Browsing by Author "Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham"
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Item Open Access Analysis of Tree Species Preference and Reasons among Commercial Charcoal Producers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-04-02) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Ayuba, H.K.; Danjuma, Marcus N.; Ogah, Tanko AdamuCommercial charcoal production has over time become an indispensable means of livelihood among rural settlers in Nasarawa State. However, charcoal production involves woodland exploitation which contributes to deforestation. Considering the growing significance of charcoal in rural and urban livelihoods in Nasarawa State, this paper analysed the preference of tree species and reasons among commercial charcoal producers in Nasarawa State in view of identifying endangered species and suggesting measures to ensure sustainability of the business. The study employed descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative data drawn from primary and secondary sources. Questionnaire was administered to 450 respondents randomly sampled from commercial charcoal producers drawn from 6 communities and 3 LGAs of Nasarawa State. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were also conducted and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 23). A total of 22 tree species were identified as usable for charcoal production in the study area. Investigation into the producers’ preference of tree species showed that eight (8) were mostly preferred out of which Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke) (57.3%), Erythrina senegalensis (Madri) (52.2%) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya) (49.1%) were among the top three. Marke, Kirya and Madri were the most preferred species in Akwanga, Doma and Karu production areas respectively. High charcoal yield, good combustion quality, high heat content of resulting charcoal, less ash production were the main reasons for their preferences. Most of the preferred tree species have been depleted to the point that they are no longer commonly found for use among commercial charcoal producers in the state. The most endangered species due to commercial charcoal production were Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke), Erythrina senegalensis (Madri) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya). However, pressure is currently on Teminalia glocosece (Baushe/Uko), Andira inermis (Gwaska), Ficus Spp (Baure), Vitellaria paradoxa (Kede) and Gardinia aqualla (Gaude) due to the difficulties in finding the endangered ones which constituted the most preferred species among producers in Nasarawa State. It was recommended that state energy policies should incorporate a law recognizing charcoal as a key source of energy in the State, thereby encouraging investments in the activity of commercial charcoal producers. Furthermore, conservation plans and practical measures of replacing the extracted trees from woodlands/forests for commercial charcoal production should form the basis for license issuance for charcoal productionItem Open Access ANALYSTS OF TREE SPECIES PREFERENCE AND REASONS AMONG COMMERCIAL CHARCOAL PRODUCERS IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State State University Keffi, 2021-03-03) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Ayuba, H.K.; Marcus, Nengak DanjumaCommercial charcoal production has over time become an indispensable means of livelihood among rural settlers in Nasarawa State. However, charcoal production involves woodland exploitation which contributes to deforestation. Considering the growing significance of charcoal in rural and urban livelihoods in Nasarawa Slate, this paper analysed the preference of tree species and reasons among commercial charcoal producers in Nasarawa State in view of identifying endangered species and suggesting measures to ensure sustainability of the business. The study employed descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative data drawn from primary and secondary sources. Questionnaire was administered to 450 respondents randomly sampled from cornu rcial charcoal producers drawn from 6 communities and 3 LG As of Nasarawa State. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were also conducted and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 23). A total of 22 tree species were identified as usable for charcoal production in the study area. Investigation into the producers ’ preference of tree species showed that eight (8) were mostly preferred out of which Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke) (57.3%), Eryt.hrina ■ senegalensis (Madri) (52.2%) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya) (49.1%) were among the top three. Marke, Kirya and Madri were the most preferred species in A/cwanga, Doma and Karu production areas respectively. High charcoal yield,"good combustion quality, high heat content of resulting charcoal, less ash production were the main reasons for their preferences. Most of the preferred tree species have been depleted to the point that they are no longer commonly found for use among commercial charcoal producers in the state. The most endangered species due to commercial charcoal production were Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke), Erythrina senegalensis (Madri) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya). However, pressure is currently on Teminalia glocosece (Baushe/Uko), Andira inermis (Gwaska), Ficus Spp (Baure), Vitellaria paradoxa (Kede) and Gardinia aqualla (Gaude) due to the difficulties in finding the endangered ones which constituted the most preferred species among producers in Nasar aw a State, it was recommended that state energy policies should incorporate a law*> recognizing charcoal as a key source of energy in the State, thereby encouraging investments in the activity of commercial charcoal producers. Furthermore, conservation plans and practical measures of