UTILIZATION OF “RADIO FARMER” PROGRAMME OF IMO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME BY RURAL FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the utilization of ‘radio farmer’ programme of Imo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) by rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the demographic characteristics of the farmers; examined rural farmers’ access to agricultural technologies disseminated through the “radio farmer” programme; assessed the extent to which the technologies were utilized by the farmers as well ascertained problems likely to constrain the effective utilization of the ‘radio farmer’ programme by the farmers. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and fifty (150) farmers for the study. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect data from the respondents. Frequency distribution, percentage counts, mean score analysis and Ordinary Least Square multiple regression were used in data analyses. Result revealed that majority (86%) of the farmers had formal education. 88% had access to the ‘radio farmer’ programme. Majority (91.7%) of the farmers were using the ‘radio farmer’ programme to access information on improved agronomic practices. Result further showed that all the technologies disseminated through the “radio farmer” programme were utilized, though, at varying degrees: Snail farming (M= 2.5), dry season vegetable production (M= 3.0), poultry production (M= 2.0), rabbit keeping(M= 2.4), mushroom production (M=2.1), bee-keeping (M=2.4), yam minisette technique (M=2.3), etc. Majority (97.5%) of the farmers perceived the radio farmer programme as an effective channel of disseminating agricultural innovations. The demographic attributes of the farmers had a strong direct relationship (R2= 0.72) with the utilization of the radio farmer programme. However, time of broadcast was identified as a serious problem militating against the utilization of the ‘radio farmer’ programme (M= 2.3).It was therefore recommended that portable radio receivers which can be carried about should be provided for the farmers to enable them listen to the programme anywhere anytime. Keywords: utilization, radio farmer programme, Imo State ADP, rural farmers, agricultural technologies, 

Self-esteem and locus of control on emotional stability of students with visual impairment in Imo state, Nigeria: Implication for counselling

Introduction: Research has shown that visual impairment is associated with various psychological consequences which in turn affect emotional stability. Identifying factors that can influence emotional stability among students with visual impairment is, therefore, imperative. Purpose: The objective of the study was to determine the main effect of self-esteem and locus of control on the emotional stability of students with visual impairment in Imo state, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research. Three instruments were used to collect data for the study; Rosenberg self-esteem scale (ɑ= 0.709), Leverson’s locus of control scale (ɑ= 0.73) and Totkova and Racheva emotional stability scale (ɑ= 0.855). A random sampling technique was used to select 62 students with visual impairment (38 males and 24 females). Rosenberg self-esteem scale, the data collected were analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Multiply regression analysis 0.05 level of significance. Result: The result showed that the joint effect of self-esteem and locus of control on the determination of emotional stability was significant. The result also revealed that there was no significant difference in the emotional stability of male and female students in the study. Recommendation: Schools should subject students with visual impairment at all levels of education to self-esteem and emotional tests. It is also important that self-esteem training and locus of control training be incorporated into the school curriculum at all levels of education

An approach to understand rural advisory services in a decentralised setting

As populations increase, so do the challenges in feeding the world. Rural Advisory Services (RAS) contribute positively to food security by ensuring rural populations have access to vital knowledge increasing yields and rural incomes. For historical reasons however, national RAS have often developed into complex networks of stakeholders which can confuse, and even in some cases provide conflicting advice. In order to improve internal and external knowledge of an advisory service, this article investigates the benefits and limitations of an approach that combines qualitative and quantitative stakeholder perception activities at a local and national level. Local and national workshops were held using focus group and open fora techniques in order to portray and visualise a crop health advisory system in Pakistan, a dynamic and complex case study. The approach manages to expose key differences between local and national perceptions of a crop health RAS: whilst both local and national workshop participants decidedly agree on the importance of local (provincial and district level) extension departments, local perceptions clearly identified the strength and value of private sector and community level interactions. At the national workshop, interpretations of ground level activities were vague, yet their mentions of microcredit initiatives, large scale Non-Government Organisation activities and semi-autonomous institutions demonstrate knowledge at a different scale. This approach demonstrates the value of an accessible methodology to measure and understand RAS. Whilst this approach is a key component in assessing the system’s dynamism prior to any future development initiative, it needs to refine its integration of gendered perceptions

The Development And Adoption Of Improved Land Management Practices Under The Intensified Agricultural Production System In Anambra State, Nigeria

In present day Anambra State, increased population densities, growing food and market demands, urbanization, proximity to major road infrastructure, soil conditions and deterioration in quality of land for agricultural purposes have brought about reduced agricultural productivity. These changes have resulted to increasing socio-economic pressure on land and differential access to farmland and intensification of cultivation with far-reaching consequences for land-use management practices and the sustainability of the agricultural system. Severe soil fertility and productivity decline, ecological damages including soil erosion losses, flood and gullies are some of the out comes of the uncontrolled land-use and agricultural intensification in the state. These problems might worsen in future due to the fragile, heavily weathered and leached nature of the soil. This situation can only be corrected by the incorporation of improved soil conservation practices in our farming system through acceleration of farmer\'s adoption rates of the recommended innovations

Evaluating the role of public agricultural extension and advisory services in promoting agro-ecology transition in Southeast Nigeria

Agroecological farming approaches sustain food production with zero or reduced dependence on agro-chemicals. This study investigated the impact of the public agricultural extension activities in enhancing the transition to agroecological approaches, in particular organic farming, in south-eastern Nigeria. Data were collected from 30 farmers and 20 extension personnel using in-depth interviews. The respondents were selected using a purposeful random sampling technique. The results show that extension and advisory activities are influenced by current agricultural policy. Extension personnel currently focus almost exclusively on intensive agricultural practices because of the agricultural transformation agenda which surprisingly ignores the principles of organic farming. Factors such as policy, social, environmental, research, and extension management were observed to impede organic farming transition. It is concluded that there is need for a clearly enunciated organic agriculture policy that supports farmers, organic agricultural research, and information dissemination. A participatory approach in policy formulation and information dissemination that incorporates farmers’ traditional knowledge with capacity to strengthen the agricultural information dissemination structure is recommended to improve agroecological transition.<br/

