The study focused on the socio-economic and challenges faced by small-scale sheep marketers in Gombe metropolis. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 91 sheep marketers from four markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget and multiple regression models. The results revealed that, the mean age of sheep marketers was 40.59 years, 96.70% were males, 86.81% were married, with the majority (87%) had family size ranging from 1 -20 persons, and had 17.68 mean years of experience. Also, the result revealed that 57.14% of the marketers combined sheep trading with other occupations to supplement their household earnings. Furthermore, the result revealed that purchasing cost for ram and ewe constituted 92.59% (₦ 27,615.38; $77.32) and 91.50% (₦ 23,793.96; $66.62) of the total costs respectively. Moreover, the result revealed average total return of ₦ 32,837.36 ($91.94) per head of animal was realized. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.821; meaning that 82.10% variations in the total returns were influenced by the socio-economic characteristics included in the regression model. Also, the result revealed that, number of animals held per week was significant (P<0.01). Inadequate capital was critical; this was attributed to inadequate source of formal credits. Other market facilities such as clean environment and security were also lacking. However, improvement in the existing infrastructural facilities will help expand the present scale of operations. To improve efficiency, Governments and financial institutions should ensure funds in the form of loans are extended to the marketers.

This paper assessed the profitability of small-scale sheep marketing in Gombe Metropolis. Four sheep markets were purposively selected for their popularity in small ruminants marketing. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 91 sheep marketers these markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget and maximisation of consumer satisfaction models. The result revealed that purchasing cost for ram and ewe constituted 92.59% and 91.50% of the total marketing costs respectively. The result further revealed the average net income of ₦4,922.46 ($13.72) per head of animal was realised. The gross and operating ratios for the respective animals were < 1; meaning that the business was profitable. Also, the returns per naira invested for ram and ewe were ₦0.17 ($0.00048) and ₦0.18 ($0.0005) respectively. The marketing coefficient (134.80%) of Tike-babba market, revealed to be most efficient. Inadequate capital was critical; this was attributed to insufficient sources of credits. However, improvement in the existing infrastructural facilities will help promote expansion of the present scale of the enterprise operations. Governments and other financial institutions should also do more to extend funds in the form of soft loans to the marketers, so as to improve efficiency.

The study examined profitability of tomato production in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 96 tomato producers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget model, and t-test analysis. The results revealed that, the mean age of tomato producers was 38.94 years, 92.48% were males, 71.56% were married with the majority (95.44%) had family size ranging from 1 – 6 persons, and had 6.55 mean years of farming experience, having an average of 0.6 ha farm size holding. Furthermore, the result revealed that only 8.74% that have attained tertiary education. The results also revealed average variable costs constituted 88.98% and 88.84% of the average total costs of production in the dry and rainy seasons respectively. The per hectare average net income realised were found to be ₦ 154,444.20 ($ 398.05) and ₦ 39,725.14 ($ 102.38) in the dry and rainy seasons respectively. Hence, the returns per naira invested was ₦ 0.67 ($0.00173) in dry season and ₦ 0.18 ($0.00046) in rainy season (P<0.05). Moreover, the results revealed positive and desirable gross and operating ratios of < 1; implying the tomato farms in the study area maintained profitability levels both in the short and long run. However, inadequate capital was critical; which was attributed to lack of affordable sources of credits. Lack of storage and processing facilities were among the impediments to large scale tomato production in the study area. However, improvement in the existing patterns and as well as the provision of adequate essential factors of production will help expand the present scale of operations. Therefore, governments and other financial institutions should do more to provide soft loans to the farmers to improve efficiency.

ObjectivesThere are currently no national guidelines regarding bladder cancer treatment and clinical care pathways in Nigeria. The aim of this scoping review was to identify any gaps in the knowledge of epidemiology, clinical care and translational research in order to aid the development of a defined clinical care pathway and guide future research.MethodsA scoping review was conducted by searching Medline, Ovid Gateway, The Cochrane library and Open Grey literature using predefined search terms from date of inception to June 2020. Studies were included if they discussed the epidemiology or treatment pathway of bladder cancer. All data were charted and were analysed in a descriptive manner. A consultation phase was also conducted consisting of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and bladder cancer survivors.ResultsA total of 19 studies were deemed suitable for inclusion. The themes included the epidemiology of bladder cancer (high prevalence of schistosomiasis), research surrounding the biology of the disease and translational research including potential biomarkers. The consultation phase highlighted some possible sociocultural and infrastructural issues relating to both the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer, with poor knowledge of bladder cancer and its symptoms within the general population identified as a key issue.ConclusionEven though the factors surrounding the relationship between schistosomiasis and the histopathology of bladder cancer remain unclear, there is potential for screening for schistosomiasis in endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Other key areas for future research include the dissemination of information to the general population surrounding bladder cancer and its symptoms to encourage prompt diagnosis.