International Journal of Management and Sustainability(181)
International Journal of Geography and Geology(115)
International Journal of Mathematical Research(57)
International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy(67)
The International Journal of Biotechnology(88)
International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research(72)
International Journal of Education and Practice(283)
International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research(57)
Review of Information Engineering and Applications(28)
International Journal of Natural Sciences Research(76)
Humanities and Social Sciences Letters(169)
International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research(34)
Journal of Empirical Studies(32)
The Economics and Finance Letters(98)
International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research(74)
International Journal of Business, Economics and Management(181)
Journal of Food Technology Research(69)
Journal of Social Economics Research(81)
International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research(125)
The Asia Journal of Applied Microbiology(27)
International Journal of Advances in Life Science and Technology(14)
Review of Industrial Engineering Letters(22)
Review of Environment and Earth Sciences(32)
Current Research in Agricultural Sciences(93)
International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research(52)
Journal of Tourism Management Research(75)
Review of Knowledge Economy(23)
Review of Energy Technologies and Policy Research(17)
Review of Computer Engineering Research(59)
Review of Advances in Physics Theories and Applications(8)
Journal of Minerals and Materials Research(2)
Asian Journal of Energy Transformation and Conservation(15)
International Research Journal of Insect Sciences(12)
Cancers Review(14)
Journal of Building Construction, Planning and Materials Research(3)
Animal Review(46)
Journal of New Media and Mass Communication(16)
Journal of Future Internet(8)
Journal of Forests(39)
Journal of Nutrients(12)
Journal of Sports Research(57)
Journal of Diagnostics(23)
Review of Catalysts(4)
Journal of Diseases(33)
Review of Plant Studies(16)
Journal of Challenges(6)
Journal of Brain Sciences(6)
Financial Risk and Management Reviews(31)
Games Review(8)
International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research(22)
Journal of Information(17)
Journal of Cells(6)
Quarterly Journal of Econometrics Research(19)
Genes Review(7)
Journal of Atmosphere(8)
World Journal of Molecular Research(3)
International Journal of Hydrology Research(9)
International Journal of Climate Research(17)
International Journal of Business Strategy and Social Sciences(10)
World Journal of Vocational Education and Training(24)
Research in English Language Teaching(3)
Nowadays, the politics of fear is frequently visited across the world; such as in Europe (Federici, 2006; Wodak, 2015; Greenhill, 2016). In the US, political figures, and especially presidents, are proved to use fear to justify their denials to welcome refugees (Ben Khalifa, 2017a; 2017b). Being grounded in this course of literature, this paper seeks to determine how Obama and Trump manipulate fear to justify their immigration policies. It focuses on the examination of several speeches that the two presidents delivered on this issue. The critical analysis and evaluation of the arguments they used in these speeches will be based on the use of practical reasoning (Walton, 1996; Fairclough and Fairclough, 2012). To apply this theoretical combination I followed a simple method of research that consists of three successive steps: a) going through the selected speeches to determine the logical components of each argument; b) re-constructing and analyzing the developed arguments; and c) evaluating these arguments and undertaking the logical interpretations. The obtained findings are of two types: theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it is proved that circumstances and values should be considered as essential components in the structure of the fear appeal argument. Practically, it is shown that the speakers used in their rhetoric of fear such discursive strategies like flash-back, narration, meaning-making, and graduation to: persuade the world that the US will not welcome refugees because they harm its home security; convince the Americans that welcoming more refugees will threaten their lives and values; and make their policies the most appropriate choices to save America and its values. So, fear is politically manipulated to serve the speakers’ interests and to justify their public policies. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by elaborating a more developed structure of the fear appeal argument and making connection between the rhetoric of fear and the art of policy justification. Also, it highlights the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to determine the goals behind any manipulation of fear. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 2
An Observational Study Evaluating the Impact of Chikungunya Virus Infection on Oral Cavity and Temporomandibular Joint
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research
