bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artefacts: the big picture in broad terms
Authors: Leclerc André
Published: March 2021

My aim in this programmatic paper is to explore the relationship among three important notions: intentionality, disposition and artefact. There wouldn’t be artefacts without what I call “intentional work,” a sustained activity directed to the production of some good. I first present contextualism as a method. Then I use it to delimit the problematic concept ARTEFACT, with the intention to apply it to repertoires of mental dispositions that affect directly our personal identity. The unavoidable but loose criterion of human intervention is used, at least to some degree. Attitudes are intentional states with conceptual content, and concepts are dispositions. We acquire concepts during our lives, sometimes unconsciously, sometimes explicitly through definition of some kind, and each cognitive agent has a unique repertoire of concepts and a unique idiolect as well. The idea that our mental representations (at least some of them) are artefacts might sound strange at first sight, but I shall try to show that it makes full sense. Most of our mental dispositions –those provided with a conceptual content– are themselves artefacts. At the end, we are all different psychologically and culturally because our idiolects and repertoires of concepts are different. For a large part, what makes our species so special is an ongoing process through which homo sapiens makes itself what it is.Keywords: Intentionality, disposition, artefact, contextualism, repertoire.
Nature-Life continuity: is there a necessary method of inquiry?
Authors: Stein Sofia Inês Albornoz
Published: March 2021

In Linguistic Bodies, Ezequiel A. Di Paolo, Elena Clare Cuffari and Hanne De Jaegher (2018) propose a dialectic method to explain organism’s movements and exchanges, i.e., life inter-actions and evolution, that can also explain the evolution from life to cultural relations, that include linguistic interactions. One of the main questions Linguistic Bodies wants to answer is how to explain human life and culture without a reductive scientific thought. If one defies radical reductionism, one of the central risks is to dissociate physical inquiries from biological investigations. In the book, the authors oppose the analytical mode of thinking present in many natural sciences to a dialectical mode of thinking that would explain living beings’ interactions. It is relevant to question if they succeeded in defending the dialectical model they profess to be the best suited to explain human social phenomena. Following this line of rationale, in this paper, I will, first, show that dialectical methods are over-ambitious and, second, inquire into the anti-reductionist attitude present in the dialectical model advocated in Linguistic Bodies.Key-words: Linguistic bodies, radical reductionism, dialectical model.
Carving cognition and language at their joints
Authors: Meurer César Fernando , Krempel Raquel
Published: March 2021

Echoing Socrates’ remarks to Phaedrus — namely, that it is by “perceiving and bringing together in one idea the scattered particulars, that one may make clear by definition the particular thing which he wishes to explain”, and that we shall divide things “where the natural joints are, and not trying to break any part, after the manner of a bad carver” (Phaedrus, 265d-e) —, one could say that in some ways each of the papers in this special issue aims at carving an aspect of cognition, or language, or both, at its joints. This does not imply that this is a volume of Platonist variations. However, it calls our attention to the metaphysical framework of contemporary understandings of cognition and language.
Particle Swarm Optimization for Punjabi Text Summarization
Authors: Jain Arti , Yadav Divakar , Arora Anuja
Published: March 2021

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to deal with text summarization for the Punjabi language. PSO is based on intelligence that predicts among a given set of solutions which is the best solution. The search is carried out by extremely high-speed particles. It updates particle position and velocity at the end of iteration so that during the development of generations, the personal best solution and global best solution are updated. Calculation within PSO is performed using fitness function which looks into various statistical and linguistic features of the Punjabi datasets. Two Punjabi datasets—monolingual Punjabi corpus from Indian Languages Corpora Initiative Phase-II and Punjabi-Hindi parallel corpus—are considered. The parallel corpus comprises 1,000 Punjabi sentences from the tourism domain while monolingual corpus contains 30,000 Punjabi sentences of the general domain. ROUGE measures evaluate summary where the highest measure, ROUGE-1, is achieved for parallel corpus with precision, recall, and F-measure as 0.7836, 0.7957, and 0.7896, respectively.
Supernetwork Representation Formulation of a Multiclass Simultaneous Transportation Equilibrium Model as a Fixed Demand User Equilibrium Problem
Authors: Hasan Mohamad K. , Saoud Mohammad , Al-Husain Raed
Published: March 2021

