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Influence Of Package Design Elements On Consumers’ Choice Of Staple Commodities In Lagos State, Nigeria
Get PDFIn Lagos State, product packaging has come to play a more important role as a brand communication vehicle. The study is a descriptive survey using a structured questionnaire that elicited responses from the respondents within Lagos State, the respondents are made up of consumers of staple commodities produced by Unilever and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc. Structured questionnaires were administered to 204 consumers of products from the two selected companies in Lagos State. The respondents were selected using random sampling technique and oral interaction preceded questionnaire administration. The responses of the respondents were analysed using mode, frequency, and percentages. The findings and conclusions of this study indicate that; packaging with its entire attendant element plays a great role in determining consumers’ choice of staple commodities. The attitude of consumers toward staple commodities in Lagos State are mostly influenced by the information and label on the package followed by colour, picture, size and shape, technology, layout of design and lastly the lettering. The study recommends that companies should adopt the factors that have great influence on consumer\u27s perception of product quality as an incentive to consumers to choose their product. 
Deforestation And Its Associated Climate Risks On Rural Household Income In Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State
Get PDFNkwelle Ezunaka has witnessed severe forms of deforestation which have been a source of worry to environmentalists and decision-makers. This study evaluated the consequences of deforestation and its associated climate risks on rural household income in Nkwelle Ezunaka. The study employed the survey design approach through its data collection procedure with the use of a structured questionnaire, participant interview, and observation to elicit data from the field. Using purposive sampling, the researcher distributed a well-structured questionnaire to a sample size of 400 consisting of households found within a 200m/250m radius of area in Nkwelle with more probable risks of deforestation and forest loss across the communities. The result of the descriptive statistics and frequencies formulated out of the Likert scale questionnaire responses: it was found that the forest-related livelihood activities that exist in the area include hunting (34%), crop production (25%), animal production (26%), relaxation centres (9%) and traditional medicine practitioners (6%). The study also discovered the underlying causes of deforestation in the area, which include urbanization, agriculture and timber/wood logging. The consequences of deforestation on household income were a decrease in crop productivity and yield (12%), a decrease in rural household income (25%), loss of arable land (10%), sudden extinction of games (10%) and loss of biodiversity (18%). The study also identified the environmental effects of deforestation which include flooding (23%), global warming (9%), erosion (19%) loss of biodiversity (22%), and loss of plant/ animal species (26%). The coping strategies identified from the study area include the use of improved seedlings, adoption of organic manure and environmentally friendly chemicals and agroforestry. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to test the hypothesis that there is no significant relationship between deforestation and rural poverty. The study among other things recommended: the adoption of environmental education and campaigns, reforestation exercise and agroforestry, adoption of appropriate methods of timber harvesting, skill acquisition and grants as the main ways of reducing consequences of deforestation on household income in the study area. 
Growth Pole And Thomas Malthus: Analytical Research In Architectural Theory
Get PDFThis study examines the definition of theory and the implication it has for the theory-building research, theory must have four basic criteria: conceptual definition, Domain, limitations, relationship buildings, and predictions. The theory is vital because it provides a framework for analysis; facilitates the efficient development of the field, and is needed for the applicability to practical real-world problems. To be a good theory, a theory must follow the virtues (criteria) for "good" theory, including uniqueness, parsimony, conservation, generalizability, fecundity, internal consistency, empirical riskiness and abstraction, which apply to all research methods. Theory research seeks to find similarities across many different domains to increase its abstraction level and importance. The procedure for good theory research follows the definition of theory: it defines the variables, specifies the domain, builds internal consistency relationships makes specific predictions, and explains how theories are used; especially the theory of forms was extensively dealt with. Again, the study explained the use and application of theories in quantitative and qualitative research in architecture. Finally, two social science theories: Francois Perroux and Thomas Malthus, in their growth pole theory and Malthus\u27s theory of population respectively, were used to explain how Imo State Polytechnic as a growth pole institution has attracted a lot of architecture edifices around the environment, thereby encouraging development explosion. Following Malthus\u27s theory of population the rapid use of land which is fixed, for architectural practices was also noted. It is recommended that air spaces should be used more than land spaces; otherwise, time shall come when land spaces will become scarce
A Review Of Environmental Impacts Of Piggery Farming
Get PDFPiggery farming plays a significant role in the economy of different countries across the globe. Nonetheless, the rapid expansion of this industry raises concerns about its adverse environmental consequences. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to review the environmental impacts of piggery farming. The method used is the review of academic journals/articles, conference papers, internet materials, textbooks and publicly available materials on the environmental impacts of piggery farming. The results of the study indicated that previous authors whose works were reviewed had a convergent view that piggery farming has many adverse environmental impacts on land, water, air and human health as well as some beneficial impacts. The specific negative environmental impacts include (i) significant contribution to water pollution through the release of nutrients and pathogens from piggery solid waste; (ii) soil degradation by excessive application of piggery solid waste on land; (iii) emission of greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (NH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O); (iv) risk of the transmission of the zoonotic diseases from the pigs to animals and humans; and (v) emission of ammonia (NH3) from piggery farms which has severe adverse implications on biodiversity and human health. On the contrary, some of the beneficial impacts of piggery farming revealed by the review are (i) piggery solid waste is N-based manure useful in cropping activities to boost crop productivity; and (ii) improvement of livelihood and welfare of piggery farmers as well as a source of revenue to the government. The recommendations of this study include, among others: (i) the piggery sector should adopt sustainable practices to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, collect methane as cooking gas and properly manage piggery solid waste; (ii) it is crucial that the appropriate authorities and the pig farm owners promote animal welfare and prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases to ensure the safety of both animals and humans; and (iii) further researches are needed in this sector to explore its full beneficial impacts, develop innovative solutions and strategies to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts to ensure sustainable food security and economic growth
Reducing The Effects Of Climate Change Through The Restoration Of Inland Urban Water Ecology In Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Get PDFIn urban development, water bodies and wetlands, the ecological resources suffer degradation and disequilibrium. This often leads to the destruction of vegetation, soil degradation, and aquatic and marine life which escalates the effects of climate change. The paper examines this situation as it affects the two water bodies of Nworie and Otamiri rivers in Owerri urban, with a view to proffering strategies for restoring the ecology of the rivers and mitigating the effects of climate change. Historically, the rivers formed the socio-economic, socio-cultural and environmental backbone for Owerri urban. However, over the years, the surrounding rainforest vegetation, wetlands, and river bank have been destroyed, leading to ecological disequilibrium, erosion and pollution. The paper identifies the components of the river ecosystem along the river stretch and identifies some of the resulting ecological problems using satellite technology, Geographic Information System, and Geographic Positioning System. It found that it is possible to restore the ecology of the growing urban area through replanting of local cash economic trees, re-grassing, community participation, and repopulation of the aquatic and marine elements. It is also possible to restore the recreational potential of the rivers and improve tourism, urban agriculture and economy. It is therefore proposed that a policy direction that can not only restore the ecology of urban water bodies but also improve the management of ecological resources of other emerging urban areas should be pursued
Effects Of Human Footprints On Mmili-Ezigbo, Alor In Idemili South L.G.A. Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFWater is life if untainted, but across the world, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, inland water resources are under pressure of pollution from agrochemicals, and municipal and other domestic wastes, capriciously affecting the water quality. The effects of human footprints on the water quality of Mmili-Ezigbo were assessed in 2022 using some selected parameters as indicators of water quality: temperature, pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), turbidity, phosphates, nitrates and nitrites. The major intentions were to determine whether there was variation in the selected physicochemical parameters of water; to investigate and identify various human footprints affecting Mmili-Ezigbo and their effects on the quality of water of Mmili-Ezigbo, the methods used for the study were field observation, measurements, questionnaires and laboratory analysis to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. Water samples were collected at three (3) different locations along Mmili-Ezigbo and questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents residing around the study area. It was discovered that Mmili-Ezigbo contributes on no small scale to the economic development of the studied population, result shows that out of sixteen (16) analyzed parameters, only four (4) parameters (conductivity, copper, zinc and iron) were within the acceptable limit while twelve (12) parameters (temperature, turbidity, Ph, BOD, COD, TDS, cadmium, arsenic, nitrate, nitrite and faecal & total coliforms) were relatively above the WHO/ NESERA standard for drinking water. To abate the effects of human footprints on the water quality of Mmili-Ezigbo, the study recommends that government policies and regulations should be enforced to guide water users on sustainable strategies; regular team monitoring by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is advised to checkmate the activities of industrial, commercial and agricultural dealers to ensure that water utilization is done in an eco-friendly manner, free from environmental and health hazards and/or pollution. 
The Use Of Solar Energy And Its Green Business Potential In Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe potential of solar energy is enormous giving an account of generating almost 200,000 times the world\u27s daily electricity if only it can be utilized. The Solar Energy System (SES) promotes renewable energy and provides green products which are environmentally friendly and meet a clear need for sustainability. This study assessed the eco-friendly ability of green entrepreneurial opportunities in the use of solar energy systems in Onitsha Anambra State, for mitigating climate change in 2021. This concerned a wide range of users, such as traders, computer business centres, eateries and bars, barbers\u27 shops and households to reduce any negative environmental impacts. Various related literature on green entrepreneur opportunities in the use of solar energy systems were reviewed. 50 persons were purposively selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and a tabular presentation was used to present the findings showing the frequency and percentage. Analysis of data was based on the research questions and findings. The result showed that most respondents are dealers of solar energy system technologies, outnumbering the users. Also, 60% of the respondents indicated that solar energy system is steady, saves money and best source of energy. However, 40% indicated that it needs expert service, 20% indicated that it creates job opportunities, and 20% indicated that it is noiseless, not cost-effective and needs high maintenance. Only 10% indicated that it has a lot of waste. Appropriate strategies can be put in place to make solar energy installation materials accessible to the poor and average man. This is because, with the realization of the full potential and promotion of solar energy technology, there could be sustainable economic, environmentally friendly and social development of Onitsha and its environs as an option for combating climate change. 