Over a past few years, a very limited number of studies researched whether the chikungunya virus affects the oral cavity in addition to pronounced symptoms in extremities but on literature review different studies were found to have different conclusions. Thus an Observational Study was conducted evaluating the impact of Chikungunya Virus Infection on Oral Cavity and Temporomandibular Joint. This was a cross sectional study having a self-designed questionnaire, descriptive and associative tests were run for Data analysis using SPSS. Out of 527 tested, 204 patients were found seropositive and 135 were selected for data analysis on their consent (N 135). Pain and burning sensation of mouth (71.1%), discomfort in mouth opening (65.9%), Bleeding gums (53.3%), and taste aversion (50.3%) were the most common complaints followed by Inability to chew food (48.1%), Discomfort in swallowing (35.5%), Halitosis (34.8%) and tenderness over TMJ (30.4%). The study significantly recorded pain, discomfort and bleeding gums intraorally. Pain, tenderness and decreased efficiency of temporomandibular joint were also noted. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature of Chikungunya virus infection. Interval estimation statistical method is used. It is one of very few studies which have investigated impact of Chikungunya Virus Infection on Oral Cavity and Temporomandibular Joint and concluded it to be quite painful and uncomfortable to bear causing burning gums, limiting speech, decreased chewing ability, altering taste perception, TM-joint and muscles tenderness and difficulty in food swallowing. Medical Sciences » International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Research » Month: 01-2018 Issue: 1
Political Economy and Stakeholder Perspectives on Inclusive Low-Carbon Energy Transition: Case of Kenyan Rangelands
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research
Kenya, among other developing countries, is challenged by low access to clean power, particularly among households located in remote rangelands of the country. This study sought to evaluate the role and perspectives of energy sector actors in the transition of low-carbon off-grid technologies to households in Kenya as an alternative to the national grid for powering isolated low-income communities. To this end a key informant survey was conducted, involving State and non-state energy sector actors to assess the level of capacity, policy inclusiveness, constraints and delivery of clean off-grid energy technologies to rural households. Key findings revealed that County Government and non-state actors are largely excluded from clean energy planning for off-grid communities. In addition, women, within the framework of women’s groups are strong players in this sector and have a high potential to expand clean energy access to off-grid areas. It was also found that despite the Kenyan Government commitment towards a green economy, a change in policy direction would be necessary to ensure a multi-stakeholder planning approach for increased private investment and inclusive access to clean energy. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies investigating stakeholder perspectives and policy gaps constraining clean energy transitions into remote Kenyan rangelands, indicating that key constraints are economic, cultural and under-inclusion of local government and indigenous communities, particularly women, in national off-grid clean energy planning and implementation. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 03-2018 Issue: 1
Process Design of Associated Natural Gas to Dimethyl Ether Production Via Direct Synthesis
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research
The flaring of associated natural gas in Nigeria results in environmental degradation and economic wastage. Thus, several routes for monetizing this associated gas, especially Gas to Liquid processes, have been proposed and researched extensively. Amongst these, is the Gas to Dimethyl ether (GTDME) process. Dimethyl ether (DME) is a clean and economical diesel-alternative fuel which has properties that are similar to those of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and therefore, can also be used as a fuel in power generation, home heating, and cooking. This paper evaluates the technical and economic viability of converting stranded and associated gases to Dimethyl ether via direct synthesis using associated gas from the Niger Delta region as feed, to serve as a route for the stoppage of natural gas flaring and underutilization in Nigeria. The multi-function single reactor plant was modeled with Aspen Hysys Process Simulator (version 8.6) and an economic analysis was carried out, using bare module costing, to determine the profitability of the plant, taking note of the Dimethyl ether market and price. The simulated plant produced ready-to-use Dimethyl ether with a molar purity of 97.47% and an annual revenue of $23 million at the current cost price of $0.99 per kg liquid DME; thus, proving the profitability of the Gas-To-Dimethyl ether plant in tackling the gas-flaring problem. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the direct conversion of associated gas to Dimethyl ether, as a way of its utilization, instead of flaring. It is geared toward provision of more components of clean fuel and environmental conservation. Engineering » International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research » Month: 01-2018 Issue: 1
Implications of Poor Electricity Supply on Nigeria’s National Development
Since 2005, the Federal Government of Nigeria has undertaken a long-term structural reform of the power sector to improve the provision of electricity to its citizens. The government has developed the power sector from a single state-owned utility to an unbundled system with private participation and ownership of assets across generation and distribution. This study contributes to the existing literature that unravels the implications on Nigeria's National Development. This study is situated within the output-oriented approach. This study uses new estimation methodology with data obtained from various qualitative and quantitative secondary sources while content analysis and table and pie chat were used in its analysis. Furthermore, the findings show that poor electricity supply has resulted to decay and collapse infrastructure, closure of industries as well as a rapid decline in the availability of social amenities like potable drinking water, improved health care services, etc. Contribution/ Originality