A multiclass simultaneous transportation equilibrium model (MSTEM) explicitly distinguishes between different user classes in terms of socioeconomic attributes, trip purpose, pure and combined transportation modes, as well as departure time, all interacting over a physically unique multimodal network. It enhances the prediction process behaviorally by combining the trip generation and departure time choices to trip distribution, modal split, and trip assignment choices in a unified and flexible framework that has many advantages from both supply and demand sides. However, the development of this concept of multiple classes increases the mathematical complexity of travel forecasting models. In this research, the authors reduce this mathematical complexity by using the supernetwork representation formulation of the diagonalized MSTEM as a fixed demand user equilibrium (FDUE) problem.
Frontal bone fibrous dysplasia in a 6-months-old boy: A distinctive entity
Authors: Anastasiadis Kleanthis , Lambropoulos Vassilis , Tsoleka Kalliopi , Kepertis Chrysostomos , Mouravas Vassilis , Spyridakis Ioannis
Published: March 2021

Fibrous Dysplasia (FD) is a non-malignant condition caused by post-zygotic, activating mutations of the GNAS gene that results in inhibition of the differentiation and proliferation of bone-forming stromal cells and leads to the replacement of normal bone and marrow by fibrous tissue and woven bone. The clinical behavior and progression of FD is variable. The management of this condition is difficult and in every case is strictly individualized. We report a case of frontal fibrous dysplasia in a 6month’s old boy who underwent a successfully resection of the lesion with an excellent cosmetic effect.
Application of a non-pharmacological technique in addition to the pharmacological protocol for the management of children’s preoperative anxiety: A 10 years’ experience
Authors: Scarano Francesca , Dalla Corte Alessandra , Michielon Roberto , Gava Alessandro , Midrio Paola
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate how Non- Pharmacological Techniques (NPT), in addition to standard pharmacological techniques, can help to manage and reduce the preoperative anxiety of children waiting for Day Surgery procedures (DS). Isola Serena activity started in 2008 to manage the preoperative time of children waiting for surgery in the playing room. The latter is run by a pedagogist. NPT includes use of games and toys, readings and drawings. A descriptive and comparative study was conducted on 50 children, aged 4 to 12 years, randomly assigned to Isola Serena group ISG and control group CG. All children received standard pharmacological techniques, while those of the ISG also received the NPT. The evaluation of the preoperative anxiety level (modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale) and parent’s coping style (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation) compared the two groups. The ISG showed a significantly lower level of preoperative anxiety than the CG. Parents’ coping style was not related to the preoperative anxiety. The activity performed in the Isola Serena Project resulted to be effective for the reduction of preoperative anxiety in children undergoing DS procedures.
Film as /and Popular Social Text: The Reception of John Trengove’s Inxeba/The Wound and Wanuri Kahui’s Rafiki
Authors: Ncube Gibson
Published: March 2021

This article is interested in popular and institutional or state responses to the representations of queerness offered in the films Inxeba/The Wound (South Africa, 2017) and Rafiki (Kenya, 2018). Aside from portraying the marked homophobia that continues to circulate on the African continent, the institutional and state responses to the films have overshadowed the positive popular reception which has  characterised conversations around the films on social media and public spaces. This article shows how social media functions as animportant space of contestation for diverse issues relating to non-normative gender and sexual identities. As these films circulate in different spaces and are viewed by diverse audiences, they elicit equally diverse reactions and responses. The article examines how viewers, in Africa and beyond, receive and engage with the queerness represented in the two films. It argues that the multifaceted reactions to Inxeba/The Wound and Rafiki are central to articulating important questions about what it means to be queer in Africa,and particularly what it implies for black queers to inhabit heteronormative and patriarchal spaces on the continent. Through an analysis of the reactions and receptions of the two films in Africa and the global North, it is argued that it is possible to trace important inter-regional, intra-continental and intercontinental dialogues and conversations regarding the representation of queer African subjectivities. The intra-continental and inter-continental dialogues bring to light questions of gaze and viewing that are inherent in the circulation of queer-themed films.

Kewords: Inxeba/The Wound, Rafiki, reception, popular culture, queerness
Re-Imagining Bobi Wine: Student Electoral Politics as Popular Performance Space
Authors: Kahyana Danson Sylvester
Published: March 2021

During the 2019 Guild elections in two Ugandan public universities (Makerere and Kyambogo), poetry performances in the form of songs were deployed by some candidates to articulate particular ideological perspectives. This paper examines the poetics and politics of the songs – the aesthetics of the musical performances themselves and their power in mobilising large crowds for the guild vote. I argue that poetry performances in the form of songs do not function merely as election entertainment, but rather that they are central to the contest itself and therefore go a long way to defining its very nature. I also argue that the fact that the 2019 elections at both Makerere and Kyambogo Universities were won by people allied to the People Power movement, whose leader, Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, provided two songs with which the candidates articulated their message to the electorate, demonstrates the influence of both musicians and popular songs in processes of political mobilisation. Data for this paper was collected using observation, interviews and focus group discussions with selected members of the electorate, and a close reading of the lyrics of the songs. As my analysis reveals, the songsanimated the election campaigns to the extent that their performance not only defined the character of the elections, but also, to some extent, contributed to their final outcome.

