Exploring the role and lived experiences of people with disabilities working in the agricultural sector in northern Nigeria

It is estimated that over 75.0% of households in sub-Saharan Africa are involved in agriculture, and the majority of the poor in rural areas rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. One billion people living with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries are argued to make up the poorest of the poor, yet to our knowledge, no literature has captured the livelihood of people living with disabilities in the context of farming in Nigeria, specifically northern Nigeria where most of the households are involved in agriculture and related activities. Objectives: This article reports on findings from a study that sought to understand disability in the context of northern Nigerian farming, with a particular focus on the role and lived experiences of people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector. Method: A survey questionnaire was developed and captured the experiences of 1067 people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector across five states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna and Yobe) in northern Nigeria. Results: Findings indicate that people with disabilities are actively participating in agricultural activities for several reasons, which specifically included 'forced to and for survival'. When participants reported needing care, this was predominantly provided by family members. Findings also showed that participants with disabilities experienced several economic and sociocultural challenges because of their impairments. Conclusion: This study adds to the very limited literature on farmers living with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa and so highlights the need for more research to be conducted with farmers living with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly female farmers living with disabilities. These will provide more evidence pertaining to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in order to provide effective disability- and gender-inclusive agricultural and entrepreneurship programs in Nigeria. Contribution: The results of this research reveal important insights relating to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in northern Nigeria, which can contribute to informing future developmental projects to achieve effective inclusion and actively benefit people living with disabilities.

Exploring the role and lived experiences of people with disabilities working in the agricultural sector in northern Nigeria

It is estimated that over 75.0% of households in sub-Saharan Africa are involved in agriculture, and the majority of the poor in rural areas rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. One billion people living with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries are argued to make up the poorest of the poor, yet to our knowledge, no literature has captured the livelihood of people living with disabilities in the context of farming in Nigeria, specifically northern Nigeria where most of the households are involved in agriculture and related activities. Objectives: This article reports on findings from a study that sought to understand disability in the context of northern Nigerian farming, with a particular focus on the role and lived experiences of people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector. Method: A survey questionnaire was developed and captured the experiences of 1067 people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector across five states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna and Yobe) in northern Nigeria. Results: Findings indicate that people with disabilities are actively participating in agricultural activities for several reasons, which specifically included 'forced to and for survival'. When participants reported needing care, this was predominantly provided by family members. Findings also showed that participants with disabilities experienced several economic and sociocultural challenges because of their impairments. Conclusion: This study adds to the very limited literature on farmers living with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa and so highlights the need for more research to be conducted with farmers living with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly female farmers living with disabilities. These will provide more evidence pertaining to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in order to provide effective disability- and gender-inclusive agricultural and entrepreneurship programmes in Nigeria. Contribution: The results of this research reveal important insights relating to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in northern Nigeria, which can contribute to informing future developmental projects to achieve effective inclusion and actively benefit people living with disabilities

The Prevalence and Predictors of Generalized Obesity in a Rural Farming Community in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Background: Obesity, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases has become a global epidemic even in the developing nations of the world. Epidemiologic transition with rapid urbanisation is important variable implicated in the rising prevalence of obesity. The prevalence of this major risk factor for cardiovascular disorders like hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease etc has not been richly studied in the rural setting of the Nigerian Niger Delta region despite the increasing urbanisation taking place in same region. The aim of this research therefore is to determine the prevalence and predictors of obesity in a rural farming community of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria Methods: A cross sectional study involving 388 subjects aged 15 years and above. Demographic social and relevant medical information and social information were obtained using a questionnaire administered by face-to-face interview. Anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference, Waist-Hip-Ratio) and blood pressure measurements were done. Blood samples were taken for fasting blood sugar.Results: The overall mean age of the study subjects was 40.88±16.52. The mean age for males was 40.66±17.23 and that for females was 40.98±16.17. The male to female ratio was 1:2.1. The prevalence of generalised obesity in this study was 3.4% .The females had a higher prevalence than the males (p= 0.02). The prevalence of obesity found to be highest in the 50 to 59 years age group. Pearson and Spearman' rho correlation analysis of BMI with other parameters revealed that educational status, waist circumference, and hypertension had significant association while logistic regression confirmed these variables as well as physical inactivity as predictors of obesity. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity in this rural community is 3.4% and educational status, waist circumference and hypertension are important predictors

