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Syrian Conflict and Its Implication on Peace and Security in African Countries

Ibiam Sunday Mba

INTRODUCTION

In this era, we continue to witness evolving scenarios not even good for deviants to experience. Decades ago, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of insurgency were heard far of in Gaza strip, Palestine (Middle East). People imagine how the culprits and victims will look like; the same feeling was also common at hearing about coup d’état and later catching sight at a suicide bomber whether male or female. The expression on faces, ask, if it is real? However, the contagious effects of successful young coup plotters inspired by some revolutionary literatures around the world evidently were rampant in Africa during military regimes. Politics, religion, trade etc are universal doctrine for that it’s operational manifestations positively and negatively is copied fast in one-world universality orchestrated by globalization. The advancement recorded in westernization, liberalization, modernization etc ensures that any form of disposition is in fact highly copied and practiced around the world following a coincidental need or by way of fair abuse or by practical adoption as ethics. Indeed, the quick spread of what is adjudged good and bad have also responded to the increasing wave of the 21st century.


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Analysis of Broiler Demand in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

1Gambo, A; 2Abali, U, & 3Bukar, U 

ABSTRACT

The study analysed Broiler demand among poultry consumers in Maiduguri Metropolitan Area of Borno State, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Questionnaire and personnel interview were used to collect data from fifty ((50) respondents sampled using stratified sampling procedure. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the descriptive statistics shows that majority (72%) and earned relatively amount #20,000 per month which indicates income level determine quality and quantity of broiler consume. The result of the multiple regression analysis shows that the socioeconomic variables are significant at 5% and 1% level of significance. The study therefore, recommended that government should make available broiler production inputs to the broiler producers so that price can be lowered for people to afford broiler.

Keywords: Analysis, Broiler, Demand, Maiduguri, Council.


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Environmental Impact of Cassava Processing Waste on Soil Quality in Benue South, Nigeria

Abah, E.O, Ovie, O.E, Ijimbili, B S and Eze, S.C

ABSTRACT

Cassava processing plays a critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, but it generates substantial waste that poses environmental risks, particularly to soil quality. This study investigates the environmental impact of cassava processing waste on soil quality in Benue South, Nigeria, focusing on the accumulation of cyanide, heavy metals, phosphates, and nitrates. The study was conducted across three Local Government Areas—Otukpo, Ohimini, and Okpokwu—using soil samples collected at varying depths from cassava processing effluent discharge points. Analytical methods included colorimetry for cyanide detection and atomic absorption spectroscopy for heavy metal analysis. The findings reveal significant contamination by heavy metals, particularly lead, and elevated cyanide levels near processing sites, highlighting the adverse effects of cassava waste on soil health. Phosphate and nitrate concentrations were also assessed, indicating potential risks to soil fertility and groundwater quality. The results underscore the urgent need for improved waste management practices in cassava processing communities to mitigate environmental degradation. This research contributes valuable baseline data for future interventions aimed at promoting sustainable cassava processing and waste utilization, with potential benefits for both environmental health and rural economies.

Keywords: Processing, Cassava, Soil, Impact


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Assessment of the Causes and Effects of Post-harvest Losses of Fruits among Rural Farmers in North-Central, Nigeria

Ukohol, F.Y.,1*  Nwaobiala, C. U.2* and Iornenge, G.M3*

ABSTRACT

The study assessed post-harvest losses of selected fruits among rural farmers in North-Central, Nigeria. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select 182 fruit farmers from 4865 registered fruit farmers from Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States ADP. Primary data were collected through the use of well-structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that 75.3% of the respondents were males, married (58.2%), educated (64.3%) with a mean age of 45 years and a mean household size of 6 persons. Major causes of post-harvest losses of fruits were; lack of proper storage facilities (=3.69), lack of agro-based industries (3.63%), poor transportation facilities (=3.59), high temperature (=3.59) and microbial attack (=3.58). Findings also indicate that reduce income of farmers (=3.69), environmental pollution/degradation (=3.60), increased food insecurity (3.59) were the major effects of post-harvest losses of fruits in the area.  ANOVA result showed a significant difference in quantity (p=0.004) and monetary lost (p=0.013) of fruits at 5.0% level of probability each across the states.  The study concluded that post-harvest losses of fruits in the area were caused by many strong factors and also has serious negative effects on the farmers. It was recommended that Government and private sector should establish agro- processing industries in rural areas for fruits in order to reduce post-harvest losses, maximize profit and improve their living standard.