Keywords:  Popular song and performance, student elections, Bobi Wine, Uganda, Makerere, Kyambogo
Fragments Towards an Impossible (Domestic) Genre of the Human in Kenyan Crime Fiction
Authors: Mũrĩithi Wairimũ
Published: March 2021

Extrajudicial executions and other forms of police violence in Kenya have always been an issue of significant concern in local and international media and human rights organisations. Reflective of this, scholarly interest in crime fiction in Kenya has grown significantly in recent years. However, the gendered implications of criminality – from sex work to errant motherhood to alternative modes of investigation – are still largely overlooked in postcolonial literary fiction and criticism. As part of a larger study on how women writers and characters shape crime fiction in Kenya, this paper critically engages with stories that the criminalised woman knows, tells, forgets,  incarnates, discards or hides about the city. It does so by examining the history of urban sex workers in Kenya, the representation of ‘urban women’ in postcolonial Kenyan novels and contemporary mainstream media, and the various (post) colonial laws that criminalise sex work. Through Justina, an elusive character in Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s Dust, I consider how (post)colonial legislative frameworks and social life attempt to manage “impossible domesticity” (Saidiya Hartman) inside and against the geo-history of gendered and classed criminality in urban Kenyan spaces. My purpose is to interrogate hegemonic constructions of the citizen – and by extension, of the human  – in Kenyan law and public morality

Keywords: crime fiction, feminism, sex work, human, homo narrans
Adoption of Recommended Agrochemical Practices among Crop Farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States, Nigeria
Authors: Issa FO , Atala TK , Akpoko JG , Sanni SA
Published: March 2021

This study assessed the level of adoption of recommended agrochemical practices among crop farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States of Nigeria. It measured the perception of farmers on pesticides and their knowledge on the harmful effects of pesticides. A total of 260 crop farmers who have sustained the use of agrochemicals for at least five years were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested, structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (mean and percentages) were used for data analysis. The results obtained revealed that 33.1% of the farmers considered pesticides as always favorable (harmless) whereas 30% of the respondents perceived pesticides as sometimes unfavorable (harmful). All (100%) the respondents indicated that pesticides cause damage to human health. Furthermore, the level of adoption of recommended agrochemical practices (RAPs) was generally low (weighted mean =1.49) despite high level of awareness (weighted mean =2.24). This study recommends that campaign for attitudinal changes on the use of agrochemical should be mounted by extension agencies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.Key words: Recommended agrochemical practices; Adoption; crop protection chemicals.
Role of Households in Rabbit Production in Enugu-North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State
Authors: Ogbonna OI
Published: March 2021

This study assessed households’ involvement in rabbit production in Enugu-North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. It determined rabbit management and breeding practices of respondents, roles of households in rabbit production and constraints associated with rabbit production in the area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select eighty respondents. Data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule and analyzed using percentages, mean scores and standard deviations. Majority (62.55%) provide feed for their rabbits twice a day. Majority (86.2%) use paddocks and wooden hutches to construct rabbit house/cages. Adult female and youth/children play less roles in rabbit production. Most perceived constraints were: inadequate/lack of fund (M=3.97), lack of access to foundation stock (M= 3.97) and poor knowledge of rabbit production (M= 3.92). It was recommended that households involved in rabbit production in the area should be encouraged to increase production through training and increased awareness on prevalence of disease and vaccination of rabbits. Similarly, they should be provided with access to foundation stock and other inputs by government and agricultural organizations like Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Development Programme in the area.
Awareness and Use of Information and Communication Technologies among Extension Agents in Kaduna State of Nigeria
Authors: Umar S , Musa MW , Olayemi YT , Suleiman R
Published: March 2021

This study assessed awareness and use of information and communication technologies among extension agents in Maigana Zone of Kaduna State A.D.P. All extension personnel in the zone (70) were interviewed through the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the study. It was found that 60.15% of the respondents were aware of at least one ICT in the study area. The multiple regression analysis of the relationship between ICT usage and level of training, membership of professional association, marital status and educational level were positively significant ( p<0.05). It was concluded that socioeconomic characteristics of the extension agents in the study area influence their level of use of ICT. It was recommended that provision of ICT facilities and stable power, as well as capacity building on ICT usage should be promoted among extension personnel. This would enhance effective communication with farm families for improved productivity.Keywords: Awareness, Extension, ICT, Maigana
Perception of Agriculture Students Towards Farming as a Means of Sustainable Livelihood in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Agumagu A.C. , Ifeanyi-obi C.C. , Agu C.
Published: March 2021

