ASSESSMENT OF PALM WINE MARKET IN EDO STATE

*Omofonmwan E.I, **Ashaolu O.F., **Ayinde I.A. and **Fakoya E.O.

*Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin City, Nigeria.

**Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

E-mail: isaacomofonmwan@hotmail.com

Abstract: Agricultural marketing system plays an important role in determining the prices received by the farmers and those paid by the consumers. This study assesses the marketing of palm wine in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 210 respondents comprising of 90 wholesalers and 120 retailers were randomly selected from three villages each in seven local government areas in Edo State, using a multi-stage sampling technique. The studied local government areas include: Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Esan West and Igueben. Socio-economic and demographic data were collected from the respondents with the use of structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, Shepherd Futrel coefficient of marketing efficiency. Findings revealed that most of the marketers were males in their active age; the mean age being about 43 and 38 years for retailers and wholesalers, respectively. About 46% of the retailers and 53% of the wholesalers completed their secondary school education. The average weekly marketing margin and net profit per 100 liters per retailer were N7,644.00 and N2, 923.78 as well as N1,529.00 and N508.36 per wholesaler respectively. Palm wine marketing in the study area is profitable and efficient as shown by the coefficient of marketing efficiency of 132% for retailers and 113% for wholesalers. The percentage share per liter of the consumer’s price along the value chain ranges from 25% for tappers to 37.3% for wholesalers to 37.7% for retailers. The major constraints faced by the marketers were high transportation cost (93.4% and 87.2%), lack of credit facilities (81.82% and 91.3%), inadequate supply (82.50% and 46.75%), inadequate electricity supply (35% and 99%) and excessive charges (42.8% and 72.42%) for wholesalers and retailers respectively. The study concludes that palm wine marketing is very profitable in the study area. The study therefore recommends among others: the provision of credit facilities, promoting potential entrepreneurship in palm wine marketing through awareness and the need for the provision of infrastructural facilities such as good roads and regular supply of electricity to reduce marketing cost.

THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES TOWARDS DEVELOPING

THE ECONOMY OF NIGERIA

Azi, A.O., Agbo, G.A., Aluge, U.D., and Ogbuebor, W.O.

Department of Industrial Physics

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

E-mail: aziamaechi@yahoo.com

Abstract: Our environment is our surroundings and we have a common duty to protect it. As we have quest to develop our society economically, the environment may face severe threat. This paper reveals the significance of environmental studies to economic development. The harmful aspect of it and possible solutions were observed.

Keywords:     Environment, Economic Development, Degradation, Ozone Layer.

FUELWOOD HARVESTING AS MEANS OF INCOME IN GORA AND ZUTURUNG DISTRICTS IN ZANGON KATAF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,

KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Yunana, Mba Abui and Shat, A.

Department of Environmental Management

Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

E-mail: abuimbayunana@yahoo.com

Abstract: Fuelwood apart from meeting domestic energy need of the people in the rural areas provide a means of livelihood as a source of income. The income of fuelwood harvesting in Gora and Zuturung districts in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria, was investigated with a view to determine its potentials and impact on the income of the communities. Data for the study were obtained from a total sample of 150 randomly selected respondents through interview schedules, application of structured questionnaires and personal observations. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and tables were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire. The study indicated that the major uses of the fuelwood by the respondents for sales and cooking, The fuelwood are sold in pickups and the income generated from the fuelwood sales by each respondent within the period of study ranges is between N2,000 to N6,000 in a month and the money realized from the sales of the fuelwood is use for paying school fees, buying cloths, buying farm inputs, and other domestic functions and the effects of the fuelwood harvesting include: reduction of plant species, reduction in vegetation, occurrences of drought, disappearances of animal species, rises in temperature and others environmental problems. The study also confirmed that harvesting of the fuelwood by communities is illegal as government is against any person(s) who engage in fuelwood harvesting from the bush. It is therefore recommended that the State Forestry Department should educate the collectors on the importance of rational exploitation, tree planting, and the value of maintaining the existing trees on their farm plots.