Keywords: Assessment, Post-harvest, Losses, Management, Strategies, fruits


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Quality Evaluation of Biscuit Produced from Blend of Wheat Toasted White Bean Flour and Banana Puree

Igbatigbi, M.J, Deborah.A, and Orishagbemi, C.O

ABSTRACT

In this study, the suitability of wheat, toasted white bean flour and banana puree in the development of biscuit was investigated. Wheat, white bean flour and banana puree were blended into various proportions of flour mixes and used to produce biscuits. The biscuits were evaluated for proximate, minerals composition, sensory and anti-nutrients, while the flour were evaluated for its functional properties. The proximate composition of the biscuit varied from 7.85-9.71%, 12.34-14.01%, 1.15-1.86%, 1.21-1.49%, 1.65-1.92% and 70.01-76.11% for moisture, protein, fat, crude fiber, ash and carbohydrate content of the biscuit, respectively. The mineral content ranged from 10.11-13.12 mg/100 g, 52.65-61.76 mg/100 g, 130.71-211.76 mg/100 g, 111.97-130.84 mg/100 g and 14.81-20.43 mg/100 g for calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium, respectively. The functional properties ranged from 0.76-0.80 g/cm3; 86.65-188.11 g/g; 94.30-197.23 g/g; 569.23-699.54%; 5.68-6.44%; 61.50-125.50 sec, 73.75-75.25% for bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity, solubility, wettability and dispersiblity respectively. The anti-nutritional properties ranged from 37.67 to 46.73 mg/100 g, 5.27 to 5.57 mg/100 g and 32.91 to 35.10 mg/100 g for oxalate, phytate and tannin, respectively. The physical properties values ranged from 6.11-8.20 mm, 38.46-39.30 mm, 37.83-38.23 mm, 4.79-5.85, 5.35-7.49 g and 1.72-1.90 kg for thickness, diameter, height, spread ratio, weight and break strength respectively. biscuit from composite flours were not significantly (p>0.05) different from the control in overall acceptability. This shows the possibility of producing nutritious biscuit with desirable organoleptic qualities from wheat, white bean flour and banana puree.

Key word; wheat, biscuit, nutrition, fortification


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Analysis of Loan Utilization among Small-Scale Rice Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

Fanyam, A.A1, Atagher, M.1 and Nyietagher, Z

ABSTRACT

The study analysed loan utilization among small-scale rice farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. A multi stage sampling technique was used in randomly selecting 222 respondents. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mean, percentages. The inferential statistics deployed was Ordinary lead square multiple regression analysis. Results showed that majority of the respondents (58.11%) were males. The mean age distribution of rice farmers was 33.25years. The educational level of respondents revealed that they were literate with 52.25% having obtained formal education. Majority of the respondents (53.2%) were married. Purchase of seeds was rated as the highest (Mean=3.25) level of loan utilization expenditure pattern in the study area. The result also revealed that, the variables that significantly influence credit utilization among small-scale rice farmers in the study area were age (β = 0.09) positively significant at 5%, farm size (β = -0.10) negatively significant at 5%, amount of loan collected (β = 0.41) positively significant at 1%, repayment period (β = 0.03) positively significant at 1%, and interest rate (β = 0.19) positively significant at 5% level. It was concluded that, small-scale rice farmers utilized their loan for agricultural activities to increase productivity, income and standard of living. The study therefore, recommended that, government should formulate policies that will favour small-scale rice farmers in terms of loan resource procurement and utilization irrespective of gender and that, educated farmers of productive age should concentrate utilization of loan more on farming activities.

Keywords: Agriculture, loanable fund, interest, Farmers, Small-scale, Utilization


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Core-Housing Development as Feature of Class Stratifica Housing Development as Feature of Class Stratification in Jos ion in Jos Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria. Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria.

Department of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
E-mail: emmanuelsambokudu@gmail.com emmanuelsambokudu@gmail.com emmanuelsambokudu@gmail.com

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT


In every human society social classes exist and most often identified by the kind of food they eat, the clothes they wear, their means of transportation, and the kind of houses in which they live. This paper identifies housing as one of the commonest features by which social classes in the Jos metropolis can be identified. In this direction, attempt is made to link core-housing with low and middle-income groups in the Jos metropolis. In this process, the metropolis was divided into ten clusters, using road networks as boundary lines, after which, one neighbourhood was selected at
random in each of the clusters and a systematic sampling method was used to decide the number of questionnaires to be administered in each neighbourhood depending on the number of core-housing in each of the selected neighbourhoods. A total of 244 questionnaires were administered to household heads who happen to be the owners of the core-houses. This was followed by data cleaning and compilation through the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and frequencies
and percentages were used for descriptive statistical results which were presented in tables and charts. Findings show that the core-housing occupants are predominantly the low and middle income groups. The majority of the houses are compound type and multiple row housing which are characterized by shared kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Some of the houses are developed without building plans and building
permits or approvals by the urban development authorities. It is recommended that government or housing authorities concerned can help solve this problem by reviewing these procedures and as well reduce the fees payable for the approval of building plans and other related documents. Standards too should be reviewed to incorporate core-
housing design elements into the overall set of building standards. Finally the improvement in technological ideas of manufacturing building materials like locally made burnt bricks will also reduce cost of production and increase quality and durability of core-housing.
Key words: Housing, Core-Housing, Household, Socio- Key words: Economic Characteristics