Public procurement is a strategic partner in achieving the public good. The purpose of the study was to examine the public procurement in the health services. A mixed method approach through the survey with Pearson Correlation and Kendall Coefficient of Concordance aided the analysis of the study. The study found that training enhanced the application knowledge whereas documentation verification was a key compliance modality. The bureaucracy was a challenge while the Medical Superintendent and the hospital Administrator were the officers for policy approval and supervision of the Public Procurement Act. The paper suggests the need for regular training of staff and stronger stakeholder participation in the procurement processes. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on public procurement in the health services by focusing on the social and moral connotations in public procurement by public official's actions and inactions on the citizenry welfare. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 2
Assessing the Relocation of Adekunle Ajasin University to Akokoland on Transportation System and Rural Development in Ondo State
This study investigates the impact of relocation of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) on transportation system and its effects on the socio-economic life Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from randomly selected respondents numbering three hundred and eleven. The quantitative data collected were analysed with statistical package for the social sciences, while the quantitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed that transportation business has recently experienced changes. Most of the respondents (70.4%) agreed that 'Okada' transportation-system became a booming business with the relocation of AAUA. The teeming population of students and staffers had impacted positively on socio-economic activities in Akoko-land. Majority of the respondents 72.7% agreed that the increase in the number of 'agolo' buses (as taxi cabs) and 'Okada' motorcycles has made inter-town movements easy for most people. 64% agreed that improvement in the transportation sector in Akokoland has alleviated the negative impact of poverty on many youth. The study recommends that Government should intensify rural development by increasingly making the presence of Government visible through citing educational institutions, cottage industries. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the effect of relocation of higher institution of learning on rural transportation and rural development. The paper's primary contribution is finding that siting of higher institution of learning in rural area brings about socio-economic development. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 2
Sphene and Zircon Fission Track Analysis of Syenite Rocks of the Sushina Hills, Purulia-Bankura Shear Zone (TPSZ)
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Geography and Geology
Sushina hills are situated in the Purulia-Bankura Shear Zone. This is tectonically disturbed narrow zone nearly 100 Km long having WNW-ESE trend. Two different rock assemblages namely Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex and rocks of Singhbhum Group occur on the two sides of this shear zone. In this paper, I have used fission track ages of two cogenetic minerals and their corresponding closure temperatures to describe the denudation history. The difference of their fission track ages provides the rate of denudation 4 m/Ma during the period 970Ma-1458Ma due to tectonic activity. The youngest age of zircon of 970Ma represents the timing of the initiation of denudation. Contribution/ Originality
Apatite fission-track (AFT) analysis has been widely used to constrain the low-temperature thermal histories of many igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in a wide range of geological settings. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the rate of denudation 4m/Ma and the timing of the initiation of denudation. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Geography and Geology » Month: 04-2018 Issue: 4
The Effect of Proactive Market Orientation on Company Performance: The Case of Medium and Large Manufacturing Companies in Ethiopia
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
The objective of this study was to examine the effects of proactive market orientations on companies' performances to come up with possible managerial and theoretical insights as to how manufacturing companies become proactive in formulating and implementing their marketing strategies of these days. Quantitative research approach with explanatory research design was employed. The variables used in the research were formulated based on the extant literature review which includes proactive customer orientations, proactive competitors' orientations, and market-based innovations as determinant variables and the companies' performances as an outcome variable. Textile and leather companies become the center of attention for this study because being proactive is the demand of the competition for such industries as fashion dictates the needs of customers and the dynamism of the competition in general. Simple random sampling technique was applied and a total of 76 qualified questionnaires were used for the data analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for data analysis and SPSS version 22 was used for the purpose. Based on the result, all of the three independent variables are found to significantly affect the dependent variable while proactive customer orientation is the strongest predictor among the three predictor variables. Hence, the managerial implication is implied for the companies that while being proactive is essential in general, being proactive in understanding the current needs of customers and predicting the changes in those needs in the future is particularly important in order for those companies to remain relevant and sustainable in the market. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the determinants of company performance by adding market based innovation to the known factors of proactive consumer and competitor orientations. The study also challenged prior findings that claim market based innovation has indirect effect on company performance Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 02-2018 Issue: 2
