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Rural Roads and Other Rural Infrastructural Needs in Imo State: A Look at the Private Sector Capital Infusion Initiative

Uwazie, I. Uwazie & Obasi, M. N (Ph.D)

 Department of Economics & Department of Geography, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.

nwachukwucu2005@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT: A critical appraisal of the constraints imposed by the weak and poor rural infrastructure facilities in Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general was examined by this paper. Equally, the paper looked at the prospects of encouraging private investors to invest in the provision of rural roads, transport and other rural infrastructural needs. Although the study recognizes that rural roads and other rural infrastructural needs are public goods that should be provided by the government, several cases were cited to show that private sector initiatives in the provision of rural infrastructural facilities and services can be successful. The study equally suggested that the private sector can finance rural roads and other rural infrastructural through rural development levies, strengthening rural financial market and grants and aids to private investors. Government, the paper suggested should also improve on the present sorry state of our macroeconomic environment. When this is done, the paper concluded, it will generate the right incentives, improves efficiency and thereby eliciting the willingness of beneficiaries in rural communities to pay for services and facilities provided for them by private investors.

[Uwazie, I. Uwazie & Obasi, M. N. Rural Roads and Other Rural Infrastructural Needs in Imo State: A Look at the Private Sector Capital Infusion Initiative. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):1-8]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 1

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.01

Keywords: Rural roads, infrastructural needs, private sector, Government, Imo state

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Sanitary Status of Urban Settlement: Implication for Tropical Diseases Control in Nigeria

Iwu, R. U, Onoja A. I, Oguwuike, T. U, Ogwo, V. O & Egerouh A.I

Department of Biology, Alvan Ikoku Federal College Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract: Rural – Urban migration has been on the increase in Nigeria due to lack of social amenities in the rural areas and the quest for white collar jobs by the teeming youths of employment age. This situation led to the increase in population in the urban and semi – urban areas, consequently these areas are being over populated and the attendant’s effect of insufficient social amenities resulted in poor sanitary condition of the area. The poor sanitary condition of urban areas in Nigeria pose a lot of set back to the control of tropical disease such as malaria, diarrhea, cholera and Ascaris infections. This write up x-ray the sanitary status of Nigeria and its implication on tropical disease control in the present age. The article will sensitize individuals, urban dwellers, landlord, voluntary organizations and the various tiers of government to intensify efforts towards improving the sanitary status of our environment.

[Iwu, R. U, Onoja A. I, Oguwuike, T. U, Ogwo, V. O & Egerouh A.I. Sanitary Status of Urban Settlement: Implication for Tropical Diseases Control in Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):9-12]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 2

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.02

Keywords: Sanitary status, urban settlement, Tropical disease

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Impact Assessment of Lake Nyos Eruption on Nigeria: “Prevention and Control” – An Overview

Adetoyinbo A.Adedeji¹, Adewole O. Olukorede²*

¹Solid Earth and Space Physics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

²Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

* Corresponding Author: koredeadewole@yahoo.com

Abstract: In this work, impact assessment of lake Nyos eruption was considered at 100km radius of the eruption dominantly Nigeria away from Lake Nyos. Also prevention and control measures were proffered to minimize possible hazards from future eruption and to avert danger of possible collapse of the natural dam formed from accumulation of water in the vent or crater left behind in previous eruption. To allay fears of the possible threat Lake Nyos posses to its neighbourhood, Northern Cameroon and Nigeria, this study becomes extremely important by ensuring appropriate mitigating and future disaster averting plans.

[Adetoyinbo A. Adedeji, Adewole O. Olukorede. Impact Assessment of Lake Nyos Eruption on Nigeria: “Prevention and Control” – An Overview. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):13-18]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural.

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.03

Keywords: Impact assessment, Eruption, Stratification, TLD, Asphyxia, Degassing

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The Effect of Afforestation Way on Growth and Wood Properties of Hybrid Larch Fiber Wood

Nan Sun ^1,2, Meng Li ^*, Yichun Zhang ²

¹Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China

²Heilongjiang Province Forest Science Research Institute, Harbin 150081, China

Abstract: Hybrid Larch is the main plantation tree species for fiber wood. We examined the impact on wood properties of Hybrid Larch by four kinds planting densities (such as 2500 tree/hm², 3300 tree/hm², 4400 tree/hm2 and 6600 tree/hm2) and four site preparing mode (such as open turf, point - land, high - profile land and control). Selected four standard woods as a material analysis of the sample in the every afforestation way in 2007, We found that the growth rate, fiber length and width were significantly impacted by different afforestation ways (P < 0.05 ), but non-significantly for wood density and cellulose content. The average fiber length, fiber width, aspect ratio and cellulose content were 2.52mm, 40.56, 64.88 and 50.41%. This had some practical advices in planting method for fiber wood forest.