Health Information Seeking Behaviour of Nigerian Undergraduates on Social Media

This study investigated the utilization of social media as sources of health information among undergraduates. It examined ways undergraduates use social media in seeking health information, the kinds of health information they seek and the frequency of seeking health information on social media. Survey research design was adopted in which questionnaire was distributed to a sample size of 200 undergraduates of Lead City University, Ibadan. The study found that undergraduates use social media as sources of health information. However, students do not seek health information from social media on a regular basis but do so only when the need arises. It was found that students are not active in health information seeking, rather they come in contact with health information on social media only when such information are sent to them or when they appear on their social media pages or when their online friends tag them to the information. Preventive healthcare information was found to be the common kind of health information undergraduates are mostly interested in. The study concluded that social media are veritable tools for undergraduates to get health information that can enhance their well being. It recommended that undergraduates should be active and intentional about seeking health information on social media. They should use them as tools for connecting with health specialists, developing and participating in health support groups and other activities that can enhance their health and wellbeing. Keywords: Health information seeking, Preventive health information Social media, Undergraduate

The Internet and International Broadcasting: Towards a Global Public Sphere

This paper interrogates the nexus between the internet, international broadcasting and the quest for a sustainable global sphere, especially as it pertains to Nigeria. It examines the importance of shifting from a public to a global public sphere in international broadcasting. ‘Sphere’ in international broadcasting is being constantly re-defined and reviewed on account of the introduction of the internet and new media forms into broadcasting, and which have consequently globalised hitherto ‘localized’ public discussions of issues. The introduction of new communication technologies have considerably expanded the public space for discussions and debates. This paper therefore recommends that Nigeria broadcasting stations that offer international broadcasting services should make more and effective use of new media platforms for their broadcasts as well as properly utilize new communication technologies to package programme contents in order to be more relevant and involved in international broadcasting. Keywords: International broadcasting, Internet, Global sphere, Public sphere, New media, Nigeri

Communication Channels as Predictors of Knowledge and Participation in National Social Investment Programmes in Selected Local Government Areas in South-South, Nigeria

The National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to tackle poverty.&nbsp; Ending poverty is the first of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by the United Nations and Nigeria, as a signatory to the SDG, has at different times initiated, with little or no results, poverty alleviation initiatives. To achieve success, knowledge and participation are considered critical factors for poverty alleviation initiatives and communication channels play a role in enhancing these two factors. The extent of communication channels used (face-to-face, radio, television, newspaper, billboard, flyers/posters and online) may affect the level of success of the NSIP. The previous studies reviewed had paid no particular attention to the various communication channels used in the NSIP in South-South, Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigated the extent to which the various communication channels contributed to knowledge and participation in NSIP among residents of selected Local Government Areas in South-South, Nigeria.&nbsp; The study employed the survey research design. The population for the study comprised 2,371,276 residents of nine selected Local Government Areas in South-South, Nigeria. A sample size of 827 was derived using Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill’s formula. The multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for selecting respondents. A validated questionnaire was used for gathering data. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients ranged from 0.78 to 0.82. The response rate was 98.1%.&nbsp; Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential (linear regression) statistics. Results showed that the respondents received information about NSIP poverty alleviation initiatives through face-to-face (86.9%), radio (83.0%), television (69.8%), newspaper (46.2%), online (25.8%), flyers/posters (25.5%), and outdoor/billboard (16.4%). The result further revealed that the knowledge level of NSIP poverty alleviation initiatives among respondents was very high extent (x̅ = 3.71 on a scale of 4; SD = 1.04) while the participation was low extent (x̅ = 2.26 on a scale of 4; SD = 1.21). The study further revealed that the communication channels had significant influence on the knowledge of (Adj.R2 = 0.403, F(2, 808) = 22.404, p &lt; 0.05), and participation in (Adj.R2 = 0.042, F(2, 808) = 151.103, p &lt; 0.05) NSIP poverty alleviation initiatives. The study concluded that knowledge of, and participation in NSIP poverty alleviation initiatives were heightened by the various communication channels. It was recommended that there should be continued use of face-to-face, radio and television to enhance knowledge and participation in the NSIP poverty alleviation initiatives. Keywords: Communication channels, Knowledge of NSIP, National Social Investment Programmes, Participation in NSIP, Poverty alleviatio

Depicting the Nature of Female Sex Trafficking in Modern Nigeria through Film: A Critique of Nollywood’s Òlòturé

Cases of female sex trafficking continues to be on the rise in Nigeria. It is a form of modern slavery that strips victims of their fundamental human rights in a manner that is considered inhumane. Victims are subject to various levels of abuse such as sexual violence and which often affect their psychological wellbeing. Victims of female sex trafficking are either abducted or deceived into subscribing for a travel opportunity abroad in search of a better life.&nbsp; The media is recognized as a channel through which social issues such as human trafficking is addressed in society and film have become a major platform for mirroring the nature of the occurrence of these issues presented for education and advocacy through entertainment.&nbsp; The Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) have produced several films on trafficking, however this study seeks to critically analyze the use of language, tone, and the treatment of salient issues presented in the movie Ã’lòturé. This movie is purposively selected for this study because it is recent (2020 release), focuses on female sex trafficking among sex workers otherwise called prostitutes which presents a novelty in the portrayal of the subject matter through film. Keywords: Sexual violence, female sex trafficking, Rape, Ã’lòturÃ