The study identified the perception of final year agriculture students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) towards farming as a means of sustainable livelihood. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 173 respondents for the study. Data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings show that 57.22% of the respondents were between the ages of 22-24 years. About 73% of the respondents were willing to take up farming as a means of sustainable livelihood. Livelihood preference of respondents in other areas of agriculture other than farming showed that the majority preferred to work in commercial banks (5.0), agricultural company (3.62), ministry of agriculture (3.23), food processing industry (3.39), agricultural bank (4.05), Non-governmental organizations (4.27) and agricultural marketing departments (4.46). The major perceived challenges of respondents in taking up farming as a means of sustainable livelihood include inaccessibility of land, high cost of farm machineries, and insufficient initial capital. It was recommended that Government agencies and NGOs should make available incentives and farm machineries for Agriculture graduates who are willing to take up farming as a means of sustainable livelihood. Land should be easily assessable to agriculture graduates to encourage their willingness to work, this could be done through lease by the government and other governmental bodies in charge of land allocation.Key words: Perception, Agriculture, Sustainable livelihood, students
Mainstreaming Agricultural Extension Services in Value Chain in Nigeria.
Authors: Orebiyi J.S , Henri-Ukoha A
Published: March 2021

The paper examined how agricultural extension services can be mainstreamed in value chain in Nigeria. Literature materials concerning the concept of Value Chain, Agricultural extension and their roles were reviewed. Further effort was made to x-ray the possible ways where agricultural extension was used to facilitate the value chain. Findings on reviewed researches revealed that the involvement of agricultural extension in this crusade is paramount in achieving food security, poverty reduction, wealth and employment creation vis-a-viz Agricultural Transformation Agenda. Therefore, agricultural extension should be at the fore front of creating awareness on value chain to get farmers to participate as well as encourage them to be value chain actors. Government and stakeholders should facilitate the setting up of effective and functioning of value chain stakeholder committees ensuring the inclusion of agricultural extension services for effective facilitation.Keywords: Agricultural Extension Services, Mainstreaming, Value Chain
Management Information Needs of Fish Farmers in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State
Authors: Udo Otobong Micheal , Akinbile L.A. , Chinkata Samuel Ikechukwu
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the management information needs of fish farmers in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from one hundred and ten fish farmers randomly selected from four urban and seven rural wards of the area. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage,) and inferential (chi-square and PPMC) statistics. Results show that respondents had average age of 43years, majority were male (64.8%), had primary school as highest educational level (52.4%), had 2-5 ponds, use earthen ponds (55.2%) and had 5-7 years fish farming experience. Information was most needed in hormone identification (x=2.83), fish marketing (x=2.80) and water quality management (x=2.71). Respondents indicated high cost of feed and poaching as a major challenge in fish farming. Respondents’ age (r = -0.233, p = 0.017); management practices (r = 0.209, p =0.032); number of ponds (r = -0.412, p = 0.000) were correlated with management information needs. The study therefore recommends the need for extension agencies to provide robust and timely information in the areas of need highlighted by the fish farmers in order to increase production efficiency and output of the fish farmers.Keywords: Information needs, Fish farmers, Aquaculture
Agricultural Value Chain Extension: A panacea for Agricultural Transformation in Nigeria
Authors: Oyelami B. O. , Ladele A. A.
Published: March 2021

The study examined the effectiveness of value chain extension using some field activities among smallholder farmers in Nigeria and beyond and some farm projects that have adopted value chain extension approach. It revealed that the impact of a value chain extension approach if adopted include increased productivity, better post-harvest management, guaranteed and more remunerative market among others. The study also revealed that quite a number of problems constraining farmers from transforming into agribusiness could effectively be managed using the agricultural value chain extension approach. It was therefore recommended that agricultural value chain extension approach be piloted in selected states in Nigeria with a plan for gradual up-scale, as associated teething problems are being identified and appropriately managed to achieve desired outcomes.Keywords: Agricultural Value Chain Extension; Agricultural Transformation, Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.
Technologies Available for Empowering Women in Cassava Production in Abia States, Nigeria
Authors: Ugboaja C. I. , Ezebuiro N. C.
Published: March 2021

The study assessed the technologies available for empowering women in cassava production in Abia State. The objectives were to determine the availability and utilization of technologies for empowering women in cassava production. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection which was developed on a 4-point measuring scale and was validated by peer review of researchers in agricultural extension. Reliability was established by the Cronbach’s alpha which gave co-efficient of r ∝ = 0.74 indicating a high reliability. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 240 and the extension filed officers were used as research assistants to facilitate the administration and retrieval of the questionnaire. Data analysis was achieved with the use of descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean which referenced x = 2.50 as the benchmark and inferential statistics as t-test at 0.050 level of significance. The findings revealed that majority (x = 2.56) agreed that technologies were available for empowering women in cassava production while (x = 2.03) indicated that the extent women were empowered utilizing technologies for cassava production was low. The t- test of no mean significant difference was not rejected because t = 0.01 at P ≥ 0.05 which indicated no mean difference between availability and utilization of technologies for empowering women cassava producers. On the basis of the findings the study recommended that more extension field personnel should be employed and retrained on how to train women on how to use the technologies.Keywords: women, empowerment, cassava, production
Relationship Between Information Communication Technology and Adoption of Improved Cassava Technologies in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olumese M.I. , Imarhiagbe P. , Imafidon S.
Published: March 2021

