Pages: 1 - 8 Abstract: Perceptions and understanding of rural agroforest farmers about climate change, the possible consequences of cli-mate change and available adaptation options for its mitigation in the tropics have been noted to be abysmally low. This study examines the perception and adaptation strategies of agroforest farmers towards climate change mitigation in Ekiti State. The study area was stratified into two vegetation zones (rainforest and derived savannah). Pre-tested interview schedule were administered to eighty randomly selected agroforest farmers for collection of data in the two zones. Field observations revealed that majority of the respondents are married (96.25 %) male (93.75 %) of over 40 years old (81.25 %) with 50 % of them having more than 10 years of farming experience. The study revealed that farmers perceived that there are changes in climatic parameters (temperature, rainfall and wind intensity) with its attendant consequences on their production. Measures such as mulching, adjustment in planting period and planting of different crop were employed by respondents to mitigate the effect of climate change on their livelihood. The study also identified among others; lack of water for irrigation and lack of information on weather forecast as some of the problems militating against their adaptation to climate change. Keywords:Articles
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The Effects of Geophagy on Pregnant women in Nigeria
Authors:I.J Agene, U.A Lar, S.O Mohammed, E.N Gajere, B. Dang, D.N Jeb, J.K Ogunmola Pages: 1 - 9 Abstract: Geophagy, the act of deliberately eating clay is a common practice among pregnant women and children in Nigeria. Several edible Clays such as Montmorillonite, Chabazite-Na, Diaspore, Faujasite-Na, Lizardite-1M, Montmorillonite 15A, lizardite and Montmorillonite were collected across the country from the following states Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, Kogi, Nasarawa, Osun and Plateau respectively. Geochemical analysis were carried out using the XRD and ICP-OES to determine the elements in the clay and the mineralogy of the clay. Heavy metals analyzed for include Aluminium (AL), Arsenic (As), Chromiun (Cr), Cupper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Selinium (Se) and Zinc (Zn). The result of the analysis indicates that the Heavy metals have very high concentrations in almost all the clay samples collected. The level of contamination of As, Pb, and Se in the clays from all the states of the study area is also exceptionally high. These metals occur in concentrations far above the WHO recommended dose for human consumption and hence may contribute to so many health hazards, like deformed babies and different types of cancers among women. Keywords:Articles
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Perception of Housing Quality by Residents and Non Residents of Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors:A O Adeleye, O T Azeez, O I Yusuff Pages: 35 - 42 Abstract: This study examined the perception of housing quality by residents and non residents of Ibara housing estate, Abeokuta. Data for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The questionnaire targeted the residents and non-residents and was administered using systematic random sampling method on household heads living in one out of every fifth (5th) house located in the identified three (3) zones in the study area: staff quarters, corporation quarters and site and services residential area of the housing estate selected, and likewise for the non-residents. A total of 85 residents household heads were selected, likewise 85 non-residents (relatives and friends of the residents) were also selected for questionnaire administration. Both descriptive and inferential techniques of data analysis were employed. The study established that the condition of the building elements (roofs, walls, floors windows, doors, toilets/bathrooms, lighting and ceiling) was perceived by the residents to be of good condition (4.21). While the non-residents perceived it to be fair in condition (3.25). Also, residents and non-residents of the estate were fairly satisfied with facilities and services in the estate (3.65 and 3.39 respectively). The dwellers and non-dwellers of the housing estate were satisfied with their dwellings and its environment (3.78 and 3.18 respectively). The paper advocated the need for involvement of the public in housing provision decision since they are the beneficiaries, as this will go a long way in the provision of more quality housing that will meet the people’s need and aspiration. Keywords:Articles
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Exploring the Neglect of African Family Value Systems and its Effects on Sustainable Development
Authors:Takim Asu Ojua, Felicia Ekwok Lukpata, Chimezie Atama Pages: 43 - 50 Abstract: The study explored the neglect and abandonment of African family value system and its effect on society’s development with emphasis on the Efik and Igbo cultures in South - east and South - south Nigeria respectively as references. The study employed the qualitative research design. Data was obtained from community members (both young and old) in Calabar Municipality, who are indigenes of the various Igbo speaking Ethnic groups and Cross River State, Nigeria through focus group discussions (FGDs) and unstructured interview schedules. The findings of the study revealed that acculturation through western Medias, culture contact, Education, religion, westernization etc. have all played different roles in altering and influencing the neglects noticeable in the African family value system and this is further weakening the social development of the larger society. The study therefore recommends that among others, family members especially parents should have some inputs to mate selection of their children. Marriage should not be treated as a social contract for only the young ones, rather, family members should intensify efforts to be involved in mate selection and marriage proper; rites of passage in African traditional culture must be uphold to give meaning and value to those who enter into it in order to avoid careless living, divorce and increased separations among marriage partners. Keywords:Articles
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Citizen Participation in Environmental Group Events
Authors:Xinru Li Pages: 79 - 81 Abstract: In recent years, Group events triggered by environmental crisis continue to occur, and there is a rising trend. Such as the PX project event in Xiamen, It has caused great hidden dangers to the safety of citizens' lives. The occurrence of these environmental group events is closely related to the degree of citizen participation. The importance of citizen participation is reflected in the solution of the mass incidents. Through these environmental group events, we can see a significant increase in awareness of citizens' participation in our country, in the meanwhile, the beginning of their own interests and aspirations. But there are some problems in the citizen participation in environmental group practice. Therefore, this paper aims to prevent and reduce the occurrence of environmental group events through the study of citizen participation in environmental group events. Keywords:Articles
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