[Nan Sun, Meng Li, Yichun Zhang. The Effect of Afforestation Way on Growth and Wood Properties of Hybrid Larch Fiber Wood. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):19-28]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 4

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.04

Key words: Afforestation Way; Hybrid Larch; Fiber Wood; Growth; Wood Properties

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Impact Of Credit On Poultry Productivity In Southwestern Nigeria

Olagunju, Funke Iyabo (Ph.D)

Department Of Agricultural Economics And Extension Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology P.M.B 4000,  Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

E-mail: olagfunk@yahoo.com

Abstract: Livestock is important for increased productivity in Nigerian agriculture. It provides food, fuel, fertilizer and draught to sustain the rural economy. Among livestock – based vocations, poultry occupies a pivotal position because of its enormous potential to bring about rapid economic growth. The neglect of the livestock sector led to the decline in poultry production over the years. There is therefore low productivity in the sub sector. The focus of this study is to assess the impact of credit on poultry productivity. The study was carried out in Ogun, Osun and Oyo states of southwestern Nigeria. Data collection was by personal administration of questionnaires designed to obtain information on poultry farmers’ characteristics, flock size, production characteristics and economic aspect of production. Data were collected from three hundred poultry farms but data from two hundred and eighty respondents were used for the purpose of analysis. In the selection of the data used for analysis, emphasis was placed on the use of farms that kept fairly good and accurate records of their operations. These farmers were selected through multi stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Logit and multiple regression models were used for the analysis of the data. Results of the analysis showed that the mean age of the poultry farmers was 46 years while 60% had up to secondary school education. Average period of poultry experience was 8 years while the average farm household size was 7 members. About 55% of these farmers sourced their funds from personal savings while 20 % used loans from co-operative societies. The sigma square (σ²) value of 33.141 indicated a good fit for the model and a normal distribution of the error term. Many small scale poultry farmers complained of limited access to funds which is often linked with their low level of farm income and insufficient collateral securities. Level of education, years of experience in poultry keeping and number of poultry birds were positively significant variables. It was realized that credit acquisition by the farmers had a significant impact on the productivity of poultry. Furthermore, household size, feeds, source and amount of credit had a significant direct relationship with poultry productivity.

[Olagunju, Funke Iyabo. Impact Of Credit On Poultry Productivity In Southwestern Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):29-37]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 5

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.05

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Reproductive Performance And Economic Efficiency Of Finn And Rahmani Ewes And Their Crosses

Gaafar, H.M.A.; M.T. Shehab El-DIN and M.E. El-Gendy

Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt

dr.gaafar@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT: One hundred and fifty Finn (F) and Rahmani (R) ewes and their crosses including 10 F, 60 R, 50 1/4F 3/4R, 20 1/2F 1/2R and 10 3/4F 1/4R were allotted to fed traditional forage diet (D1) contained concentrate mixture + wheat straw plus fresh berseem, (winter diet) or plus berseem hay and green sorghum (summer diet) or agricultural by-product diet (D2) contained concentrate mixture plus fresh berseem, fresh sugar beet tops or green reed plants (winter diet) or plus dried sugar beet tops or green or dried reed plants (summer diet). Results showed that 81% of ewes were mating during the period from April to August reaching the maximum in July. However, 83% of ewes were lambing from October to April reaching maximum in December. The fertility expressed as ewe lambing per ewe exposed (EL/EE) was higher in crossbred that pure Finn and Rahmani ewes and increased with increasing Rahmani blood. The number of lamb born and weaned per ewe exposed (LB/EE and LW/EE) was higher in the first ewes crossbred of 1/2F 1/2R than the pure breeds and other crosses. Pure Finn recorded the highest number of lamb born and weaned per ewe lambing (LB/EL and LW/EL), lambing ewe per year (EL/Y) and lamb born and weaned per lambing ewe per year (LB/EL/Y and LW/EL/Y), but Rahmani had the lowest values and increased in crossbred ewes with increasing Finn blood. Pure Rahmani breed showed the lowest FC/E/Y and 1/4 F 3/4 R had the higher OLW/E/Y and NR/E/Y, however Finn breed had the highest FC/E/Y and the lowest OLW/E/Y and NR/E/Y. Moreover, the FC/E/Y increased (P<0.05) and OLW/E/Y and NR/E/Y decreased (P<0.05) with increasing the percent of Finn blood in crossbred.