COMPUTER SIMULATION PACKAGE AND GENDER AS PREDICTORS OF STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN BIOLOGY

Olumide, Olubukola Joyce

Department of Teacher Education

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

E-mail: yemiogundiwin@yahoo.com

Abstract: The conventional method of teaching is the most common in Nigeria and researchers have shown that this method has led to poor performance of students in Biology but in other subjects. Researchers have been able to ascertain that students will learn best when they participate in teaching-learning process. This study was conducted to establish computer simulation package and gender as predictors in the teaching of Genetics on students’ achievement in Biology. The pretest-posttest, control group, quasi-experimental design with 2x2x3 factorial matrix was adopted. Two hundred and forty (240) Senior Secondary School students from four (4) purposively selected schools in Ibadan metropolis of Oyo State were used for the study. The schools were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups and the study lasted twelve (12) weeks. Five (5) instruments used for data collection were: Teachers Instructional Guides for teachers using the treatments and control group; Students’ Achievement in Biology Test (r = 0.80), Computer Simulation Package on Genetics in Biology and Assessment Sheet for the research assistants. Three null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Multiple Classification Analysis Treatment had a significant effect on students’ Post-test achievement score. Students exposed to computer simulation performed better with higher adjusted posttest achievement mean score (mean = 72.215; dev. = 3.21) than their counterparts who were taught with the conventional teaching method (mean = 49.743; dev. = – 3). There was a significant main effect of gender on student’s achievement in Biology (F (1,228) = 8.652, P <0.005). ICT-based instructions in the form of computer simulation or video-cd have been found to make learning real, permanent and provide experience in all field of learning and so it is recommended to avert the recurrent failure of students.

SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

M. Mustapha, Abubakar L. and M.U. Muhammad

Department of Chemistry

Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto

E-mail: mustaphamusa63@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper explains what Science is and gives a distinction between pure and applied science. It treats the concept of economic development and explains some popular theories of economic development. It also discusses why science is important for economic development and recounts some examples of the impact of science in the economic development of a nation. Also, it examines how economic development can be facilitated through proper application of science. It concludes that considering the pivotal role pure and applied science have to play in driving the industrialization of a nation, it is important that a nation like Nigeria emphasize the need for a formidable Science base in all levels of education (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) and recommends the establishment of a National Science Foundation.

CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING THE ASSUMPTIONS OF OLS IN THE PRESENCE OF AUTOCORRELATION

Uchendu, Bartholomew .A.

Department of Maths/Statistics

Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria

E-mail: uchendubartholomew@yahoo.com

Abstract: The consequences of applying OLS to a relationship with autocorrected disturbances are qualitatively similar to those already derived for the heteroscedastic case, namely unbiased but inefficient estimation and invalid inference procedures. As in the case of heteroscedasticity, in the presence of autocorrelation, the OLS estimators are still linear unbiased as well as consistent and asymptotically normally distributed, but they are no longer efficient (i.e., minimum variance). In the case of heteroscedasticity, we distinguish two cases and the possible cause and sources of autocorrelation. The violation of the assumptions of normality may have significant consequences in applying OLS and such consequences include substantial loss in efficiency, inflating the precision or accuracy of the estimators by underestimating the standard error of β. Moreover, violating of the assumptions of normally of the error term is important in econometric analysis. If this assumption is violated, then the basis of hypothesis testing breaks down. In this direction, a large number of possible tests for normality and robust estimator have been suggested. The assumption of lack of autocorrelation or serial correlation of the error term implies that the disturbance covariance at all possible pairs of observation points are zero. Violation provides the basis of for this research because it affects the consistency of the OLS estimators. Models with such disturbances are widespread, as applied econometrics especially in modeling of economic data.