Climate Change And Environmental Management: The Green Architecture Approach For Nigerian Households
Get PDFIn the past two decades, there has been a global action plan to deal with the issues arising from climate change as a result of the devastating effect it has on human beings and the ecosystem. Global warming, high energy use in buildings, inadequate power supply, shortage of portable water, depletion of forest reserves, drought, flooding and environmental pollution are a great challenge to developing countries especially Nigeria. This study seeks to examine the concept of climate change in the context of the role of green architecture in environmental management of the Nigerian households. The methodology adopted was descriptive survey and the instrument for data collection was a structured survey questionnaire. The sample population was the owner occupiers within the Gwagwalada Satellite town of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. A total sample size of one hundred and fifty participants (150) was drawn from three sub-urban layouts namely phases 1, 2 and 3 within Gwagwalada using stratified random sampling method. The findings reveal that a great majority of the respondents have no idea about green architecture/buildings, hence, do not implement environmental management principles. This implies that most households will continue to experience severe energy and water challenges as well as environmental degradation in the face of the current global climate change crisis. The study recommends a list of drastic measures which includes the launching of a green building revolution by the Federal Government of Nigeria with all stake holders on board. This will reawaken the consciousness and make more appealing the green Architecture/building concept to majority of Nigerian households thereby enhancing environmental management and ultimately national development
Geographical Information System (GIS) And Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach For Detecting Of Flood Hazardous Areas In Yewa South, Ogun State
Get PDFMany countries, including developed, developing, and underdeveloped ones, are at risk from floods. Floods have become one of Nigeria\u27s most destructive natural disasters due to several factors which include the effects of climate change, changes in land use, elevation changes., etc. Flood risk is a byproduct of both natural and human activities, necessitating an immediate and improved understanding of its spatial breadth and length. This study attempts to locate and map flood-prone sites in the Yewa (Egbado) South Area of Ogun state. Four (4) criteria: Land use, DEM (Digital Elevation Model), flood direction, and slope, have been chosen for this analysis of flood-prone locations using spatial analysis in the Geographical Information System (GIS) environment. To create a flood hazard map for the area, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) assigned weight and ranking based on the level of impact the criteria have on flooding; they were used to create a weight overlay comparative map of these criteria. The result shows that part of Ibese and a portion of Ilaro are in the low flood hazard zone, have a 2% risk of flooding, while a larger portion of the area is covered by the medium flood hazard zone (81%), which has a 4% risk of flooding. The high flood zone has a 17% risk of flooding, according to a weight overlay comparative map of these criteria
Evaluation Of Residents’ Satisfaction Level With Physical Qualities Of Slum Dwellings In Urban Centres In Abia State, Nigeria
No full textThe increasing proliferation of slums and their attendant mismatch with urban landscapes call for users’ satisfaction evaluation for possible future upgrading of urban slums. This study evaluates the residents\u27 levels of satisfaction with the physical qualities of dwellings in the urban slum centres in Aba and Umuahia, Nigeria, to provide design criteria for urban slum upgrading. The physical qualities of the slum dwellings and the level of satisfaction of the residents were investigated through a mixture of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The quantitative approach involved the administration of 313 copies of structured questionnaires on the randomly selected adult residents of slum dwellings in Abia State. The qualitative method adopted the physical observation of the slum dwellings. The resident satisfaction index (RSI) and physical quality index (PQI) simulated from the relative importance index (RII) were used to analyse the 3-point Likert scale ordinal data obtained. The findings indicate that all the rankings from both PQI and RSI were below the predetermined value of 0.3 which is considered as minimum. This implies that the residents were both dissatisfied and in disagreement with the statements provided on the physical qualities of the slum dwellings. Thus, the study recommends that inasmuch as the consideration of inputs from end-users of every kind of building facility is necessary, however, those of the inhabitants of the slum dwellings in Abia State, Nigeria, cannot be integrated into the discursive field of urban slum upgrading programmes by the relevant urban design professionals and all other stakeholders. However, the urban slum dwellers are also qualified to have adequate, safe and affordable housing provisions