[Gaafar, H.M.A.; M. T. Shehab El-DIN and M. E. El-Gendy. Reproductive Performance And Economic Efficiency Of Finn And Rahmani Ewes And Their Crosses. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):38-42]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 6

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.06

 Keywords: Ewes, Finn, Rahmani, crossbred, feeding, reproductive, economic efficiency

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Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP’s) in Low lands of Kanchanpur District of Nepal: Indigenous use and Conservation

Nabin Raj Joshi¹, Laxman Singh Lodhiyal¹ and Vishal Singh²

 ¹Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Kumaun University, Nainital-263002, India.

² Centre for Ecology Development and Research, 41/I, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun 248006

Email: nabin2001@gmail.com

Abstract: The present study intended to highlight the status and potential of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in community forests and the national forest of Kanchanpur district in far western region of Nepal. The human ecological approach, participatory rural appraisal, focus group discussions and interviews were used to gather the data and information for analysis. The results of the data analysis indicate that the study area harbors a high diversity of potential NTFPs. Altogether, 123 species belonging to 62 families and their traditional uses were recorded.20 NTFP species were awarded highest priority out of a total 123 NTFP’s as documented by this study named them priority species. Despite an enduring socio-cultural transformation of the local communities, they still possess sufficient knowledge of plants and their uses. It is observed that the proper management of the NTFPs could play a critical role in the improvement of people’s livelihood in a sustainable way.

[Nabin Raj Joshi, Laxman Singh Lodhiyal and Vishal Singh. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP’s) in Low lands of Kanchanpur District of Nepal: Indigenous use and Conservation. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):43-55]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 7

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.07

 Keywords: participatory, community, potential, livelihood, sustainable

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Effect of increasing poultry manure rates on the yield and yield components of Cucurbita maxima in Owerri Ultisols, Imo State, Nigeria

¹Ibeawuchi I.I., ¹Ofor, M.O and ²Ben-Chendo, G. N.

 ¹Department of Crop Science and Technology

²Department of Agricultural Economics

Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria

Email: ii_ibeawuchi@yahoo.co.uk; mariofor2002@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: An experiment on the effect of increasing poultry manure rates on the yield and yield components of Cucurbita maxima in Owerri ultisols, Imo State was conducted at the teaching and research farm of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Results revealed that increasing rates of poultry manure increased flower and leaf production, fruit set, vine length, fruit development and yield of the pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima). The dry matter accumulation followed the same pattern and application of 20t ha^-1 poultry manure performed better than all the other treatments in increasing the growth and yield of Cucurbita maxima indicating that vegetables require high manure content for high yield.

[Ibeawuchi I.I., Ofor, M.O and Ben-Chendo, G. N. Effect of increasing poultry manure rates on the yield and yield components of Cucurbita maxima in Owerri Ultisols, Imo State, Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):56-58]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 8

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.08

 KEY WORDS: Increasing poultry manure rates, Cucurbita maxima Owerri ultisols

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Horticultural Seed Production to Meet National Demand

J. C. Obiefuna, I. I. Ibeawuchi, C. O. E Onwuliri, M. O. Ofor, G. O. Ihejirika

 Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

E-mail: ii_ibeawuchi@yahoo.co.uk; mariofor2002@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: This paper deliberated on the characteristics of horticultural crops distribution in the natural vegetation of Nigeria. The concept of seed and seed production; traditional seed production; and own-seed saving systems. The challenges to seed production, technologies for prioritized horticultural crops and implantation strategies including government policy, research/training and private seed products etc. were highlighted.

[J. C. Obiefuna, I. I. Ibeawuchi, C. O. E Onwuliri, M. O. Ofor, G. O. Ihejirika. Horticultural Seed Production to Meet National Demand. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):59-64]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 9

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.09

 KEYWORDS: Horticultural seed, demand, challenges, Implementation Strategies

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Uncertainty determination of correlated color temperature for high intensity discharge lamps

A.B. El-Bialy*, M.M. El-Ganainy** and E.M. El-Moghazy***

 *University College for Woman for Art, science and education.

** National Institute for Standards (NIS)

*** NIS and Ph.D. student in University College of Woman

emoghazy@yahoo.com

Abstract: Color temperature is a description of the color of light sources. The chromaticity coordinates of the light source lying on the Planckian locus which is called (Commission Internationale de l'Eclariage, referred to as CIE) CIE diagram and the source has color temperature (in Kelvin) equal to the blackbody temperature of the Planckian radiator. For light sources that don't have chromaticity coordinates that fall exactly on the Planckian locus but lie near it. In this case the chromaticity coordinates of such sources can be representing by correlated color temperature (CCT). Uncertainty of Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) or (T_cp) for high intensity discharge lamps (HID) is derived from (u, v) color coordinates. The method of the International organization for standardization (ISO) Guide is applied by Gardner to drive analytical expression for uncertainty in u and v chromaticity coordinates and an uncertainty in CCT for few Kelvins can be achieved.