ASSESSMENT OF PIPE-BORNE WATER SUPPLY IN MALUMFASHI TOWN, KATSINA STATE AS A CHALLENGE TO RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN GLOBALIZING AFRICA

Haruna Saleh¹ and Abdulmalik M. Sada²

^1&2Department of Geography

Umaru Musa Yar`Adua University Katsina, Nigeria

harunasaleh@gmail.com, maiwadaabdulmalik@yahoo.com

Abstract: An assessment of Pipe-borne Water Supply was carried out in Malumfashi Town, Katsina. Method used for investigations includes population data of the town, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward division criteria and 653 structured questionnaires survey distributed to the households among the four (4) sampling areas. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test at 0.001 significant levels were used to analyze the data. Results obtained indicate the sources of pipe-borne water supply to the study area came from Malumfashi Water Board and the supply was generally inadequate to meet the demand. Testing the relation of flow duration of tap-water at 0.001 significant levels with less and greater than 3 hours per day indicates significant spatial variations of pipe-borne water supply among the four sampling areas. Generally southern part (Ward A) receives more supply than the Northern part (Ward B). As a consequence of this you could see people of the urban area now resort to alternative sources of water supply such as hand-dug wells, water vendors among others. These predominantly unwholesome sources are variable sources of water borne-diseases. The study thus, recommends that Water Board should ensure pipe-borne water supply meets the demand and encourages private sector participation in water supply system. This would no doubt be a challenge to research and innovation for economic development in globalizing Africa.

EFFECT OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Annona muricata SEED ON LIVER FUNCTION ENZYMES IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC MALE MICE

Agbai E.O.¹ and Nwanegwo C.O.²

¹Department of Human Physiology, Madonna University Elele, Rivers State Nigeria.

²Department of Human Physiology, Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.

E-mail: madonna3k5@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study investigated the methanolic extract of Annona muricata seed on some liver enzymes: serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in alloxan-induced diabetic rats as well as the liver histology. Twenty male mice were used in this study. Sixteen mice were alloxanized (200 mg/kg of alloxan intraperitoneal (i.p.). The four control (group A) mice were administered normal saline (i.p). The mice were confirmed diabetic and randomly divided into four experimental groups (B, C, D, and E). Group A (control) received normal rat chow, Group B (diabetic control) received normal rat chow, Group C received 200 mg/kg of Annona muricata seed extract, Group D received 400 mg/kg of Annona muricata seed extract, and Group E received 600 mg/kg of Annona muricata seed extract. At the end of 30 days experiment, result showed statistically significant difference in blood glucose level between Group A (CONT) (92.33 ± 8.81mg/ml) compared to Group B (485.67 ± 16.19 mg/ml) Group C (137.33 ± 11.61 mg/ml), and Group D (130.00 ± 9.54 mg/ml) at P < 0.05. There was no statistically significant difference in blood glucose level of Group A (CONT) (92.33 ± 8.81 mg/ml) compared with treated diabetic Group E (106.00 ± 7.23 mg/ml) at P > 0.05. There was a statistically significant decrease in body weight at P < 0.05 between the final body weight and initial body weight of Group C (32.73 ± 1.30 vs. 45.00 ± 1.50), Group D (33.47 ± 1.56 vs. 45.07 ± 1.65), Group E (32.33 ± 2.96 vs. 44.33 ± 1.45) but no statistically significant difference at P > 0.05 between the final body weight and initial body weight of Group A (CONT) (37.33 ± 3.71 vs. 37.00 ±3.51), and Group B (38.07 ± 1.55 vs. 44.20 ± 0.61).In serum ALP level, result showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in Group A (CONT) (10.91 ± 3.34 μ/L) compared to Group B (29.50 ± 0.44 μ/L), statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between Group B (29.50 ± 0.44 μ/L) compared to Group C (15.64 ± 7.78 μ/L) and Group E (13.64 ± 7.21 μ/L) and no statistically significant between Group A (CONT) (10.91 ± 3.34 μ/L) compared with Group C (15.64 ± 7.78 μ/L) and Group E (13.64 ± 7.21 μ/L) at P > 0.05.In serum AST level, result showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in Group A (CONT) (56.25 ± 4.35 μ/L) compared to Group B (82.73 ± 1.16 μ/L), statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between Group A (CONT) (56.25 ± 4.35 μ/L) compared to Group E (37.33 ± 25.96 μ/L) but no statistically significant between Group A (CONT) (56.25 ± 4.35 μ/L) compared with Group D (57.33 ± 25.45 μ/L) at P > 0.05.In serum ALT level, result showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in Group A (CONT) (13.50 ± 3.66 μ/L) compared to Group C (5.33 ± 1.33 μ/L), statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between Group A (CONT) (13.50 ± 3.66 μ/L) compared to Group B (32.00 ± 0.78 μ/L. However, there was no statistically significant between Group A (CONT) (13.50 ± 3.66 μ/L) compared with Group D (14.00 ± 5.13 μ/L) and Group E (13.67 ± 1.67 μ/L) at P > 0.05. Group E photomicrograph showed normalization of cells and reduced sinusoids compared to Group B photomicrograph which showed a marked focal dilation with congestion of the central vein. Therefore, data suggest that increased dose concentration of methanolic extract of Annona muricata seed restored significantly decreased serum ALP, AST and ALT, and restored cytoarchitecture of liver hepatocytes.

