The increasing rate of diseases associated to food has called for serious attention. This assertion forms the basis for undertaken this study that hinged on ensuring food safety and hygienic practices in medium size hotels in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study State was divided into three clusters and two hotels were randomly selected in each of the cluster. A field observation was undertaken to assess the level of compliance with standard guidelines on hygiene and safety measures, examining the equipment used in food preparations and safety measures. The food handlers in the selected hotels were randomly selected while visitors were purposively selected based on their willingness to participate in the study. A well-designed questionnaire was utilized to gather information from both tourists and food handlers. Microbial laboratory analysis was carried out on the collected food samples. The perceptions of the customers on the cleanliness and hygiene examined using a set of ten indicators revealed that customers had positive and good perception of the hotels’ environment (weighted mean =4.51 to 4.92). The results revealed that on the average the food handlers observed most of the itemized practices (weighted mean= 3.28 to 4.0). The viable count (TVC)/ Total viable bacteria count (cfu/g) ranged between (4-1)×103cfu/g. Though, the selected hotels adhered to food safety and hygiene practices, there is need to maintain and sustain this high level of performance by the relevant stakeholders.

Information Communication Technology has become significant to the development and growth of modern tourism. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and use of information and communication at Old Oyo National Park, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Lacampagne Tropicana by using structured questionnaire directed at fifty percent of the total members of staff at the sites. Data indicated that majority of the staff at Old Oyo National Park (82.9%), Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort (95%) and Lacampagne Tropicana (88.9%) were knowledgeable about the use of information and communication technology especially the use of internet and social media. The staff were also a little competent with the use of Information and Communication Technology at Old Oyo National Park (45.7%), Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort (50%) and Lacampagne Tropicana staff (44.4%). Furthermore, the socio-demographic characteristics of the staff has a significant relationship with their knowledge on the existence of Information Communication Technology at the sites. The management need to organize proper trainings for the staff on the use of Information and Communication Technology so as to improve satisfaction of tourists.

In the continuation of the evaluation of the physicochemical parameters of wastewater of Muhammad Ayuba dam in Kazaure, Nigeria, this investigation was carried out for the assessment of certain nutrients parameters i.e., nitrate, phosphate and sulphate that are primarily responsible for the eutrophication. This investigation was conducted during November, 2019 to January, 2020 (Harmattan season) to measure the content of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate ions in the wastewater collected from Muhammad Ayuba dam. During the study, standard techniques were used to determine the content of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate using spectrophotometer at specific wavelengths in determination of parameter of interests. The results obtained indicated that the concentrations were in the range of 78.50 – 88.40 mg/L for nitrate, 55.70 – 62.40 mg/L for phosphate and 91.40 – 100.20 mg/L for sulphate ions, respectively. The contents of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate in the wastewater exceeded the limit set by FAO/WHO for these anions in wastewater with exception of sulphate ions that was below the limit. Pearson correlation (r = 0.484) of the different anions indicated that their level of contamination might be traced to the same source means runoff from fertilizer application. Therefore, the water of the dam is majorly polluted with domestic wastes and absolutely rich in sulphate ions especially detergents from nearby houses. The study also revealed gradual accumulation of anions in the wastewater of the dam suggested more pronounced pollution in it. Thus, regular monitoring of these ions must be required to evaluate their environmental impacts and possible potential risks.

.Socio-demographic Characteristics and Customers'

This study aimed to assess socio-demographic determinants of travel motivation and behavior of visitors in nature-based destinations in Northern Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was administered to 575 respondents at Chad Basin National Park; CBNP (69), Gashaka Gumti National Park; GGNP (165) and Yankari Game Reserve; YGR (341). Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results revealed that majority of the respondents at CBNP were males (72.5%), majority of the respondents at GGNP were females (77.6%) and majority of the respondents at YGR were males (53.1%). Visitors were majorly motivated to come to CBNP for enjoyment of nature (27.5%) while source of information about the parks revealed previous trip as the highest in CBNP (29%) and YGR (36.1%) while GGNP recorded friends and relatives as the highest (45.5%). They were majorly motivated to visit GGNP because they wanted to be away from hustle and bustle of cities (33.3%) and they were motivated to visit YGR for game viewing (33.4%). Furthermore, there is significant relationship between travel motivations and sex, marital status, education, occupation, nationality (P<0.01). The determinants of travel motivations were monthly income, occupation and nationality while the determinants of travel behaviours were the socio-demographic factors except age. Game viewing and nature attributes of nature-based destinations should be developed more as these attributes motivate people to visit the sites.