[A.B. El-Bialy, M.M. El-Ganainy and E.M. El-Moghazy. Uncertainty determination of correlated color temperature for high intensity discharge lamps. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):65-69]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 10

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.10

Keywords: Uncertainty determination; temperature; intensity; discharge; lamp

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Shell selection of the hermit crab Clibanarius africanus (Aurivillus, 1898) (Decapoda: Diogenidae) in the Lagos lagoon: Aspects of behavioural and bio- ecology of benthos.

Aderonke Lawal-Are, Roland Efe Uwadiae* and Olayemi Ruth Owolabi

 Department of Marine sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

 *Corresponding author: eferoland@yahoo.com. Tel: +2348063145723

Abstract. Size and shell species preferences of Clibanarius africanus was determined and compared for most occupied shell in the intertidal area of the Lagos lagoon, between March and August, 2008 at five study sites. A total of 663 specimens of hermit crab in gastropod shells were collected. Shell occupation of C. africanus was limited to gastropod shells belonging to Pachymelania and Tympanotonus spp. The gastropod shell most inhabited was Pachymelania spp, which accounted for 60.96% of inhabited shells, while about 39% of the shell inhabited belonged to Tympanotonus spp. Shell preferences were characterized by shell length, weight and aperture width. Positive and statistically significant correlations were obtained between morphometric characteristic of C. africanus and those of the shells inhabited, suggesting that fitness of shell to crab dimension constitutes mainly the determinant for C. africanus shell utilization. Spatiotemporal variations in the type of shell occupied were not significant in this study. Analysis of the abundance of C. africanus in the study area indicates that, a relatively higher abundance of C. africanus was observed in site 3, due probably to the favourable environmental conditions provided by large percentage of sand fractions in the sediment. From the data recorded in this study, it may be concluded that shell selection by hermit crabs involves individual preferences related to the shell features that best provide protection, survival and opportunity for the enhancement of behavioural attributes that are necessary for the maximization of bio-ecological relationships.

[Aderonke Lawal-Are, Roland Efe Uwadiae and Olayemi Ruth Owolabi. Shell selection of the hermit crab Clibanarius africanus (Aurivillus, 1898) (Decapoda: Diogenidae) in the Lagos lagoon: Aspects of behavioural and bio- ecology of benthos. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):70-78]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 11

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.11

 Key words: Bioecological relationships, shell selection, hermit crabs, Clibanarius africanus.

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Studies On The Adaptation Of Bambara Groundnut [Vigna Subterranea (L.) Verdc] In Owerri Southeastern Nigeria.

N.I.C Onwubiko¹, O.B. Odum¹, C.O. Utazi² And P.C. Poly-Mbah³

 1. Department Of Crop Science And Technology, Federal University Of Technology Owerri, Imo State.

2. Department Of Agricultural Extension Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo.

3. Department Of Agricultural Science, Avan Ikoku Federal College Of Education Owerri.

E-mail: onwubikouche@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: Field experiment was conducted on the adaptability of bambara groundnut in humid rain forest tropical zones with six local accesssions in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data was collected on the yield and yield attributes, and analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated by least significant difference (LSD p=0.05). Correlation studies were carried out to determine the relationship between yield and yield attributes. Results of analysis of variance showed significant differences in plant height, canopy diameter and petiole length, and no significant differences in number of stem and dry matter weight (biomass) among accessions. Correlation analysis between yield attributes and fresh pod weight indicated positive correlation in all cases. However, plant height and number of stems had a near perfect positive correlation signifying that the higher the height of the plant the greater the yield. The performance ranking of the accessions showed that AC-01had the best overall performance while AC-05 had the least. Conclusively, the crop is apparently adaptive to the study area (especially tall growing accessions), and can contribute immensely in food and nutritional security in this agroecological zone.

[N.I.C Onwubiko, O.B. Odum, C.O. Utazi And P.C Poly-Mbah. Studies On The Adaptation Of Bambara Groundnut [Vigna Subterranea (L.) Verdc] In Owerri Southeastern Nigeria. World Rural Observations 2010;2(4):79-86]; ISSN: 1944-6543 (Print); ISSN: 1944-6551 (Online). http://www.sciencepub.net/rural. 12

doi:10.7537/marswro020410.12

 Key words: Vigna subterranea, bambara groundnut, adaptability, humid rain forest zone

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