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A Field Study to Ascertain Property Determinants ar A Field Study to Ascertain Property Determinants around Tertiary nd Tertiary Institutions in North Central Zone of Nigeria Institutions in North Central Zone of Nigeria\

1Nwokenkwo, Ben Chinedum, & 2Okolobah, Victor Akpevwe, Okolobah, Victor Akpevwe,
1Department of Estate Management & Valuation, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B.55, Bida,
2Department of Statistics, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B.55, Bida, Niger State.
Email: benchinedum@gmail.com Email: benchinedum@gmail.com benchinedum@gmail.com

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT


Landed properties are mostly bequeathed from Parents to their offspring in the traditional Nigerian setting but with increase awareness and arising from the fact that Land is about the only wealth whose value appreciates overtime the need for acquisition of landed property and the desire to keep such is on the increase. In this paper, a field survey was carried out to in order to ascertain property determinants around tertiary institutions of learning in North-Central Geo-Political zone of Nigeria. Based on convenience sampling technique six tertiary institutions from three States in the zone were selected for the study. Furthermore, for uniformity, in each of the selected states, one University as well as one College of Education were sampled. This study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches in order to extract detailed information contained in the attributes listed above. Besides direct field measurement and observations, majority of the quantitative data were collected
from the questionnaires administered, reports, and data information from the stakeholders and government. Qualitative data were collected from the interviews with the professional bodies and from the questionnaires. Using Correlation study as method of analysis, the study found out that there are high locational coefficients between Kogi State University, Anyegba and Federal College of Education, Okene; between Nasarawa State University, Keffi and College of Education, Akwanga; and between Federal University of Technology, Minna and Federal College of Education, Kontagora. Based on this, recommended that in the administration of land for tertiary
institution purpose focus should be centred on the provision of environmental factors that is aimed at cushioning distance-effects.
Keywords: Landed Property, Property Determinants, N Keywords orth-Central, Correlation Study and Tertiary Institutions


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Core-Housing Development as Feature of Class Stratifica Housing Development as Feature of Class Stratification in Jos ion in Jos Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria. Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria.

Emmanuel Sambo Kudu Emmanuel Sambo Kudu
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
E-mail: emmanuelsambokudu@gmail.com

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT


In every human society social classes exist and most often identified by the kind of food they eat, the clothes they wear, their means of transportation, and the kind of houses in which they live. This paper identifies housing as one of the commonest features by which social classes in the Jos metropolis can be identified. In this direction, attempt is made to link core-housing with low and middle-income groups in the Jos metropolis. In this process, the metropolis was divided into ten clusters, using road networks as boundary lines, after which, one neighbourhood was selected at
random in each of the clusters and a systematic sampling method was used to decide the number of questionnaires to be administered in each neighbourhood depending on the number of core-housing in each of the selected neighbourhoods. A total of 244 questionnaires were administered to household heads who happen to be the owners of the core-houses. This was followed by data cleaning and compilation through the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and frequencies
and percentages were used for descriptive statistical results which were presented in tables and charts. Findings show that the core-housing occupants are predominantly the low and middle income groups. The majority of the houses are compound type and multiple row housing which are characterized by shared kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Some of the houses are developed without building plans and building
permits or approvals by the urban development authorities. It is recommended that government or housing authorities concerned can help solve this problem by reviewing these procedures and as well reduce the fees payable for the approval of building plans and other related documents. Standards too should be reviewed to incorporate core-
housing design elements into the overall set of building standards. Finally the improvement in technological ideas of manufacturing building materials like locally made burnt bricks will also reduce cost of production and increase quality and durability of core-housing.
Key words: Housing, Core-Housing, Household, Socio- Key words: Economic Characteristics


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Thermo- Thermo-Physical Properties of Concrete Physical Properties of Concrete Physical Properties of Concrete Containing Sisal Fi Containing Sisal Fibre Containing Sisal Fibre after bre after High Temperature Effect

M. E. Gukas; M. E. Gukas;I. M. Oyemogum I. M. Oyemogum I. M. Oyemogum& E. C. Eze E. C. Eze E. C. Eze
Department of Building
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
University of Jos, Nigeria
Email: egooye@yahoo.co.uk Email: egooye@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT
The behavior of concrete structures under thermal stresses is of significant importance to energy consumption of buildings. This study aims to investigate the thermal properties of concrete made from 0.64 water/cement ratio, 0%, 0.5%, 1.5% and 3% by weight of cement replacement with Sisal fibre (SF) and then subjected to elevated
temperatures so as to establish a correlation between thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity with thermal comfort of Sisal fibre (SF) made concrete. The results show that at 900°C, SF-1.5 and SF-3.0 had the lowest thermal diffusivity value of 0.24mm/s among all series. It is concluded that the incorporation of Sisal Fibre improves the thermo-physical properties of concrete at high temperature. Sisal fibre can be used to delay heat transmission in concrete elements in case of fire, since it has
the ability to increase specific heat as well as reducing thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity in concrete