Audit Fees and Audit Quality: A Study of Listed Companies in the Downstream Sector of Nigerian Petroleum Industry
This study examined the relationship between audit fees and audit quality of listed companies in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum industry. In order to achieve this objective, a total of nine (9) listed companies in the downstream sector of Nigerian Petroleum Industry were selected. Secondary data used for the study was extracted from the annual reports of the selected companies for eight (8) financial years (2007-2014). Audit quality which is the dependent variable was regressed on audit fees alongside leverage and age as control variables using the binary logit regression method. Finding shows that audit fee has a negative significant relationship with audit quality, while leverage also has an inverse relationship but was not significant. Firm age, on its part, had a positive sign and significantly associated with audit quality. It was therefore concluded that high audit fees have the likelihood of compromising auditors’ independence, thereby, resulting in lower audit quality. The study recommends that regulators of the auditing practice should adopt measures that would regulate and monitor the audit pricing process in order to strike a balance that would curtail over-charging and or under-charging which evidence shows could impair the independence of the auditor, thereby affect audit quality. Contribution/ Originality
This study examined the nature, causes and impact of the huge foreign debt crisis in Latin America between the 1970s and 1980s referred to generally as the ‘lost decade'. As a survey research, it employed the historical method of research and analysis. It gathered its data extensively through library search and adopted the qualitative technique of content analysis of historical documents. The paper noted that the debt crisis in Latin America came to a head in August 1982 when Mexico publicly declared its insolvency. It identified a number of factors that brought about this endemic burden of foreign debt in Latin America. These included: the over-preponderancy of foreign loans granted to Latin American states, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela, in the 1970s and the attendant inflation and increasing floating interest rates. These had combined to serve as great challenges to the economic development and survival of the Latin American countries during the period of study. The various attempts at debt rescheduling and cancellation between 1980 and 1989 were equally well documented. It concluded that Latin American countries should avoid excessive external debts to avoid disaggregation in their economic development in the nearest future. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on development crisis in Third World countries. The paper’s primary contribution is finding that excessive external debt is a major impediment to socio-economic growth and development in Latin American states. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 09-2018 Issue: 3
Transformational Leadership and Contextual Performance: A Quantitative Study among Nursing Staff in Kuala Lumpur
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
The role of nurses in the health care sector is critical and the demand for nurses in Malaysia is expected to reach 130,000 qualified nurses by 2020. This paper investigated the influence of transformational leadership on contextual performance of nurses in Kuala Lumpur. Past research revealed that employee sustainable performance is positively influenced by transformational leadership. However, there is a dearth of studies on the relationship between transformational leadership and employees’ contextual performance in the nursing sector in Kuala Lumpur. The present study attempts to fill the research gap by investigating the influence of intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, inspirational motivation and idealized influence towards better contextual performance This was a quantitative research and data was gathered through self-administered questionnaires from 135 nurses in Kuala Lumpur. The SPSS software was used, and the findings revealed that intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, inspirational motivation and idealized influence had a positive correlation with contextual performance. The findings suggest that the four dimensions are interdependent, and they harmonize to yield better contextual performance. The findings of this study have practical implications in nursing leadership. Transformational leadership enables leaders in the nursing sector to motivate nurses and implement change effectively. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the effect of transformational leadership on employee’s contextual performance in the nursing sector in Kuala Lumpur. The results of this study will add to the current body of knowledge plus assist in creating foundational solutions to improve performance of nurses. Contribution/ Originality