Fish is one of the main key ingredients on global menu consumed by rich and poor people. This study examined constraints associated with fish preference and consumption pattern in Lagos State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 112 respondents for the study. Data were collected on types of fish preferred, respondents’ income, constraints and forms of fish consumed using a structured questionnaire. Frequency counts, percentage, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used to analyze the data. Result revealed that the most preferred frozen, fresh and processed fish were Mackerel (x̄ = 1.46), Clarias spp (x̄ = 0.85) and fried fish (x̄ = 1.38), respectively. Most of respondents’ income (30.4%) fell between N10,001 to N20,000. Inadequate power supply (x̄ = 1.69), high cost of fish (x̄ = 1.58), and poor income (x̄ = 1.56) were some of the constraints that affected fish consumption in the study area. Mackerel (94.5%), fried fish (74.9%) and Gymnarchus niloticus (37.8%) were the most consumed form of frozen, processed, and fresh fish respectively. Result of PPMC showed that relationship exists between consumers’ income level (ᵡ2 = 0.008; r = 0.398; and P≤ 0.05) and consumption of fish. Also, there exists a difference (P≤ 0.05) in the consumption pattern of fish between rural and urban consumers (t = -2.109; df = 109; and P = 0.037). The study concluded that consumers’ income level and access to power supply posed great challenge to consumption and preference for fish in the study area. Government should intensify effort in providing stable power supply.

This study examined the pattern and determinants of asset ownership among farm households in Odeda local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data were used for the study which was sourced via a three stage sampling technique. A total of one hundred and twenty farm households were selected. The study models were the principal component analysis, asset index and the ordinary least squares regression analyses. Results revealed that most of the respondents (84%) were less than 50 years, with a mean age of 42 years. Most of them (70%) had over 5 years of formal education. Domestic assets owned by the respondents were radio, refrigerator, transport assets and agricultural productive assets including agricultural land and real estate. Substantial gender disparity in asset ownership was revealed. Wide asset wealth gap in the value of assets accruing to men was higher than that to the women. Inequality was highest for real estate and agricultural land, with an asset wealth gap of 0.32:0.06 and 0.41:0.10 respectively. The pattern of asset ownership showed that television had the highest scoring factor of 0.728 while grinding machine had the least scoring factor of -0.260. The result of regression analysis showed that age (p<0.01), gender (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.01), household size (p<0.10) and education (p<0.01), were the major factors influencing asset ownership among farm households in the study area. The study therefore recommends the need to avail farm households’ access to productive assets through micro financing, savings and credit associations’ activities. There is need to improve the level of education among the rural household heads. Government on its part should enable policies targeted at enhancing women literacy and their access to productive assets.

Evaluation of physicochemical parameters namely alkalinity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), hardness, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) in the wastewater samples collected from Muhammad Ayuba dam in Kazaure, Nigeria. The study was conducted during harmattan season for a period of three months from November, 2019 – January, 2020. All the parameters were analysed using conventional methods. The results showed their concentrations were in the range of 1.00 – 1.50 mg/L for alkalinity, 3.00 – 3.45 mg/L for BOD, 12.45 – 24.00 mg/L for COD, 745 – 1200 µS/cm for conductivity, 5.50 – 6.30 mg/L for DO, 1.82 – 2.45 mg/L for hardness, 7.20 – 7.90 for pH and 410 – 440 mg/L for TDS. The concentrations of these parameters in the wastewater were observed less than World Health Organization (WHO) tolerance limits with exception of electrical conductivity that was above 1000 µS/cm after four weeks of investigation. This study revealed gradual build-up of various ions in the dam water due to the mixing of contaminated wastewater from the adjacent community. Therefore, the periodical monitoring of different physicochemical parameters of the dam water should put in place as to evaluate their environmental impacts and possible potential risks.

