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Application Of Just-In-Time Delivery In The Construction Industry: A Case Study Of Lagos State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigates the application of Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery in the construction industry in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a focus on its impact on material management, quality control, inventory control, waste reduction and overall productivity. A quantitative research design was adopted, employing questionnaires administered to 203 registered construction professionals. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS, indicated that JIT is reasonably implemented in Lagos State construction projects, with waste reduction emerging as the most significant area of application. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two principal components: the quality factor, which includes material and supply chain management, quality control, labor management, technical challenges, regulatory requirements, and construction scheduling; and the waste reduction factor, which comprises inventory control, storage space management, waste minimization, and efficiency enhancement. The findings demonstrate that JIT implementation improves project efficiency and reduces waste, though challenges such as unreliable supply chains and coordination difficulties remain. To maximize the benefits of JIT in construction, the study recommends strengthening supply chain networks, enhancing project management competencies, and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
Integrating Ai Technologies Into Climate Risk Management Frameworks In Nigerian Agriculture For Food Security
Get PDFNigeria faces escalating climate challenges, including intensified droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods. Climate change increasingly threatens Nigeria’s largely rainfed smallholder agriculture, contributing to declining crop yields and threatening food security. This study investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing climate risk management in Nigerian agriculture. This study utilizes the concept of climate action as a lens, and an extensive desk review of existing literature. Findings reveal that AI technologies are increasingly employed in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Applications include predictive analytics for weather forecasting, optimization of water resource management, and enhancement of agricultural practices through precision farming, focusing on capacity building and community engagement. However, this study identifies significant barriers to the widespread adoption of AI in climate resilience efforts in Nigeria. Challenges encompass data scarcity, limited digital infrastructure, and a shortage of localized AI solutions tailored to specific Nigerian agriculture. Interviewees underscore the necessity for collaborative approaches that involve stakeholders at all levels, from grassroots organizations to international bodies, to develop and implement effective AI-driven climate strategies. The research concludes that while AI holds substantial promise for enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria, realizing its full potential requires addressing infrastructural and capacity-related challenges. Strategic investments in data infrastructure, education, and policy frameworks are essential to empower communities and ensure the equitable deployment of AI technologies in combating climate change across the continent
Leveraging Climate-Smart Agriculture And Indigenous Knowledge For Sustainable Food Security In Sub-Saharan Africa: Policy And Practice Insights
Get PDFFood security has continued to pose significant barrier in Sub-Saharan Africa, intensified by the rising climate change challenges on agricultural yield and rural sustainability. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) represents an integrated approach that combines sustainable agricultural productivity, climate adaptation, and mitigation to strengthen food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite global advocacy and relevance, the integration of indigenous knowledge systems with modern CSA practices remains underexplored in both policy and implementation contexts. This paper, critically examines the potential of combining indigenous agricultural knowledge with climate-smart practices to enhance food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focused case study on Nigeria and its neighbouring countries including Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. This study drawing from a holistic desk-based thematic analysis of diverse frameworks, articulation of relevant FAO and IPCC reports, germane literature review from Scopus based journal comprising of peer review studies in related subjects, identified major thematic codes within policy gaps, challenges relating to integration, and typical types of local experience and implications in climate resilience: Findings demonstrate that while indigenous knowledge including traditional crop selection, water conservation, and seasonal forecasting offers valuable context-specific adaptive strategies, its integration with CSA technologies varies across Nigeria and neighbouring countries (Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin) due to differing institutional barriers, policy frameworks, and community engagement levels. This disparity highlights the need for tailored policy reforms and localized CSA interventions to address the unique socio-cultural and environmental conditions within each country. However, institutional barriers, lack of policy recognition, and limited collaboration between local communities and formal agricultural systems hinder this integration. This article contends for policy reform inclusivity which identifies local experience and cultural knowledge as an invaluable input in discussing climate adaptation and food access game plans. The study also advocates for the interconnectedness between all major stakeholders including peasant farmers, academics and policy analysts to synthesize context-specific CSA solutions that are viable and scalable. Such participatory involvement can build stronger capacity for climate adaptation, resilience, and equality in food supply within the inevitable climate crisis era, and lastly, the research contributes to sustainability science by bridging traditional wisdom and scientific innovation, offering a pathway to more effective and culturally sensitive climate-smart agriculture policies in Sub-Saharan Africa