replacing the extracted trees from woodlands/forests for commercial charcoal production should form the basis for license issuance for charcoal production.Item Open Access Aquifer Potential Assessment in Termites Manifested Locales using Geo-electrical and Surface Hydraulic Measurement Parameters(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2019-03-06) Jamilu, Bala Ahmed II; Pradhan, Biswajeet; Mansor, Shattri; Yusoff, Zainuddin M.; Ekpo, Salamatu AbrahamIn some parts of tropical Africa, termite mounds locations are traditionally used to site groundwater structures mainly in the form of hand-dug wells with high success rates. However, the scientific rational behind the use of mounds as prospective sites for locating groundwater structures have sparsely been investigated. In this paper, locations and structural features of termite mounds were mapped with the aim of determining the aquifer potential beneath termite mounds and comparing the same with adjacent areas, 10m away. Soil and species sampling, field surveys and laboratory analyses to obtain data on physical, hydraulic and geo-electrical parameters from termite mounds and adjacent control areas followed. The physical and hydraulic measurements demonstrated relatively higher infiltration rates and lower soil water content on mound soils compared with the surrounding areas. To assess the aquifer potential, vertical electrical soundings conducted on 28 termite mounds sites and adjacent control areas. Three (3) important parameters; depth to bedrock, aquifer layer resistivity and fresh/fractured bedrock resistivity were assessed to compute potential weights for each Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) point. These weights were then compared between those of termite mound sites and those from control areas. The result revealed that about 43% of mound sites have greater aquifer potential compared to the surrounding areas whereas 28.5% of mounds have equal and lower potentials compared with the surrounding areas. The study concludes that termite mounds locations are suitable spots for groundwater prospecting owing to the deeper regolith layer beneath them which suggests that termites either have the ability to locate places with deeper weathering horizon or are themselves agents of biological weathering. Further studies to check how representative our study area is of other areas with similar termite activities are recommended. wereItem Open Access Assessment Of Charcoal Processing Technology Used For Commercial Charcoal Production In Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-03-03) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Ayuba, H.K.; Marcus, Nengak Danjuma; Ogah, Adamu TankoDeforestation and Forest degradation is one o f the major environmental problem ravishing the world today, Charcoal production involves a wholesome dependency on the natural woodlands which contributes to deforestation, leading to the loss o f valuable resources and dangerous interference with the environment. The adverse effect of deforestation is climate change through the release of large amounts of greenhouse gases that fuel global warming. I Charcoal production reduces the bio-productivity o f ecosystems by disrupting the habitats of thousands of species, and gradually transforms forest lands into barren deserts.Item Open Access Assessment of Climate Variability Trends in Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-07-06) Olufemi, Oladeinde Stephen; Joshua, Magaji I.; Ekpo, Salamatu AbrahamChanging global climate has emerged as one of the greatest environmental problems of mankind in the 21st Century. However, there is still a dearth of information regarding the trends and patterns of climate variables at local and specific levels. It is against this background that this paper assessed climate variability trends in Nasarawa State, Nigeria over 21 years' period (1997-2017).Item Open Access Assessment of Commercial Charcoal Production Effect on Savannah Woodland of Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-04-03) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Mba, E.H.Charcoal is used as fuel in cooking for household, large food consumption and also in some industries especially those involved in casting bronze and other metals. It can be produced year round which involves woodland exploitation that contributes to deforestation with various negative consequences like loss of valuable resources and environment, drives climate change through the release of greenhouse gases, it also reduces the bio-productivity of ecosystems by disrupting the habitats of thousands of species, transforms forest lands into barren deserts and exposes bare surfaces which are susceptible to soil erosion, thus making the entire ecosystem unstable. These are among the major threats to forest reserves and-contributes highly to deforestation with 0.038 hectare of savanna woodland depleted for production of a single 15 kg capacity bag of charcoal in the study area and this had led to forest degradation which 96.2% of the respondents atteste ’. The study was to determine the impacts of charcoal production to the forest reserves and also the public perceptions of the environmental effect of unplanned cutting of tree for Charcoal Production and it recommended awareness, prudent forest management and getting involve the | private unciors. combined with proactive actions and policies.______________Item Open Access ASSESSMENT OF FLOODRISK AND VULNERABILITY OF COMMUNITIES ALONG LOWER NIGER RIVER BASIN, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA(Environmental Science Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2018-02-10) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Emmanuel, Ozim Chukwunonso; Olufemi, Oladeinde StephenNigeria as a nation suffers the effect of Climate Change majorly through flood events. Anambra State is often one the most affected states due to its location along one of the country's major rivets and its major tributary (River Niger and River Anambra). In an effort to support the government's long term plan to mitigate the associated damages and casualties of flood disaster, this study assessed the floodrisk and vulnerability of communities along the Lower Niger River Basin in Anambra State, Nigeria. Digital Elevation Dataset from ASTER 1-arc second resolution, base map of Anambra State, past flood records and GPS coordinates of communities were integrated to map the flood vulnerability of one-hundred (100) communities to river Niger and river Anambra using ArcGIS 10.1. 