The study examined the economics of yam flour processing in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained using questionnaire. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting one hundred and twenty (120) yam processors. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and multiple regressions. Results revealed that 86.5% of yam flour processors were female, 71.2% were married, and 41.4% had primary education. In addition, mean age, household size and production experience of the processors of yam flour were 40 years, 6 persons and 15 years respectively. The gross margin and net farm income were N146,770.03 and N141,536.79 per processing cycle, while the return on investment was 3.25 for every N1 invested which implies that yam flour processing is profitable. Multiple regression revealed that the coefficient of labour cost, transportation cost, cost of storage and packaging and distance to market were negatively significant at 5%, 1%, 1%, and 1% probability level. Also, year of processing experience and membership of association were positively significant at 1% and 5% probability level respectively. The main constraints facing processors of yam flour in the study area were inadequate storage facilities, lack of infrastructural facilities and problem associated with climate change. It is therefore recommended that policies that would enhance large processing capacity so that at the long-run, output and profit can be maximized.

Understanding linkages between productivity and intensity of market participation provides information on where to focus to enhance production and market supply, and helps the possibility of success of commercialization. The study examined linkages between productivity and intensity of market participation of leafy vegetable farmers; which are the cheapest source of some elements required for human nutrition. Multistage sampling was used to select 200 leafy vegetable farmers. Data were obtained with a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, household commercialization index (HCI), total factor productivity index, and double hurdle regression. Most farmers were male with a mean age of 44 years. The HCI indicated a high level of market participation; double hurdle regression indicated grower organizations had a significant, positive (β = 0.886, p < .05) relationship with probability of market participation. Total factor productivity had a significant, positive (β = 0.851, p < .01), relationship on intensity of market participation; age had a negative effect (β = − 33.453, p < .05), and ownership of motorcycle had a positive effect (β = 618.316, p < .1). Increased productivity increases intensity of market participation. Cooperatives may enable vegetable farmers to mobilize funds to improve scale of production and ownership of a motorcycle could increase intensity of market participation by providing a method of bringing produce to market.

This paper investigates the factors affecting consumers’ willingness to pay a premium price for organic products (green vegetables and tomato) in Abeokuta, southwest, Nigeria. The study collected primary data from a sample of 120 respondents. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). The results show that respondents are willing to pay a premium price of 59% and 68% for organic green vegetables and tomato, respectively. The results show that the bid price, prior knowledge, safety issues and income were significant for the two models. Moreover, In the first regression model for green vegetable, it was revealed that bid price, prior knowledge, safety issues, concern issues, level of education and income were significant at p<0.01, p<.1, p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.1 and p<0.01, respectively. Analysis further indicates that respondents are willing to pay a premium price for organic products if they have prior knowledge of the greater quality and health benefits. The study further discloses that the respondents with larger size in the household are less likely to pay a premium price for organic products. Analysis also indicates that the higher the price premium of organic products, the lower the respondent’s willingness to pay for organic products. Therefore, efforts aimed at attracting more consumers of organic products by policymakers, together with marketers and producers, should focus more on lowering the price of the organic products.

The study was carried out to examine the technical efficiency of organic and inorganic leafy vegetable production in Ogun State, Nigeria. This study employed the use of multistage sampling technique in selecting one Local Government from each of the four ADPs zones in Ogun state using simple random sampling. A total of one hundred and seven (107) respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique and interviewed with the aid of well-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function for the technical efficiency of the farmer. The study reveals that majority of the farmers practicing organic leafy vegetable and inorganic leafy vegetable farming are predominantly males and are married. The mean technical efficiency of the farmers was 0.679. This indicates a fair level of technical efficiency of leafy vegetable production in the study area. More importantly, the study showed that there is no difference between the two categories of farms in terms of technical inefficiencies. Other results from the estimated inefficiency model show that the age, educational level, household size, gender and age square are significant determinants of technical inefficiency. Gender, household size, extension agents’ visit and age squared have negative coefficients with consequent implication of decrease in technical inefficiency level as these variables increase. Age, level of education, farming experience, marital status and socio economic group have positive coefficients implying an increase in technical inefficiency level as these variables increase. The study recommends that the government should introduce the farmers to formal education through adult literacy education and establishment of demonstration farms should be strengthened among the farmers.