Integration And Use Of Playgrounds Within The Neglected Green Spaces In Owerri Into Urban Life
Get PDFPlaygrounds are used by both children and adults in neighbourhoods and layouts in urban areas, where they exist in different forms and sizes in order for them to fulfil the intended purposes. Recreational, as well as other economic activities that support them, take place in these spaces. Such informal playgrounds exist within and around the neglected green spaces in the layouts located in the Old Owerri urban area. These green spaces were structured into the urban development of Owerri by planning authorities, but have become neglected, with some undesirable activities taking place within them. This research sought to investigate the factors that influence the proper integration of these playgrounds into the neglected green spaces. The research method used was survey research with questionnaire administered on residents of selected layouts in Owerri. Obtained data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis tools. Findings revealed that if these factors are taken into consideration, there will be proper integration of these playgrounds into the neglected green spaces in Owerri urban. It is recommended that the provision of these playgrounds in the green spaces should be done within the context of the actual needs of the users and provision of specific facilities for the different age groups should be done
Enhancing Green Plot Ratio In Residential Building Plots In Jos, Nigeria
Get PDFAs urbanisation accelerates, there is a consequential loss of greenery in cities as spaces that were once vegetative have become hard surfaces in forms of roofs and pavements. The need to accommodate the rising population results in the creation of more dwelling units in the form of residential buildings. The loss of greenery in residential areas has become a critical concern, leading to reduced biodiversity, increased urban heat island effects and diminished well-being for urban dwellers. The concept of Green Plot Ratio (GPR) offers a quantifiable solution to integrate and compensate for the loss of greenery by the creation of residential buildings on previously vegetative sites. This research explores strategies for enhancing GPR by incorporating vertical gardens and rooftop greenery. This research is domiciled in Jos, an urban city in Nigeria. It examines case studies of two residential buildings (a bungalow and duplex) that successfully incorporated greenery to offset ecological losses and achieve sustainable urban living. It focuses on quantifying the vegetation of the plots of the case studies which were previously grasslands before construction, and were altered after construction to accommodate residential units. Afterwards, the results are looked at to see if the GPR was reduced from what it was naturally, if it had been maintained or even enhanced. Thus, the quantitative research methodology was adopted for this research. By analysing these implementations, the study identifies key parameters influencing GPR, such as vegetation density and plant selection. Findings reveal the possibilities of the greenery in a vegetative land being maintained and enhanced through GPR, though the creation of a residential unit tampered with the natural vegetation. Ultimately, the study advocates for the integration of GPR as a component in urban planning to create environmentally resilient and aesthetically pleasing living spaces
Selected Physico-Mechanical Properties Of Cement-Plastic Composites Of Banana Pseudo Stems Fibres
Get PDFThis study investigates the viability of Banana Pseudo Stem (BPS) fibres as a reinforcement material in cement-plastic composites. BPS fibres, an abundant and lightweight lignocellulosic resource, offer promising potential due to their accessibility and eco-friendliness. However, like other natural fibers, BPS contains inhibitory substances, such as hemicelluloses and tannins, which can hinder cement setting. This research addresses these challenges through various pre-treatment methods, including water soaking and the addition of chemical accelerators. By examining untreated and treated BPS combined with plastic particles, the study evaluates the impact of BPS on composite strength, density, water absorption, and thickness swelling. Results indicate that chemical treatments and plastic additions enhance composite density and flexural strength, suggesting improved compatibility with cement. Based on these results, BPS-cement composites are recommended for indoor, non-structural applications such as insulation panels, ceiling boards, and partition walls, where the need for stability under fluctuating moisture conditions is minimized
Enhancing The Design Of Orthopedic Hospitals Using Biophilic Elements: The Case Of Some Selected Hospitals In South-East Nigeria
Get PDFThe quality of healthcare facility design plays a critical role in influencing patient recovery, staff efficiency, and overall healthcare outcomes. In Nigeria, orthopedic healthcare facilities often face design challenges that limit their effectiveness in promoting healing environments. This study explores the current design conditions of selected orthopedic hospitals in the southeastern region of Nigeria, with a particular focus on identifying opportunities for improvement through the integration of biophilic design elements. Using a case study approach, data was collected through field observations, architectural analysis, and interviews with healthcare professionals and facility users across selected hospitals. The findings highlight prevalent issues such as overcrowded wards, poor ventilation, inadequate access to natural light, and limited incorporation of natural elements. These challenges not only affect patient comfort but also hinder staff performance and overall operational efficiency. The study underscores the urgent need to re-evaluate the design of orthopedic healthcare facilities in the region and recommends the adoption of biophilic principles as a practical and sustainable approach to enhancing healing environments. The outcomes provide context-specific insights that can inform future healthcare design policies and architectural interventions in Nigeria