Sexual risk behaviours and HIV knowledge of migrant farm workers in a rural community in Nigeria

Migration has been associated with a higher risk of STI/HIV but few studies have assessed the sexual risk behaviour of migrant farm workers in Nigeria. An exploratory survey was conducted to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and sexual risk behaviours of migrant farmers in Saki West Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviours and history of STI symptoms. Overall 518 respondents were interviewed, slightly over half were aware of HIV/AIDS; awareness was significantly lower among the females, those aged 15-24 years and those with no formal education. Majority (80.7%) were sexually experienced, the mean age at sexual debut was 19.4 +/- 5.2 years and 18.4 +/- 4.2 years for males and females respectively. Sexual intercourse with multiple sexual partners in the past year was reported by 24.6% (males, 35.7%, versus females, 10.4%, p < 0.05). Recent sexual intercourse with a casual partner was reported by 9.1% (12.8% males versus 4.4% females). Only 18.2% used a condom during the last casual sexual contact. Level of awareness of HIV is unacceptably low and sexual risk behaviours are prevalent among these workers. Appropriate sexual health and HIV prevention interventions should be instituted

Assessment of Occupational Injuries in Tendaho Agricultural Development S.C; Afar Regional State

Background: The status of occupational injuries in workplaces in general and agriculture sectors in particular is ill defined in Ethiopia. Pocket studies in developing countries indicate that occupational injury due to an unsafe working environment is increasing. Objectives: To determine the magnitude of occupational injury and describe factors affecting its happening among workers of Tendaho State Farm located in Afar Region. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed to assess occupational injuries among randomly selected 810 workers in August; 2006. A structured questionnaire based interviews; work environment observation; physical examination of study subjects for injury; and reviewing medical records for injury were used to collect the data. Results: The overall occupational injury prevalence rate was 783 per 1000 exposed workers per year. Seventy (11) injured workers were hospitalized. Most (90) of hospitalization was for more than 24 hours. Only one death was reported in the preceding 12 months prior to the study. A total of 6153 work-days were lost; at an average of 11.4 days per an injured worker per year. Working more than 48 hours per week [AOR: 8.27; 95CI:(4.96-13.79)]; absence of health and safety training [AOR: 2.87; 95CI: (1.02-8.06)]; sleeping disorder [AOR: 1.64; 95CI: (1.12-2.41)]; alcohol consumption [AOR: 1.72; 95CI: (1.06-2.80)]; job dissatisfaction [OR: 1.83; 95CI: (1.30-2.58)] and absence of protective devices [OR: 3.18; (1.40-7.23)] were significant factors that contributed to the prevailing occupational injuries. Conclusion: Multiple factors related to the work organization and employee's behavior increased the risk of occupational injuries. Continued on the job training; sustained work place inspections and proving occupational health and safety services should get emphasis in work places. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2010;24(3):167-174]

State and trends of woody vegetation cover in the cotton-based farming system zone of Western Burkina Faso

This study was carried out in Bala; a village located in the cotton-based farming system zone of Western Burkina Faso. The objective was to assess the effect of increased cotton cultivation on the spatial dynamics and structural characteristics of the woody vegetation. Using aerial photos; an analysis of the land use for the years 1952; 1981 and 1999 was carried out. An inventory covering 25 smallholders' fields and fallows as well as the vegetation of a protected area (biosphere reserve of hippopotamus ponds) was carried out to evaluate the gradients of tree species richness and density. The results showed drastic changes in land use in Bala between 1952 and 1999. Cultivated areas which covered only 10 of the total land surface of the village in 1952 increased to 48 in 1999. A total of 44 woody species from 34 genera and 26 botanic families were recorded; out of which; 31 species were found in the protected area; 15 species in relatively recent fallows and 12 species in cultivated lands. Tree density in cultivated areas decreased as farmers' level of mechanization shifted from manual cultivation to partial ploughing; complete ploughing and motorized farming. On the other hand; tree species richness and density were higher both in the protected area and fallows than in cultivated lands confirming the key role that protection and fallowing play in the reconstitution of woody vegetation. Management of woody vegetation should take into account the level of mechanisation and the needs of farmers in order to sustain the production of indigenous trees on farms while allowing the intensification of the production of annual crops

