Research
Relationship between Climatic Variables and Incidence of Malaria and Asthma in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State
There has been a significant upsurge in global warming phenomenon in the recent times than ever. This resulted from the alteration of global climatic variables i.e., temperature, rainfall, relative humidity e.t.c. This study assess the trends of climatic variables in Keffi from 2003-2018. (Temperature, rainfall and relative humidity). The method was used to source data from mega and reputable institution for the purpose of this research. Where malaria data was sourced from the PHC unit, Keffi Local Government Council. Asthmatic data was retrieved from federal medical center (FMC) Keffi. Whereas, those climatic variables were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), FCT Abuja. The study finds out the trends and impacts of climatic variables on climatic sensitive diseases. Which are principally in the aspect of an existing relationship and impacts of climatic parameters on malaria/asthma. As explained by U.S Center for Disease Control (CDC). Climate is the key and basic determinant of the distribution of malaria in the world. Explains Γ’β¬Εclimate can influence all three components of the life cycle. It is thus, a key determinant in a geographic distribution and seasonality of malaria (U.S Center for Disease Control 2017). It added that, Γ’β¬Εeven if malaria has been eliminated from an area, if rainfall, humidity and temperature persist, there is danger that the disease can be reintroduced (U.S CDC 2017). The work also reviews that, Γ’β¬Εclimate change are altering patterns of temperature and precipitation, potentially affecting the regions of malariaΓ’β¬Β (Olson etΓ’β¬β’ al 2009). Findings has also revealed that, logging of trees from massive agricultural practices and timber traders contribute to rising of temperature over the years. Findings analyzed from the retrieved data revealed that, rising temperature, relative humidity and declination in rainfall poses impacts on malaria and asthma in Keffi and the world-over, over the years. Marking a clear relationship between the two. The research wholesomely concluded by reiterating some abative measures to ravaging impacts of climatic variables on malaria/asthma and also on human health and comfort has been in the heart of the people. But unfortunately this has been the ultimate focus on government and people living in Keffi over the years. Thus, this calls for concerted effort and more commitment from both government and individual. Not putting down a lend of helping hand from NGOs, elites and stake-holders to win the fight.
Effects of Climate Variability on Maize Yield in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria
This study assessed the effects of climate variability on Maize yield in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State between 1999 and 2018. The research design employed in the study was an ex-post facto and analytical design. Hence, the study is a quantitative study that provides statistical data as empirical evidence and produces descriptive and informative sceneries of the topic study. Based on the objectives of this study and data analysis, the results revealed an increasing trend in average annual maximum temperature in the study area, with 62 percent variability, and a deceasing trend in average annual minimum temperature, with 44 percent variability. More so, the results revealed an almost uniform but increasing trend in average annual rainfall in the study area between 1999 and 2018, with a 37 percent variability. Furthermore, results of the trend analysis revealed an increasing trend in maize yield in the study area, with 50 percent variability. The correlation analysis revealed a nonstatistically significant strong positive linear relationship (r = 0.088, sig. 0.712 > 0.05) between the average rainfall and average temperature in the study area. More so, the correlation analysis revealed also revealed a non-statistically significant weak negative relationship (r = -0.072, sig. 0.762 > 0.05) between average rainfall variability and maize yield in the study area. A statistically significant moderate positive linear relationship (r = 0.564, sig. 0.010 < 0.05) was found between average temperature and maize yield in the study area. The linear regression analysis revealed that 33 percent (r-squared: r2= 0.333)of the variation in maize yield is explained by the variation in rainfall, and temperature between the periods of 1999 and 2018 in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Hence, rainfall and temperature affect maize yield in the study area by 33 percent. The study thus recommended that farmers should adopt climate change and variability mitigation and adaptive measures. These include the use of resistant and drought tolerant species. In addition, there is need for the Ministry of Agriculture and Taraba State Agricultural Development Programme to educate farmers and farm agents on the realities and effect of climate change and variability, as well as adaptive measures that can be taken. These include better and practicable environmental policies, improved agricultural techniques, and alternative source of water which will include irrigation farming, and mulching, vis-ΓΒ -vis creating sustainable food security in the long run.
Assessment of Public Participation as Mechanism for Sustainable Waste Management In Barnawa, Kaduna South, Kaduna State, Nigeria
The study was an assessment of public participation as a mechanism for sustainable waste management in Barnawa, Kaduna South, Kaduna state. The study was descriptive cross-sectional survey that employed the use of both primary and secondary data obtained from field survey, journal, articles, and text books. The sampled size of the participants of the study was 100 residents in the study area, while the statistical method of analysis adopted in analysing the results obtained was descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the most common waste generated are; residential waste, paper waste, plastic waste, textile waste, bottle waste and commercial waste. More so, the results revealed that these wastes as well as solid waste were generated on a frequency of daily basis, weekly basis and twice a week basis in the study area. The result collected from the field survey to this respect revealed that there are basically three stakeholders responsible. More so it was reviled the cost of solid waste disposal in the study area, as well as the willingness of the residents of Barnawa community to pay for disposal of solid waste in the community. From the result, it was discovered that majority of the residents of the study area were of the view that they do not encounter challenges in disposing their waste, while a significant share of the resident of the study area were of the opinion that they do encounter challenges in disposing the waste they generate. The study concluded that Long-term sustainability of the solid waste management system also depends on the level of segregation of waste. Segregation of waste should be three streams this will also help in finding appropriate disposal options. Segregation of waste should be done at the source itself. Segregated waste can be collected on a weekly basis from households and on a daily basis from business establishments.