This study assessed the relationship between information communication technology and adoption of improved cassava technologies in Edo State. Data for the study were obtained by use of questionnaire. Multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 270 respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The result revealed that the mean age of respondents was 50years, mean family size was 8 and mean farm size was 3.5ha. Radio was the most readily available (80%), accessible (78%) and used (79%) mass media channel by respondents. This was followed by television channel with score (63%) for availability, accessibility (58%) by respondents and used (56%) by respondents. Other channels which include newspapers, mobile cinema/rural outdoor broadcast, extension guide/leaflets scored poorly. With radio channel whose (coefficient 0.20) was more effective in awareness creation, while television whose (coefficient 0.168) was more effective in persuading farmers to adopt new ideas. A radio/television broadcast time of 6.00pm-8.00pm and broadcast duration of 30minutes was termed ideal by respondents. Use of radio, television (5% significance level) had a significant relationship with respondents’ awareness of technologies. Also there was a significant relationship between availability, accessibility and use of channels and respondents’ adoption of improved agricultural technologies. Consequently, it was recommended that ADPs should intensify the extensive and intensive usage of radio and television media in promoting awareness and adoption of agricultural technologies among farmers in Edo State, Nigeria.Keywords: ICT Channels, Adoption, Improved Cassava Technologies
Participation of Community Association in Enhancing Community Development in Selected Local Government Area of Oyo State
Authors: Oyeleye A.A. , Ajibade A.J. , Ayodele M.A , Ariwoola S.A.
Published: March 2021

The study assessed participation of community association in enhancing community development in selected Local Government Areas of Oyo State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select thirty associations from the study areas. Five members were selected from each association randomly making a total of one hundred and fifty respondents. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Majority of the respondents (78.0%) had moderate level of participation. About 85.0% of them had moderate positive attitude towards participation. T-test result showed that there was a positive significant difference in the levels of participation in community development across the study area (t = 18.276, p = 0.05). It is therefore recommended that governmental and non- governmental agencies should assist rural community association enhancing better community.Key words: Participation, Development, Community
Farmers Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Cocoa Certification in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Famuyiwa B. S. , Aroyenu S. O. , Adeyemi E. A , Okeniyi M. O. , Agbongiarhouyi A. E. , Yahaya A. T.
Published: March 2021

The study explored the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice of cocoa farmers in Southwest Nigeria towards certification process. It specifically examined the sources of information, factors militating the adoption of certification processes and identified the training needs. A set of pre-tested questionnaire was used to solicit information while multistage sampling procedure was used to select 60 respondents each from two locations Ilare in Osun and Ile-Oluji in Ondo States. Results revealed a mean age of 43.33 years, farming experience 22.70years, farm size 8.73ha and age of farm 22.15years while yield was recorded as 14.14 tons. It was also established that 86% could read and write, 52.50% of the respondents were aware of certification process while only 35% had extension contact. Correlation analysis showed a positive and significant relationship at (r= 0.315 p<0.007) between farmers’ knowledge and practice of cocoa certification process. However, the KAP analysis showed positive attitude (65%), knowledge (10.50%) and practice (6.45%). It was concluded that the farmers had positive attitude to what can increase their produce but low knowledge which is consequential to their low practice of cocoa certification procedure which by implication can affect their yield and bean quality negatively. It is recommended that for sustainable production of cocoa, training and re-training of farmers is needed for quality and exportable cocoa bean.Keywords: attitude, knowledge, and practice
Effects of Farmer-Herder Conflicts on Rural Households Food Security in Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Yakubu Sani Madi , Musa Micheal Wandzu , Bamidele Tologbonse Emmanuel , Ali Mahmoud Babawuro , Bappah Muhammed Tukur , Munir Raji Tunde , Manuwa Abubakar
Published: March 2021

