional and national security particularly Nigeria. This paper attempts to assess the implication Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation in West African Sub-region on Nigerian Security. To achieve this, the paper employed content analysis to x-ray the existing literatures on the central theme of the paper. The paper found that, West African sub-region is now awash with Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) of the approximately 500 million illicit weapons in circulation worldwide. This unfortunate situation is intricately connected with the strategic location of the West-African Sub-Region at the seaboard of Atlantic Ocean. The paper also found that SALW proliferation in West Africa fueled insurgency, banditry, kidnapping for ransoms, farmers-herders’ conflicts, electoral violence, etc. in Nigeria, thereby exacerbating humanitarian crises and undermining the state authority. The paper concludes that it would be meaningless to talk of comprehensive security in Nigeria in the midst of absence of good governance and pervasive leadership crises demonstrated in the form of absence of political will and commitment by our political actors to consciously implement programmes and policies that would promote socio-economic well-being of the country and also to embrace vital aspects of social and national development, such as the provision of employment opportunities and other basic social amenities that are vital for satisfying individuals’ basic needs