This study examined accumulation of phosphate ions in wastewater and vegetables through man-made activities. Phosphate level was determined in wastewater and vegetables collected on seasonal basis along Kubanni stream in Zaria using UV/Visible and Smart Spectro Spectrophotometers for their analyses. Results obtained show that phosphate concentrations ranged from 3.85 – 42.33 mg/L in the first year and 15.60 – 72.80 mg/L in the second year for wastewater whereas the vegetable had levels of 3.80 – 23.65 mg/kg in the year I and 7.48 – 27.15 mg/kg in the year II. Further statistical tests indicated no significant difference in phosphate levels across the locations and seasons for wastewater and vegetables evaluated. Correlation results for these two years indicated negative (r = -0.062) relationship for wastewater while low (r = 0.339) relationship noticed for vegetables planted in year I to that of year II. Phosphate concentrations obtained in this study was higher than Maximum Contaminant Levels set by Standard Organization such as WHO and FAO for wastewater whereas vegetables of the sampling sites were not contaminated with phosphate ions. Irrigating farmland with untreated wastewater has negative consequence on the crops grown with it.

The study examined the vulnerability level of the rural farming households to environmental problems in two selected agricultural zones of Ogun State Nigeria. A cross sectional sample of 160 farming households was drawn using multistage sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and principal component analysis. The study revealed that majority of the households’ head were males with mean of 48 years, (88.8%) With households sizes of between 5and 9 persons. Household vulnerability indices for environmental problems were negative for the two zones studied The study concluded that most of the farming households were vulnerable to environmental problems and crop yield decreased drastically over the years with unfavorable environmental conditions. The study therefore recommends that Farmers, should diversify farm land by planting crops in different locations as the environmental degradation induced hazards do not equally harm everywhere in a region.

The study examined the effect of nitrite ions in wastewater, soil and vegetables through man-made activities.Nitrite level was determined in wastewater, soil and vegetables viz., spinach (Amaranthus hybridus), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), carrot (Daucus carota), okra (Hibiscus esculentus), onion (Allium cepa) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculenetum) collected on seasonal basis along Kubanni stream in Zaria.The levels of nitrate in the wastewater, soils and vegetables were determined using UV/Visible and Smart Spectrophotometer.Results obtained show that nitrite concentrations ranged from 12.05 -53.21 mg/L in the year 2013 and 1.58 -17.09 mg/L in the year 2014 for wastewater, soil had concentrations ranged from 0.05 -6.40 mg/kg in the year 2013 and 0.90 -9.90 mg/kg for year 2014 while the vegetable had levels of 3.80 -23.65 mg/kg in the year 2013 and 7.48 -27.15 mg/kg in the year 2014.Statistical tests indicated no significant difference in nitrite levels across the locations and seasons for wastewater, soil and vegetables evaluated.Correlation results for these two years indicated low (r = 0.399, r = 0.275) relationship for wastewater and vegetables whereas negative (r = -0.290)relationship noticed for the soil.The results showed that irrigating the farmland with untreated wastewater has negative consequence on the crops grown with it and thus, cultivation of wastewater irrigated soils and vegetables should be continuously monitored to stop any possible hazard.

Background: Understanding the intricate link between humans and the plants use is needed to address some of to-day’s socio-economic and health challenges. Materials and Methods: The study focused on plants that have high cultural and medicinal values for the host communities of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Local Knowledge was captured through focus group discussions with herbal vendors, interviews with herbalists as key informants and through field observations. Snowball sampling technique was used in selecting the key informants. Participants selected for the Focus Group Discussion varies with the number of herbal vendors encountered in each commercial market. Results: In total, 78 medicinal plant species belonging to 39 families including 47 trees, 8 shrubs and 23 herbaceous plants were documented. Forty ailments categorized into thirty one treatments and prevention methods were discovered. Kigellia africana, Cassia spp and Alstonia boonei were used for treating common ailments like malaria, dysentery and gonorrhea. Sources of collecting the medicinal plant species and their mode of administration were different. Conclusion: The research outcome will contribute to advancement of traditional medicine, resource efficiency and development of new enterprise among the locals. Comprehensive quantitative study of social- economic importance of the medicinal plants is recommended.