The study examined the effects of farmer-herder conflicts on rural households’ food security in Gombe State, Nigeria. Primary data  were collected using structured questionnaire and focus group discussion among 118 farmers and 112 herders. Percentage, tobit and logit regression models were used in analysing the data. The result showed that, household size and education, farm size and cattle route encroachment were the major causes of the conflict. In addition, killing of stray cattle, population growth, rape and sexual  harassment were all responsible to farmer-herder conflict with different marginal effects. The study revealed 59.3% of the farmers and 31.3% of the herders, had food insecure with moderate hunger, while 43.7% of the farmers and 66.1% of the herders had food  insecurity with severe hunger. Selling of grazing areas, corrupt practices by traditional rulers are some of the constraints that affectsconflict management. There is need to create a platform that will bring all stakeholders together on a quarterly basis in order to have an interaction and to employ extension agents to serve as an intermediary between farmers and herders. There is need for the law makers to revisit the existing 1964 grazing reserves act and 1978 land tenure act so as to give room to accommodate land ownership, usage and control for the competing parties. This may help in reducing the intensity of the conflict. Finally, there is need for the adoption of some mitigating strategies such as alternative dispute resolutions, arrest and prosecution of offenders to manage the reoccurrences of conflicts.

Keywords: Farmer-herder conflicts, rural households, food security status.
Factors Influencing Arable Crop Farmers’ Willingness to Adopt Bio-Organic Technology in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ikuerowo Joseph Olubukun , Tehinloju Olanrewaju Abidemi
Published: March 2021

The study analysed factors influencing arable crop farmers’ willingness to adopt bio-organic technology in Ondo State. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 180 respondents for the study. Questionnaire was used to collect data which were analysed with percentages, 4-point likert-type scale and logit regression model. The findings revealed that the females (67.0%) dominated arable crop farming, the mean age was 41 years and 55.6% had formal education. All the respondents are aware of mixed cropping and croprotation and less than 50% were aware of alley cropping (43.2) and biological pest control (26.6). The majority (67.6%) of the arable crop farmers had unfavourable perception of bio-organic technology. The study showed that increase in extension visit, membership of farmers’ group, access to information and education positively increase the likelihood of farmers to adopt bio-organic technology. Enhanced extension services that would adequately support farmer and extended education programs geared towards broadening farmers’ knowledge on bio-organic technology should be promoted.

Keywords: willingness, adoption, bio-organic technology, arable crop farmer
Effect of Climate Change on Farmers Income Generating Activities in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Alalade Oluwasegun Ayodeji , Longe Morenike Peju , Olamide Ladipo Tolulope , James-ojibo Isaac U. , Akinboye Oyelayo Abisegun
Published: March 2021

The study examined the effect of climate change on income generating activities of farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Multi-stage  sampling procedure was used to select 240 crop and livestock farmers for the study. The majority (52.4%) of the respondents were literate and had multiple income generating activities (83.7%). Crop farming, collection of forest products, poultry production and goat rearing were the most negatively affected income generating activities. Sex, educational level and household size had significantly positive relationship with farmer’s involvement in income generating activities. A positive significant differences existed in farmers’ income generating activities before and after climate change. Indigenous practices adopted in controlling the effect of climate change do not have significant relationship with farmers’ involvement in income generating activities. Government, research institutes,  extension officers, nongovernmental organizations and community leaders should intensify efforts at educating farmers on the need for use of environmentally friendly farming systems in order to reduce the effect of climate change.

Keywords: Climate change; farmers’ income generating activities,
Social Media Used by Arable Crop Farmers for Communicating Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Abuta Chigozie Mark-Anthony , Agumagu Anthony Chukwuemeka , Adesope Olufemi Martins
Published: March 2021

The study examined social media use by arable crop farmers for climate change adaptation communication in Imo State, Nigeria.  Multistage sampling was used to collect data with the aid of structured questionnaire from 285 randomly selected arable crop farmers in the study area. Results showed that arable crop farmers use social media to seek knowledge about climate change (𝑥̅=2.71), disseminate information to friends (𝑥̅=2.67), and seek climate change adaptation strategies (𝑥̅=2.59) and post-climate change adaptation strategies to farmer groups (𝑥̅=2.72). However, the proportion of arable crop farmers’ use of social media types was low. Sex, educational level and age influenced utilization of social media for climate change adaptation communication. Farmers should be encouraged to raise concern, make posts and engage in discussions on social media so as to attract and raise awareness of issues of concern among them, other stakeholders and the public. Government (ADP, Ministry of Agriculture), international organizations (FAO and CTA) and non-governmental organizations should organize training on use of smart phones, social media and information andcommunication technologies for farmers, and farmer groups.