18% of the communities were found to be highly vulnerable, 23% were vulnerable while 59% were marginally vulnerable. Communities in Ogbaru and Anambra West LGAs were found to be the mostly exposed to flood risk while those in Idemili south and Ihiala were the least. Urgent Evacuation of People during floods and permanent relocation of all the villages to higher terrain areas was recommended for the highly vulnerable zone.Item Open Access ASSESSMENT OF RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS FROM MINING ACTIVITIES OF MBAYION LIMESTONE MINE IN GBOKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-02-11) Shammah, K.; Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Emmanuel, Ozim Chukwunonso7i/s study assessed the radiological hazards to members of the public and workers from naturally occurring radioactivity due to limestone mining activities in Mbayiom District. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for the activity concentrations of the three major primordial radionuclides; Uranium - 238 (mU), Thorium -232 (232Th) and Potassium -40 (*°K) using direct gamma spectrometry. Mean activity concentrations (47.1Bq/kg, and 607.6bq/kg) higher than the world averages were recorded for 23HU and 40K respectively in the study area. They were however, lower than the IAEA average values and fell within the worldwide ranges of 11 - 110 and 140 - 850 respectively- Conversely, the mean concentration (18.3 Bq/kg) of232Th was lower than world average and satisfied IAEA safety standard. In comparing the absorbed gamma dose rate and the annual effective dose (AED) owed to the three NORMs in the study area, it was found that the total dose rate (64.24nGy/h) was above the worldwide rate (60 nGy/h) though within the global range of 18 - 93 nGy/h. However, the total AED (0.022 nGy/h) due to 23HU, 232Th and40K was below the worldwide average (0.48 nGy/h). Gamma absorbed dose obtained in this study showed higher dose in line with of Kazakhstan, India, Luxembourg. Sweden. Norway, Malaysia and China as against countries like Ghana. Iran, Algeria and USA which had lower dose than the global average. The average radium equivalent activity (151.6 Bq/kg) and the average external hazard index (0.409) had values lesser than the acceptable level of370 Bq/kg and <1. Although the average internal hazard index (1.115) was higher than the permissible limit of <1, it was still within the worldwide range of 1.015 - 1.30. It was concluded that the NORMs activity concentration due to 238U and 40K at Mbayion limestone mine is relatively high. Therefore, these high activity concentrations of the nuclides will influence background radiation in the Mbayion environment by increasing the exposure of background radiation emanating from the significant levels of natural radionuclides. However, considering the average radium equivalent activity values for the analyzed samples, soil or rocks from the study area could be utilized for building purposes without causing any substantial radiological hazards. Appropriate radioactivity monitoring project should be carried out on the mining site in order to check for conceivable rise in radioactivity level due to buildup of mineral from numerous quarry sites; and workers should be provided with personal monitoring service (Thermoluminescent dosimeter equipment like safety glasses, dust masks, safety boots, and gloves.Item Open Access Assessment of Temperature Variability Effect on Rice Production in Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-01-06) Olufemi, Oladeinde Stephen; Joshua, Magaji I.; Ekpo, Salamatu AbrahamThe output of cereal farmlands is imperative for sustainable global food security. Quantity of production from cereal croplands are partly a function of climatic elements and are connected to the pulses of climatic variation. Hence, this paper assessed temperature variability effect on rice production in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Daily maximum and minimum temperature data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and converted into monthly averages while annual rice production data was obtained from the office of Nasarawa State’s Agricultural Development Programme. Acquired data were analysed using Linear Multiple Regression Model, coefficient of variation and spatial data analysis techniques. Although rice production in the State is being affected by the fluctuations in both minimum and maximum monthly temperature, the later poses grave concern for sustainability of rice production with a negative effect size of -3.145 and a r.opfficient value of -191,324.30 metric tons. This negative Impact of maximum temperature uctuations on rice production indicates that rice production in Nasarawa State is vulnerable to c imate variability with increasing maximum temperature. LGAs in the south senatorial district has more favourable locations for rice production in comparison to those in the North and West districts given that less temperature fluctuation was observed in the former. Government and non governmental institutions as well as individuals planning to establish rice farm project(s) in the study area should consider doing so in the South Senatorial'District in order to avoid the adverse effect of temperature variability.Item Open Access Assessment of Traditional Palm Wine Tapping Practice Effect on Vegetation in Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2019-12-12) Mba, E.H.; Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Emmanuel, Ozim