The concentration of nitrate was evaluated in wastewater, soil and vegetable (carrot, lettuce, onion, spinach, cabbage, tomato and okra) samples collected on seasonal basis from January, 2013 to September 2014 along Kubanni stream channels in Zaria.The results showed nitrate levels in wastewater were in the range of 23.05-283.54mg/L for the year 2013 and 16.85-68.05mg/L in the year 2014; soil had concentrations in the range of 2.20-20.50mg/kg for 2013 and 7.27-29.57mg/kg for the second year while the vegetable had concentrations in the range of 3.80-23.65mg/Kg for the year 2013 and 7.48-27.15mg/Kg in year 2014.Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in nitrate concentrations across the locations and seasons for wastewater, soil and vegetables analyzed.Pearson correlation results revealed negative (r = -0.263)relationship between nitrate levels in wastewater for year 2013 and year 2014, likewise negative (r = -0.217)relationship was obtained for vegetables planted in the year 2013 and 2014 whereas negligible (r = 0.137) relationship was recorded in the soil for these years.Nitrate concentrations obtained in this study was higher than maximum contaminant levels set by Standard Organization such as WHO and FAO for wastewater whereas the soil and vegetable of the sampling sites were not contaminated with nitrate ions.

The concentration of chromium was determined in was tewater, soil and vegetable (carrot, lettuce, onion , spinach, cabbage, tomato and okro) samples collected on seas onal basis from January, 2013 to September 2014 alo ng Kubanni stream channels in Zaria. The results showe d chromium levels in wastewater were in the range o f 4.17 – 33.33 mg/L for the year 2013 and 2.74 – 37.15 mg/L in 2014; 3.25 – 17.35 mg/Kg for the year 2013 and 3 .75 – 18.40 mg/Kg in 2014 for the soil while the vegetabl es had concentrations in the range of 3.15 – 16.67 mg/Kg for the year 2013 and 1.58 – 24.32 mg/Kg in 2014. Statistic al analysis revealed no significant difference in c hromium levels across the locations and seasons for wastewater, so il and vegetables analyzed while significant differ ence (p < 0.050) was observed across the sampling location fo r soil. Pearson correlation showed substantial (r = 0.724) relationship between chromium levels in wastewater for the year 2013 and 2014, moderate (r = 0.671) re lationship for soils between these two years while negative (r = -0.076) relationship was obtained for vegetables cultivated in 2013 and that of 2014 respectively. Chromium concen trations obtained in this study was higher than Max imum Contaminant Levels set by Standard Organizations su ch as W.H.O. and F.A.O.

Ecotourism practise is a sustainable management tool targeted at improving livelihood and wellbeing of the rural populace. This paper examined the roles Kpatawee Citizen Community Organisation (KCCO),is playing in the management of Kpatawee water fall, Suakoko District, Bong County, Liberia. Multiple research techniques employed for this study include Focus Group Discussion, House hold questionnaire survey and field observation. Three Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) selected to assess the impacts of Community Based Ecotourism Management Practise (CBEMP)on the four selected rural communities include level of income, social capital and infrastructural facilities. Demographic characteristics of the respondents were descriptively analysed while income levels were subjected to ANOVA. Multiple effects of ecotourism practise are observed to be very low; there is significant difference in income of inhabitants in the communities at P≤ 0.005. F (3, 78)=4.615 and result of post –hoc multiple comparisons revealed that income level of inhabitants of Dumai community is significantly different from others. Proportion of the population having access to infrastructural facilities is low (5-10%). Low rate of intentional homicides and crimes (4%) are indications of improve social capital in the communities. Part of the proceeds attracted to the waterfall is used to improve the health facilities in the communities and maintain the aesthetic values of the waterfall. CBEMP has brought changes in land use pattern and management of the waterfall. The need for improvement in the provision of infrastructural facilities and interpersonal relationship between individuals and KCCO are emphasized taking into considerationlimitations of the local communities. Keywords : Ecotourism practise, sustainable development, rural communities, multiple research techniques

The concentration of manganese onion, spinach, cabbage, tomato and okro) samples January, 2013 to September 2014 along Kubanni stream channels in Zaria Spectrophotometer.The results showed manganese 20.04 mg/L for the year 2013 and 1.08 and 3.42 -13.57mg/Kg in 2014 for the soil while the vegetable 4.39 -15.04 mg/Kg for the year 2013 and 0.10 no significant difference in manganese and vegetables analyzed at p = 0.050 between manganese levels in wastewater for the year 2013 relationship was also obtained for the soil between these two yea relationship was obtained for vegetables cultivated in 2013 and that of 2014 respectively Manganese concentrations obtained in this study was higher than Maximum Contaminant Levels set by Standard Organizations such as W.H.O. and F.A.O for was were within the limits set by these bodies.