Gendered Impacts Of Climate Change: Flooding, Livelihoods, And Food Security In Ogbaru Lga, Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study examines the intricate nexus between flooding, food security, and the gendered impacts of climate change on female farmers in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria. In light of the escalating threat posed by climate change, which amplifies extreme weather events such as flooding, the agricultural sector, particularly smallholder farming, faces ever-growing challenges in safeguarding food security. This research seeks to elucidate how climate-induced flooding disrupts agricultural productivity, disproportionately affecting women, who play a central role in food production within rural Nigeria. Employing a survey-based methodology, data were collected via structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions from a sample of 394 female farmers across selected communities. The findings underscore that flooding significantly hampers crop yields, exacerbates food insecurity, and amplifies the vulnerabilities faced by women, due in no small part to prevailing gender inequities. Moreover, the study reveals that while income influences agricultural output, other factors such as climatic variability, access to resources, and socio-political dynamics play equally pivotal roles in determining food security outcomes. The study calls for the formulation of gender-responsive policies and the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices to bolster the adaptive capacities of women farmers in flood-prone areas, thus ensuring a more sustainable and equitable approach to food security in the context of climate change
Neo-Artificial Intelligence (Ai) And Liquidity Of Financial Sectors In Nigeria: Nexus In Climate Finance
Get PDFThis study analysed the neo-artificial intelligence (AI) and liquidity of financial sectors in Nigeria: Nexus in Climate Finance from 2012-2023. The specific objectives were to evaluate the effect of Real-time gross settlement and Electronic funds transfer, on the liquidity of financial sectors in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was used based on secondary data collected for the study, the study financial service sector in Nigeria. The variables were liquidity of financial sectors as the dependent variables while real-time gross settlement and Electronic funds transfer, were the independent variables. Panel Least Squared (PLS) method of data analysis was used. The study also employed descriptive statistics to check the normality data collected for the study, while hausman test was used to check for Regression analysis between dependent variable and independent variables and correlation in this study was used to check the relationship between dependent variable and independent variables. From the analysis result the study found that; Real time gross settlement has significant effect on liquidity of financial sector in Nigeria. (t=3.583072=0.009); Electronic fund transfer has no significant effect on liquidity of financial sector in Nigeria (=0.569002, p=0.5721); The study recommended amongst others that; financial sectors should ensure adequacy of real time gross settlement services, regardless of location to enhance customer access. They should also ensure availability of electronic fund transfer services so that customers can have seamless and round-the-clock access
The Necessity For Reconfiguring Introductory Level Property Valuation Examinations In Nigeria: A View Fashioned By Experience
Get PDFWhether written or oral, practical or theoretical, examinations are designed to evaluate ability. In the core estate management subject of property valuation, which is introduced at 200 level in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, learners are tested by written examinations. Following the 2022 introduction of a revised curriculum by the accreditation body, the National Universities Commission (NUC), this paper examines the appropriateness of instituting corresponding changes in examination practice. This is a discourse highlighting an extant situation which may hinder learners being tested across all sections of the introductory valuation examination curriculum, thereby making difficult the acquisition of a balanced knowledge. This would be avoided if they were deliberately required to demonstrate capacity in the three identified areas of the syllabus. Being a viewpoint, the approach of the paper is a review of secondary data assembled from published literature, the archives, online sources, and also, the practical teaching experience of the author in a Nigerian federal university. The review indicates that current practice does not usually offer a spread of questions fully reflective of the three broad sections of the curriculum, namely, valuation mathematics; land and property markets; and the money and capital markets. In addition, there is an absence of compulsory sections and compulsory questions. These facts of current practice and the findings from related research are used to consider the necessity, modalities and potential benefits of a reconfiguration. The conclusion is that a reconfiguration is necessary and important because existing deficiencies may deny learners an adequate foundation, placing them at a disadvantage in meeting future challenges in learning and in practice. Therefore, a reconfiguration is recommended to overcome extant shortcomings. Also, to upgrade the examination to a better and more comprehensive test of knowledge and capacity, particularly with the introduction of the suggested complementary and supplementary instructional input