Keywords: crop farmers, social media, climate change, adaptation strategies
Socio-Economic Importance of Honey among Traditional Healers and Orthodox Practitioners in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ayeni OD , Adekola PJ , Aderemi AM , Majekodunmi O.A , Okumodi BO , Oluwalana T
Published: March 2021

The necessity for people’s adequate and quality as well as good health and standard of living for overall National development informed the main reason for the study on Socio-economic importance of honey among traditional healers and orthodox medical practitioners in Iwo Local Government Area, Osun State. A total of 105questionnaires wereadministered, while 91 were retrieved from the respondents. Various uses of honey were investigated both for personal consumption and medicinal purpose. The result shows that 41.8 % of the respondent use honey for multiple purpose, while 35.2% use honey mainly for medicinal purpose, 16.5% use it mainly as beverages, while the remaining 6.6% for use in treatments. The Chi Square Test showed a higher calculated value of 385.71 than the tabulated value of 21.026. This confirms a strong relationship between the use of honey and social life of Iwo people. The major constraints discovered was that Traditional healers do not exercise strict control on the quantity doses of honey used for different ailments. It is therefore recommended that both rural and urban dwellers should be sensitized about the use of honey, in order to encourage sustainable consumption for improvement of health status.

Keywords: Medicinal, orthodox, traditional, honey
Socio-Economic Characteristics and Level of Awareness and Perception on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Programme (REDD+) by Rural Communities in Akure Forest Reserve, Nigeria
Authors: Adekugbe OA , Oyerinde OV , Oluwajuwon TV , Abisoye TR , Atanda TA
Published: March 2021

Rural communities around Akure forest reserve depend mostly on forest and its products for their livelihoods, which results in its high rate of deforestation. Meanwhile, the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation programme (REDD+), one of the international forest-governance initiatives to address sustainable forest  anagement and climate change mitigation has been introduced to the reserve. This research investigated the socio-economic status of the communities in Akure forest reserve, level of dependence on the forest resources and their level of awareness and perception about the REDD+ project. Six communities were selected randomly from around the reserve which were in the readiness phase of the REDD+ project. Data were collected through household survey with the use of semi-structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents (household heads) selected randomly from the communities as well as information from 6 key informants (village heads). Descriptive Statistics and Chi Square test were used in the analysis of the data and the result showed that the main income-generating activity in the communities was farming accounting for 70.8% of the respondents. This affirms that the high level of the households’ dependence on forest resources is traceable to their socio-economic characteristics. Considering the level of awareness of REDD+ project, results revealed that the level of awareness of the key informants about REDD+ was very high (83.3%) while it was very low at the local community level with only 35% of the respondents being aware of the REDD+ project among which 23.3% found it beneficial. Therefore, to enhance the level of effectiveness of REDD+ project implementation, there should be an increase in the level of awareness in the communities.

Keywords: Forest Communities, Awareness, REDD+ Project, Rural livelihood, Deforestation
Assessment of the Factors Responsible For the Use of Illicit Drugs by Medical Students in Sports in a Tertiary Institution in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwogueze BC , Anachuna KK , Nnama TN , Eke CN , Ogbutor UG , Olowe GT , Ogini WO
Published: March 2021

The use of illicit drugs in recent times in modern sport has become an issue of growing concern. This study assessed the factors responsible for the use of illicit drugs by medical students in sports in Delta State University Abraka The target population included five departments in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of Delta State University Abraka. A cross-sectional survey design was conducted among 1,436 medical student athletes of the College of Health Sciences of Delta State University Abraka and random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 143 respondents. A researcher-made confidential questionnaire was the instrument used for the collection of data. A coefficient index score (r) of 0.78 was obtained which ascertained the internal consistency of the instrument was reliable. A total of 120 questionnaires were successfully retrieved and used for data analysis. Mean score and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were adopted as statistical tools for analyzing the obtained data. There was significant (p<0.05) relationship between the age of medical students and their knowledge of illicit drugs used in sports, however, there was no significant (p>0.05) relationship between the gender of the students and their knowledge of illicit drugs used in sports. Similarly, there was no significant (p>0.05) relationship between type of school of medical students and knowledge of illicit drugs used in sports. Findings from the study further equally revealed that there was no significant (p>0.05) relationship between parental background and medical students’ knowledge of use of illicit drugs in sports. Based on the findings of this study, it is obvious age was supported to determine the use of illicit drugs in sports by medical in sports, hence, the need for stringent policies to be censored especially towards the age requirement for medical student participation while adopting adequate measures to curtail the use of illicit drug among medical students.