Chukwunonso; Olufemi, Oladeinde StephenPalm wine is an alcoholic drink obtained by the natural fermentation of the sap of various type of palm trees, it produced and consumed in various part of the country and beyond. This rich beverage is been used for different traditional practices not only for occasional consumption, so it is of high demand product. The tapping process starts from traditional dealers known as Palm Wine Tappers, that climbs to the top most part of the palm trees, cut it open from the side or middle, or cut down the tree for the liquid sap and this produces lactic-alcoholic-acetic fermentation that is conducted by the lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast and acetic acid bacteria (AAB). The tapping process practiced in difference part of the country are; burning/falling, pruning and trimming. They poses a threat to palm trees that serves other environmental, economic, health and nutritional benefits to human and the ecosystem. This practice renders high number of palm trees less productive or dead in a society with no food security, shaky economy, poor environmental practico/=wvareness and tree planting habit. Due to high demand for the product, 4 out of 10 palm ♦rpps a. is 'been converted to palm wine production source, this implies that the palm tree can not palm tre^i f"1 's more °f high economic benefits and also contributes to the shortage of Photos serves as a good absorbent of carbon and gives out oxygen through enviro ^ neSIS Process. a measure that adds value to living organism and reduces warming of the the t ™S ?tud^ recommends proper public awareness especially to the people involve in -nr4 e, Pa'm Wine Tappers" and introduction of more sustainable way of tapping, monitoring and emphasis on tree planting.Item Open Access Effect of Samaru-Dange Road Maintenance on Adjacent Environmental in North-western Part of NigeriaEffect of Samaru-Dange Road Maintenance on Adjacent Environmental in North-western Part of Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-01-01) Akhadelor, Muhammad Oyale; Jaro, Ibrahim Musa; Abdulkarim, Binta; Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Giwa, Shamsundeen Muhammadhis study examined the role of Samaru ٠ Dange road maintenance on adjacent environment in north-western part of Nigeria.. Primary and secondary sources were used to elicit for information from respondents. The instrument used for this study was questionnaire. Purposive sampling method was used to administer three copies of questionnaires were administered to house hold heads at home and heads ofbusiness at their places of operations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse results. The descriptive statistics include; percentages, cross tabulation and pie chart. While the inferential statistics include the use of T- test statistic to test the state hypothesis in (he study. Values were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that 8'2% of the peopleItem Open Access Examining the Relationship between Commercial Charcoal Production and Socioeconomic Variables in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-04-04) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Emmanuel, Ozim Chukwunonso; Ogah, Adamu TankoCharcoal is no longer a source of energy to only rural households but also a demanded commodity in urban areas around the world which has resulted in the commercialization of its production, particularly rural dwellers of developing countries such as Nigeria. Given the observed growing significance of charcoal in rural and urban livelihoods in Nasarawa State, this paper examined the relationship between commercial charcoal production and socioeconomic characteristics of the people involved in the activity. The study employed descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative data drawn from primary and secondary sources. Questionnaire was administered to 450 r«. "-ondents randomly sampled from commercial charcoal producers drawn from 6 communities and 3 LGAs of Nasarawa State. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were also conducted and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 23). Results showed that commercial charcoal producers in the study area were mostly between 21 and 50 years with dominance of those between 31 and 40 (30.9%) while those above 50 years were least represented (6. 9%).There was slight dominance of women (52.4%) among the producers and the they were mostly primary (44%) and secondary (35.6%) school certificate. Majority (48.2%) had household size of 4 - 6 and more than half (52 9%) were married and earned 20,000 naira and below on monthly basis (46.4%). There is strong relationship between the socioeconomic status of the respondents and commercial charcoal production in the study area. Their socioeconomic status proved to have served significant motivation to their rising involvement in the activity. Also alternative economic activities that guarani-.•:$ quick monetary rewards and is all age and gender engaging as well as requires no special skill and huge capitals for a start, should be planned for and introduced in the study area by the State Government.Item Open Access Spatial Distribution of Commercial Charcoal Production Activities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-03-03) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Ayuba, H.K.; Marcus, Nengak DanjumaThe Contribution of wood fuel and its derivatives (charcoal) gotten from forested woodlands, to rural economics and the energy requirements of developing nations be underscored. However, the rate of dependence on savannah woodlands for commercial charcoal production (CCP) has exposed the forests to degradation. This paper assessed the spatial distribution of commercial production in Nasarawa State with the aim of enhancing availability of quantitative information about some of its key elements, such as spatial and temporal dynamics of the process.