The specific system of management and governance is a critical factor, which to a great extent (pre)determines the level of sustainability. This article assesses the impact of institutional environment on agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria. The interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics framework is applied and assessment made on specific effects of major components of the “external” institutional environment on agrarian sustainability level in different administrative, geographical and ecological regions, subsectors of agriculture, and farms of various juridical type and size. Our study has found out that individual element of external institutional, market and natural environment affect quite unequally farms of different types, individual subsectors of agriculture, and specific ecological and geographical regions. This type of studies is to be expended and their precision and representation increased. The latter however, requires a close cooperation between all interested parties, and participation of the farmers, agrarian organizations, local and central authorities, interest groups, research institutes and experts, etc. Contribution/ Originality
The exact nature and even existence of the balance between natural and sexual selection are still controversial. Body size is a key determinant of an organism’s ecological and physiological properties. It is widely accepted that selection for higher fecundity is the main force behind the selection for larger body size. However, there are conflicting selection pressures operating on body size of both sexes in many organisms, for instance, natural selection for higher survival might reduce body size. In the present study, we found that in the common cutworm moth, Spodoptera litura, female fecundity and fertility significantly increased with her body weight, while male body weight or female–male weight interaction had no effect on female reproductive output. Results of this study also showed that heavier parents have heavier male and female offspring than those from lighter parents. Although not statistically significant, offspring from heavy and light parents showed lower survival rate than those from average weight parents. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that heavier parents have heavier male and female offspring than those from lighter parents, i.e. body size is heritable in Spodoptera litura. Agricultural Sciences » International Research Journal of Insect Sciences » Month: 03-2018 Issue: 1
Macroscopic and Microscopic Studies on Sarcocystis Infection in Buffaloes - Public Health Alert
Sarcocystosis is one of the important zoonotic parasitic diseases and commonly reported in buffaloes, cattle and pigs. Meat and meat products are the main sources of infection in human beings. The present study aimed to record the prevalence of Sarcocystosis in buffaloes during the time of slaughter. Out of 61 buffaloes slaughter for meat purpose, 38 showed the presence of macroscopic sarcocysts in different organs and they were in creamy colour lying parallel in between the muscle bundles. Distribution of the sarcocysts was noticed in the muscles of oesophagus, diaphragm, heart and base of the tongue. Microscopic examination of the stained impression smears collected from the mixed meat which is ready for sale from the 61 buffaloes, 52 were found positive for microscopic bradyzoites. In conclusion, Sarcocystis is more prevalent in buffaloes and diagnosis of the disease can be done by microscopic examination of the stained slide impression smears from the suspected meat along with the macroscopic examination of the muscles. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the diagnosis of zoonotic disease in veterinary sciences. This study contributes in the existing literature on diagnosis of the Sarcocystosis in the mixed meat which is readily available for sale to the public and caution as a public health alert. Agricultural Sciences » Animal Review » Month: 03-2018 Issue: 1
Multivariate Analysis of EEG Data: Some Aspects of Diagnostic of MANOVA Model
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Research
The main focus of this study is the multivariate analysis of Electroencephalogram data which included multivariate analysis of variance. The multivariate model diagnostics comprise checking number of assumptions of MANOVA model such as multivariate normality, homogeneity of covariance matrices. In this paper, the model X=BC+E is used and estimate the different parameters. Also by using a general form, H0: GBF=0 to test the different types of null hypothesis. Here G and F is known matrices and obtained from the hypothesis. This study gives mathematical ideas from multivariate statistical analysis to find a solution or a good approximation of a complex scientific problem. Contribution/ Originality
This study gives mathematical ideas from multivariate statistical analysis to find a solution or a good approximation of a complex scientific problem. Arts and Education » International Journal of Mathematical Research » Month: 03-2018 Issue: 1
An Artificial Human Optimization Algorithm Titled Human Thinking Particle Swarm Optimization
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Research
Artificial Human Optimization is a latest field proposed in December 2016. Just like artificial Chromosomes are agents for Genetic Algorithms, similarly artificial Humans are agents for Artificial Human Optimization Algorithms. Particle Swarm Optimization is very popular algorithm for solving complex optimization problems in various domains. In this paper, Human Thinking Particle Swarm Optimization (HTPSO) is proposed by applying the concept of thinking of Humans into Particle Swarm Optimization. The proposed HTPSO algorithm is tested by applying it on various benchmark functions. Results obtained by HTPSO algorithm are compared with Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. Contribution/ Originality
The paper contributes a new algorithm to the Artificial Human Optimization Field. All the optimization algorithms which were proposed based on Artificial Humans will come under Artificial Human Optimization Field. The concept of Human Thinking is introduced into the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to create new algorithm titled HTPSO. Arts and Education » International Journal of Mathematical Research » Month: 03-2018 Issue: 1
The Decline in Science Students’ Enrolment in Nigerian Colleges of Education: Causes and Remedies