SPECIATION OF SELECTED TRACE METALS IN SOIL SAMPLES FROM DUMPSITES IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Egila, J.N¹, Ibrahim, E.G² and Ibrahim, M.A.G³

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

²Nasara Spring Water Nigeria Limited, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

³Department of Chemistry, College of Education Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

E-mail: Ezekiel_ibrahim@yahoo.com

Abstract: Speciation of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) were carried out on soil samples from dumpsites in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria using Tessier et al., (1979) method. The results for various fractions obtained from the Jos road dumpsite are as follows; for samples taken from 0-5cm Jos Road, the ranges of the fractions are 0.56 to 21.56%, 0.34 to 40.66%, 1.34 to 29.18%, 0.06 to 45.91%, and 0.37 to 12.95%  for exchangeable, Fe-Mn oxide, organic, carbonate and residual fractions respectively. For the samples taken from 10-15cm at Jos Road dumpsite the ranges of the fractions are 0.42 to 13.63%, 0.03 to 18.48%, 1.01 to 25.34%, 0.03 to 35.19% and 0.27 to 9.31% for exchangeable, Fe-Mn oxide, organic, carbonate and residual fractions respectively. The results of the fractions obtained from Emir Palace dumpsite are as follow. For samples taken from 0-5cm the ranges of the fractions are 0.25 to 18.34%, 2.73 to 15.58%, 4.02 to 23.28%, 0.07 to 45.25% and 1.57 to 37.43% for exchangeable, Fe-Mn oxide, organic, carbonate and residual fractions respectively. For samples taken from 10-15cm at Emir Palace dumpsite ranges of the fractions are 0.42 to12.62%, 0.80 to 11.59%, 2.16 to 17.33%, 9.86 to 34.48%, and 0.99 to 32.99% for exchangeable, Fe-Mn oxide, organic carbonate and residual fractions respectively. The concentration of these selected metals decreases as the depth of the soil increases. All the selected metals are available in both dumpsite which shows that dumpsite pollute the soil by releasing metals into it.

ON TIME SERIES MODELS AND PREDICTION OF DEPOSITS AND LOANS OF RURAL BRANCHES OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NIGERIA

Ojo, J.F.

Department of Statistics

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

E-mail: jfunminiyiojo@yahoo.co.uk  

Abstract: This study develops best time series model for the prediction of deposits and loans of rural branches of commercial banks in Nigeria. The time series models proposed for predicting deposits and loans were autoregressive bilinear and autoregressive integrated bilinear models. The parameters of the proposed models were estimated using Newton-Raphson iterative method. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were used to determine the order of the models. To determine the best model, the residual variance was used. Estimation of parameters witnessed a unique, consistent and convergent estimator and the best derived model was used to predict the future deposits and loans.