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Review Article
Stinging Nettle (Urtica Simensis): A Review of Its Role in Plant Pathology and Disease Management
Tsigehana Yewste Mamo*
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
46-54
Received:
4 June 2024
Accepted:
24 June 2024
Published:
23 July 2024
Abstract: Stinging nettle (Urtica simensis) has garnered increasing attention in the realm of plant pathology for its multifaceted role in disease management. This review aims to elucidate the diverse mechanisms by which stinging nettle influences plant pathology and contributes to disease management strategies. Stinging nettle possesses notable allelopathic properties, exerting inhibitory effects on various plant pathogens through the release of allelochemicals. Furthermore, its rich phytochemical composition, including phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, contributes to its antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of plant pathogens. Additionally, stinging nettle exhibits immunomodulatory effects on host plants, enhancing their resistance to pathogen invasion. Moreover, the incorporation of stinging nettle extracts or formulations into integrated disease management approaches has shown promising results in reducing disease incidence and severity in various crops. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying stinging nettle's efficacy in plant disease management and optimize its utilization in agricultural systems. This review underscores the potential of stinging nettle as a valuable tool in sustainable plant disease management strategies, providing insights for researchers and practitioners alike.
Abstract: Stinging nettle (Urtica simensis) has garnered increasing attention in the realm of plant pathology for its multifaceted role in disease management. This review aims to elucidate the diverse mechanisms by which stinging nettle influences plant pathology and contributes to disease management strategies. Stinging nettle possesses notable allelopathic...
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Research Article
Understanding Child Marriage Among Girls in Nigeria: A Focus on Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
55-63
Received:
24 January 2024
Accepted:
8 February 2024
Published:
29 July 2024
Abstract: The right of choice in marriage is universal and it is enshrined in international human rights instruments. Yet, many girls under 18 years enter into marriage without a chance to exercise that right. This has proved problematic as the situation often results in negative outcomes including school drop-out, pregnancy risks, diseases and sexually transmitted infections, unhappiness, and even death. This study therefore examined the factors influencing child marriage among girls in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. It specifically investigated the cultural and sociodemographic factors influencing child marriage among girls in the study area. The ethno-cultural theory of pedogamy guided the study. The mixed method research design was employed with structured questionnaire and key informant interviews utilized in the collection of data. Data was retrieved from 183 respondents, and it was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study hypothesis was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results from the study showed that the practice of arranged marriage and beliefs that marriage brings honour to a girl and her family contributes to child marriage. Also, ignorance of fundamental human rights among girls and peer influence, as well as financial difficulties in families, illiteracy among parents and weak enforcement of legal sanctions against child marriage contributes to the practice of child marriage. The study recommends, among others, promotion of education and awareness programme that challenge cultural beliefs that perpetuate child marriage, and implementation of interventions that address poverty in Nasarawa Eggon LGA.
Abstract: The right of choice in marriage is universal and it is enshrined in international human rights instruments. Yet, many girls under 18 years enter into marriage without a chance to exercise that right. This has proved problematic as the situation often results in negative outcomes including school drop-out, pregnancy risks, diseases and sexually tran...
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Research Article
Technology Adoption Motivation Among Organic Cocoa Farmers in Southwest Nigeria
Lydia Olufunmilola Ogunya*
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
64-72
Received:
26 March 2024
Accepted:
16 April 2024
Published:
29 July 2024
Abstract: The study assessed the level of organic farming among cocoa farmers; examined the factors influencing the decision to adoption; and intensity of use of organic farming adoption in Southwest, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, primary data were gathered from 300 organic cocoa growers in the study area. The data were analysed using the double hurdle model, which consists of two stages: the first stage determines the factors that influence the decision to adopt organic farming, and the second stage determines the factors that influence the intensity of use of organic farming. The decision to adopt organic farming practices among cocoa farmers was influenced positively and significantly by labour (mandays), credit accessibility and extension visit. However, farm size, farming experience were negative and significant at p<0.01. Intensity of use of organic farming adoption was positively influenced by three factors: labour (mandays), credit accessibility (p<0.01) and extension visits (p<0.05) and negatively influenced by farming experience (p<0.05). The study concluded that organic cocoa farming practices were influenced by various socio-economic and institutional factors, and that these practices had a positive impact on the efficiency and profitability of cocoa farmers. The study recommended that policies should be implemented to enhance the access to credit, extension services, labour and organic inputs for cocoa farmers, as well as to create awareness and incentives for organic farming in the region.
Abstract: The study assessed the level of organic farming among cocoa farmers; examined the factors influencing the decision to adoption; and intensity of use of organic farming adoption in Southwest, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, primary data were gathered from 300 organic cocoa growers in the study area. The data were analysed using the ...
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Research Article
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Green Practices: A Case of Five Selected Shopping Malls in Lusaka District
Chirwa Natasha*
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
73-78
Received:
22 August 2024
Accepted:
13 September 2024
Published:
29 September 2024
Abstract: There is growing recognition for the need for eco-friendly commercial buildings. However, there exists a significant gap between the potential for developing them and the actual implementation. Zambia faces the tangible impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, while the uptake of green initiatives remains sluggish. Environmental degradation, worsened by the absence of green initiatives, threatens ecosystems, biodiversity, and the overall health of the planet. Recognizing the urgent need for change, there is a growing consensus that economic growth should no longer be pursued at the expense of environmental degradation. Yet, despite the abundance of opportunities to develop and implement green practices, various stakeholders have not fully embraced these options. This study delved into the factors influencing green practice adoption, focusing on five prominent shopping malls in Lusaka district, Zambia. A mixed methods approach was adopted, and involved 25 purposively selected respondents that attended a questionnaire uploaded via google forms and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS while content analysis was adopted for qualitative data. The study found a positive correlation between perceived benefits of green practices and willingness to adopt green practices. However, the study showed a disconnect between knowledge of climate change effects and adoption of green practices, which meant that the choice to implement green practices was not influenced by the knowledge of the consequential effects of climate change. This study findings underscore the importance of the educational knowledge on the benefits green implementation and government incentives had in fostering green practice adoption within commercial establishments. While the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of green practice adoption in the context of Lusaka district, limitations and potential biases underscore the need for further research in this area.
Abstract: There is growing recognition for the need for eco-friendly commercial buildings. However, there exists a significant gap between the potential for developing them and the actual implementation. Zambia faces the tangible impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, while the uptake of green initiatives remains sluggish. Environmental degr...
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