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The article critically reviewed the decline in science students’ enrolment in Nigerian Colleges of Education, causes and the solutions. The research evidence abounds that the students’ enrolment for science education in the Nigeria colleges of education reduces every year. The causes for this drawback are the crux of this article. The Nigerian college of education is an institution saddled with the responsibility of training teachers for the primary and secondary schools. Nonetheless, the colleges had been criticised for lack of standards in its admission policy and also of qualified academic personnel. The reviewed literature indicates that there are many challenges confronting colleges of education in Nigeria. Some of these are teachers’ inadequate pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), out-of-field teaching and low teachers self-efficacy. The paper however observed that this problem and others are the results of bad governance experiencing in the nation. Consequent upon these challenges, the students’ enrolment in science education continues to decline every year unabated. The paper identified many causes of the students’ enrolment among these are, the proliferation of private Colleges of Education, loss of interest by the students, lack of science equipment and many others. The paper suggested some recommendations to raise the standard of the Nigeria colleges of education and improve science education students’ enrolment. Among these suggestions is the full government commitment to the funding of the Colleges of Education’s academic programmes. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on the science enrolment in Nigerian colleges of education. Principally, it provides an insight into the causes of the low enrolment in the Nigerian colleges of education. Essentially, suggestions for improving students’ enrolment was made at the end of the paper. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 04-2018 Issue: 4
Investigating Constraints to Poultry Management Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
The study was carried out to assess poultry management practices among smallholder farmers in Benue state, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 80 respondents used for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean score as well as inferential statistics which include factor analysis and logit regression were used for data analysis. Results revealed that 56.7% of the respondents were between the ages of 21 and 40 years, 47.5% had household size of 6-10 persons, 88.6% were literate having 1-10 years of farming experience (93.8%). Findings also show that 48% of the respondents practiced intensive system of poultry while 41.3% of them indicated that major reason for choice of poultry management system is because it is cheap/less expensive. Types of poultry management practices include proper sanitation (80%), cull sick birds (76.3%), brooding of chicks (73.8%) and use disinfectants (70%). Results further indicate constraints to poultry management which include technical, labour and input related factors. The study recommends that efforts are needed in promoting increase in poultry production through adequate pests and diseases control to enhance productivity. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents that extensive and semi-intensive systems of poultry management were mostly practiced by the farmers in the area where the research was conducted. It also established that poultry management practices were highly constrained by technical, labour and input-related factors. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2018 Issue: 2
Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies: Farmers Perception in Oyo State, Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences
Climate change and weather variations have been one of the major problems of agricultural productivity most especially among crop farmers in Nigeria. This study therefore assesses farmer’s perception and their adaptation strategies to climate change in Ogo-Oluwa local Government area of Oyo State Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted in selecting 113 respondents, while the instrument of data collection was a structured questionnaire. The data collection was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that the majority (65.5%) of the respondents were males while about 69% of them are between the ages of 31 to 50 years old, majorities (76.0%) of the respondents were married and average household size was 6.0 persons, family labour was the major source of labour for the respondents, 57.5 per cent and 32.7 per cent of the respondents had farm size of 3- 4 acres and above 4 acres respectively. It also shows that majority (51.3%) earned less than N10, 000 per month while 20.4 % and 21.2 % earns between N10, 000 - N20, 000 and N21, 000- N30, 000 per month respectively. The study reveals that 39.8% of the farmers had long years of farming experiences between 21-30 years. The study also reveals that the majority (81.0%) of the respondents are aware of the changing climatic conditions in their community. Educational qualification of respondents, farmers income, farming experiences and access to extension services are positively and significantly influenced farmer’s perception of climate change in the study area. Majority of the farmers have adapted to climate change through diversification of crop types and varieties, changing planting dates among others also constraints to adaptation of climate change include lack of access to weather forecast information, high cost of improved and resistant varieties, and inadequate knowledge of coping strategies. The study therefore recommends among others a deliberate policy of government to increase farmer’s access to weather forecast information in the study area. Contribution/ Originality