Keywords: Illicit drugs, Sports, Gender, Age, Medical students
Factors Determining the Willingness to Adopt Grasscutter Domestication Technology among Urban Dwellers in Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Banjo AA , Tokede AM , Ogunsola AJ , Nosiru MO , Ahmad AO , Oyaniyi T
Published: March 2021

This study investigated factors determining the willingness to adopt grasscutter domestication technology in South west, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 160 respondents from 9 urban towns in Oyo, Ogun and Osun States. Well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analysed using descriptive analysis, correlational analysis and t-test. Results showed that the majority (69.4%) of the respondents were male and married. Coefficient correlation (r value) at (p< 0.05), shows that there is a significant association between respondents’ educational status, religion, household size, primary as well as secondary education with respondents’ willingness to adopt the technology. There was also found significant relationship between, perceived health status of those who are into the grasscutter technology, perceived nutritional value and economic value of the grasscutter domestication technology with the willingness to adopt the grasscutter domestication technology. The result if the T-test revealed that there is significant relationship between perceived ease of practice and willingness to adopt the technology. The majority of the respondents are willing to rear grasscutter if variables like space, fund, availability of ready-made buyer and feed, breeding stock and training are put into place. However, issues relating to having enough plots of land, funding, ready-made buyer of grasscutter, and training facilities are most germane. It is therefore recommended that funding and training on the adoption of the grasscutter domestication technology should be made available to individuals.

Keywords: grasscutter, technology, urban dwellers, southwest Nigeria
Floristic Structure of Fire Experimental Plots of Olokemeji Forest Reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo DM , Olatidoye OR , Jeminiwa OR , Oyebola TO , Omonu C
Published: March 2021

Total enumeration of tree species was carried out fire experimental plot of Olokemeji forest reserve for relative importance value (RIV) mean heights, mean diameter at breast height and mean basal area. Three investigative plot (Plot A, B and C) were established. Plot A which represents Early Burn is burnt annually during the dry season while Plot B was burnt annually during the rainy season when the trees are still wet and Plot C serves as the protected area. Gmelina arborea had the highest relative importance value (28.31), this is followed by Dalbergia sissoo which had RIV of 10.94. Plot C recorded the highest frequency of trees with the highest tree heights, this is closely followed by Plot A and Plot B being the plot with the lowest mean height. Plot C has the highest mean diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees and it is followed by Plot B and Plot A with very close mean DBH. The highest mean basal area was also recorded in Plot C, the highest total basal area and tree volume was also recorded at Plot C as 32.2 m2 ha-1 and 188.8 m3. The size distribution of tree species depicts that Plot C has been protected just as expected

Keywords: Forest, Structure, Flora, Dynamics, Fire
Two-Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Investigation of Plants Roots and its Implication in University of Benin Engineering Field, Ugbowo, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Avenbuan N , Alile OM , Iduseri OM
Published: March 2021

The geophysical study of the spread of plant roots have become imperative due to its effect on buildings. Most buildings constructed close to trees; without taking into consideration the extent of root spread, have experienced cracks which sometimes lead to the collapse of such buildings. To investigate the horizontal and vertical spread of plant roots at the University of Benin Engineering field, Edo State, Nigeria, a two-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging was done using the Wenner-Schlumberger array configuration. Data were collected along two profiles; profile 1 was taken along tree paths and profile 2 along grassland area, some distance from profile 1. Profile 1 showed a very resistive top layer underlain by a low resistive layer. The top layer which appeared to be highly resistive was due to the presence of fluid absorbers within that layer. The fluid absorbers are the roots from the trees which are distributed both vertically and horizontally within the layer. With the inversion results, the depths of the roots were estimated to be between 5.00m and 7.50m from the surface; with resistivity values of between 610.00Ωm to 1700 Ωm. The resistivity distribution obtained in profile 2 appears to be more homogeneous than the results obtained from profile 1 with resistivity values of between 320 Ωm to 3500.00 Ωm from the top layer to the bottom layer. The uniformity in the resistivity distribution with depth was due to the absence of tree roots within the formation

Keywords: Tree roots, inhomogeneous, resistivity
Market Opportunities and Profitability of Tree Crop Planting in Nigeria
Authors: Olugbire OO , Orumwense LA , Oloba OG , Oke OS , Oyaniyi T
Published: March 2021

Investing in trees offer financial and social returns for years to come and it is a lucrative long-term investment in Nigeria. Despite the substantial gain on investment in tree planting, only few people are still involved in the business. This paper analyzed the profitability of investment in tree crop planting for income generation. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and Net Present Value (NPV) were calculated to determine the financial viability of tree crop planting. The study showed that tree crop planting is a profitable business as shown by positive NPV of ₦2,187,822.0 and N2, 782,214.97 for Tectonia grandis and Moringa oleifera plantations respectively, after 10-years of maturation and harvesting at 14 % discount rate with a B/C Ratio of 1.97 and 1.6 respectively. Also, NPV of N1, 575,487.10 for a 5-year small scale private nursery establishment with a B/C Ratio of 2.79 at a 14% discount rate also confirm that the investment on nursery establishment is highly profitable. It is recommended that with adequate support and incentives, farmers can take advantage of these opportunities and invest in nursery enterprise and tree crop sub-sector of the economy

Keywords: Market opportunities, Tree planting, BCR, NPV