No abstract

No abstract

Following a preliminary investigation a study was carried from April to October, 2019 to establish more information on the abundance and distribution of freshwater snails in relation to physiochemical factors of Warwade dam. Four sampling sites; human activity, vegetation cover, lentic and lotic were selected for the study along the bank of the dam. Freshwater snails were collected in each of the four sampling sites using long handled scoop net with mesh 0.2mm and hand picking methods. Water samples from the sampling sites were analyzed in the laboratory using standard procedures. A total of 2,027 of fresh water snails belonging to ten species were identified with Bulinus globosus 12(0.6%) and Lymnaea natalensis 12(0.6%) having the lowest abundance while Melanoides tuberculata 1553(76.6%) had the highest. Snail abundance was highest in site characterized by human activities (670) followed by vegetation (482), lotic (442) and lentic (433) waters. Most of the physico-chemical factors measured appeared to favour the growth and survival of fresh water snails. pH (p = 0.01), water current (p = <0.01) and magnesium ion concentration (p = < 0.01) varied significantly across the four sites. Only calcium ion concentration was significantly associated with snail abundance (p = 0.04). Snail abundance showed weak positive relationship with water temperature, color, turbidity and concentration of magnesium ion. The dominance of M. tuberculata over all species particularly those of medical and veterinary importance could have positive implication for their control in the dam.

The study was on effects of banditry on income and livelihoods of yam marketers in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Banditry is one the major confronting production and marketing of yam in Shiroro Local Government of Niger State. The activities on banditry over the years have paralysed economic activities since majority of the populace derived their livelihood from farming. The menace posed by banditry has affected rural populace income livelihood thereby making them sojourning in the neighbouring Local Government Area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 197 of yam marketers. Data were collected using structured  questionnaire and interview scheduled. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages, frequency, count and mean), multiple regression and livelihoods status index. The results revealed that majority of respondents were male with long year of experience in yam marketing. The coefficient of low participation on weekly contribution (Adashi) (1.9823.93) was negatively significant at 10% level of probability. Also, 84.8% of the respondents in the study area were of very low livelihood status. Displacement of yam marketers from their native markets to nearby markets (x̅=2.42) and rising of the price of yam stead (x̅=2.20) were the major constraints faced by yam  marketers. It was recommended that yam marketers should diversify into other income generating activities in order to improve their livelihood status and government should collaborate with village heads for provision of security for yam marketers.

No abstract