Research
Pre-disposing factors to HIV/AIDS Pandemic among Fisher-folks in the Kainji Lake Basin of Nigeria
The paper examined the pre-disposing factors to HIV/AIDS vulnerability in the fisheries sector of Kainji Lake Basin. Thirty fishing communities were selected for data collection through the use of questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis. The findings revealed level of western education among the respondents is very low. The correlation analysis for respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and HIV/AID vulnerability revealed that only the respondents’ education variable impacted significantly on the level, estimated number, as well as the HIV/AIDS cases reported. . For the socio - cultural factors contributing to HIV/AIDS vulnerability, family planning is believed to offend their gods, Principal component analysis revealed that risky occupation, multiple sexual partners, women don't have control, believed that family planning is offend the gods, forced sex, talking to children and engaging in sex before marriage are the principal respondents’ drive factors that makes fisherfolks vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The study made recommendations to addressing HIV/AIDS in the area.
Economic Analysis of Rural Households Access to Non-farm Activities in Kwara State, Nigeria
In the quest to overcome poverty, farm households engage in various non-farm activities. This study therefore examined pluriactive households in Kwara State, Nigeria. It also examines the activities that are non-farm; the reasons why rural households diversify into such activities; and the factors that predispose the farmers to diversify. Primary data was used for the study. Descriptive statistics, diversity index and Kruskal-Wallis test were the analytical tools used for the study. The results of the findings show that most of those who engage in non-farm activities are male, with Trading and Civil service being the major non-farm activities the rural households diversify into. Most rural households diversify in order to improve their standard of living. The diversity of activities increases as the number of activities in the study area increases. The results also reveal that the need to increase income and the small farm sizes of the rural households predispose them most to engage in non-farm activities. It is therefore recommended that rural households should engage in activities that would help them achieve the goal of reducing their state of poverty. Government and development agencies should help provide credit facilities to help the rural households intensify their engagement in these activities.