Effect of land use changes on some important soil properties in cotton-based farming system in Burkina Faso

Continuous and intensive cropping without restoration of soil fertility has depleted the nutrient base of most soils in the semi arid zone. A field survey was carried out in 2000 in Bala village in the cotton production zone of western Burkina Faso to assess the effect of land use changes on soil chemical and physical changes. The methodology consisted of land use analysis at contrasted periods; field sampling and measurements; and farmers' interview. Land use analysis was done at three periods: 1952; 1981 and 1999. Soil samples were taken in farmers' fields selected on the basis of their equipment level and the cultivation duration. Two fallows were selected and considered as control situation. Aerial photos analysis showed that the proportion of the land under cultivation was increased at about 38.3 from 1952 to 1999. Soil chemical analysis showed that soil total P and K were significantly higher in soils manually cultivated than in soils cultivated with animals and tractors. Soil pH was lower in motorized farmers' fields than in the other categories. Soil organic matter and N content were not affected by all the studied factors. The percentage of sand in the soil increased with the performance of the equipment. The opposite situation was observed with soil silt content. Soil stability was not significantly affected by any of the factors. But the numerical values showed a more stable soil structure under fallows than when soils were cultivated. From the results; it appeared that the fundamental cause of land degradation in the area is the farming system than the nature of the crop being grown

Impact des effluents d'un complexe agro-industriel sucrier sur la distribution des mollusques dulcaquicoles a Mbandjock (Cameroun)

Des prospections malacologiques ont ete entreprises dans la zone sucriere de Mbandjock (Cameroun). La discussion des mollusques est discutee suivant les types d'habitat. L'incidence des effluents du complexe agro-industriel (SOSUCAM) sur la faune malacogique est evaluee. En general; un faible degre de pollution est favorable a la faune malacologique alors qu'une forte pollution lui est nuisible. La presence de bulinus globosus est mise en evidence. Ce mollusque; hote intermediaire de schistosoma haematobium; etait absent lors des prospections anterieures. L'extension de bulinus globosus dans la localite devrait faire l'objet d'une surveillance a long terme

Impact de la dracunculose sur la production agricole dans le Mayo-Sava; Cameroun

Jusqu'a ce jour le departement du Mayo-Sava (Cameroun) est le seul foyer confirme de dracunculose au Cameroun ou entre 800 et 900 cas sont signales chaque annee. Une etude socio-economique montre une perte en production agricole de 343 kg par an et par cas pour le mil et 205 kg pour le coton soit un total de 100 tonnes de coton et 300 tonnes de mil perdus chaque annee

Agricultural development and nutritional status in Malawi

A comparative anthropometric assessment involving 2175 measurements of 1533 children under the age of 5 was carried out in Malawi; both before and after the harvest seasons (February and May; 1985). Subjects were randomly drawn from socioeconomically similar rural environments within and outside a large-scale agricultural development project. Chronic malnutrition (height for age less than 90 per cent of the median) was found to be 36 per cent in February and 41 per cent in May. The prevalence of acute malnutrition (weight for height less than 80 per cent of the median) was 4 per cent and 5 per cent; respectively. Tests of significance found no statistical difference between the project and non-project children for a variety of nutritional status indices. It is postulated that such factors as increased female access to extension services and male access to nutrition education may have greater impact on morbidity than income increases alone; and should be part of agricultural development planning

Liberalisation of agricultural produce marketing and household food security in Malawi: preliminary results from a baseline survey

This paper presents the preliminary findings of a baseline survey of 1800 households in three different agricultural development divisions. The survey illustrates som of the effects of the liberalization of the agricultural produces marketing since 1986/87 and proves that the public marketing corporation ADMARC as well as agricultural pricing policy are crucial to the achievement of food security

The impact of demographic changes on rural development in Malawi

The analysis has indicated that in the situation under review; rapid population growth has resulted in pressure on the land which in turn has meant low productivity in the smallholder sector

A description of crop varieties grown in Malawi

The Department of Agricultural Research is responsible for crop improvement in Malawi. The methods of collection; introduction; selection and hybridization. Each crop variety developed is tested in nationwide trials to ascertain areas of adaptation. Once the new variety has proved to be superior to current varieties; it is released for general cultivation