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Impact of Integrated Soil and Water Conservation Program on Crop Production and Income in West Harerghe Zone, Ethiopia
Yenealem Kassa,
Fekadu Beyene,
Jema Haji,
Belaineh Legesse
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2013
Pages:
111-120
Received:
9 July 2013
Published:
20 August 2013
Abstract: Land degradation has been identified as one of the most serious problems that threaten the sustainability of agriculture in Ethiopia. In an effort to address these problems, the basic paradigm and approach to soil and water conservation has itself evolved over time. In recent years more holistic and land-scape wide approaches that go beyond resource conservation towards improved land husbandry and water management for beneficial conservation have been promoted using a national guideline known as Community Based Participatory Watershed Development, where its impact is yet to be seen. In this respect, after having worked for many years on the core part of land management practices, some projects realized the need for value adding and natural resources management (NRM)-based income generation at household level. Hence, the major concern of this study was to evaluate the impact of those integrated land management interventions on crop production value per hectare and annual gross income of smallholder farm households in West Harerghe Zone of Oromia National Regional State. To meet this objective a total of 398 sample households, consisting 183 soil and water conservation program and 215 non-program participants, were randomly selected from nine program and nine counterfactual kebeles in three districts (DaroLabu, Messela and Oda Bultum). Descriptive statistics with appropriate statistical tests and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to meet the stated objective. Results of the descriptive statistics showed that before matching there was difference between program and non-program households in terms of sex, education, farming experience, land holding and livestock ownership. Estimates of propensity score matching (PSM) indicate the existence of a positive additional significant crop production value premium of birr 1,510.42 (US$ 80.55) per hectare and annual gross income of birr 4,288.29 (US$ 228.7) for program groups compared to non-program groups. This indicates that on average participant households earned 8.3 percent more crop production value per hectare and 21.2 percent more gross household income than their matches. The independent analysis result of the data also revealed that the value of crop production was fairly higher on moisture stress program kebeles (1,771.35 EB/hectare) than in the high rainfall areas of the program (1,439.28 EB/hectare). Therefore, in agriculture dependent country like Ethiopia, soil and water conservation is crucial in improving the livelihoods of the rural farm households. However, to realize the intended outcomes, agro-ecology specific technologies that are linked with natural resource management based income generating activities should be promoted.
Abstract: Land degradation has been identified as one of the most serious problems that threaten the sustainability of agriculture in Ethiopia. In an effort to address these problems, the basic paradigm and approach to soil and water conservation has itself evolved over time. In recent years more holistic and land-scape wide approaches that go beyond resourc...
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Air Quality in Relation to Vehicular Traffic-Related Gaseous Emissions in two Selected Local Government Areas in South-Western Nigeria
John O. Olamijulo,
Godson R. E. E Ana
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2013
Pages:
121-127
Received:
5 July 2013
Published:
20 August 2013
Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the concentration of traffic related air pollutants at major and busy road intersections in two Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for the study. Ibadan North and North East Local Government Areas (LGAs) were purposely selected based on their high traffic density. Thirteen sampling points were randomly selected from the 18 major road intersections within the two LGAs. Levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in (ppm) were measured using calibrated SO2 NO2 and COmonitor. Traffic density was estimated via manual counting using tally system. Measurements were carried out in the morning (6am-8am), afternoon (12pm-2pm) and evening (4pm-6pm) for 12 weeks and results obtained were compared with WHO guideline limit. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Pearson correlation test at 5% level of significance. The mean gaseous emissions level were CO (38.6 ± 22.2ppm), SO2 (1.0 ± 0.7ppm), NO2 (0.2 ± 0.1ppm. These values exceeded the WHO guideline limit for CO (10ppm), SO2 (0.17ppm), NO2 (0.17ppm). There was a significant difference in the mean gaseous emissions level across measurement periods of the day (8am-10am, 12pm-2pm and 4pm- 6pm) (p <0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between SO2 and traffic density (r= 0.73).Gaseous emissions exceeded the WHO guideline limit for ambient conditions at the study locations. There is need for government to institute and enforce traffic emission control and air quality management programmes in Nigeria.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the concentration of traffic related air pollutants at major and busy road intersections in two Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for the study. Ibadan North and North East Local Government Areas (LGAs) were purposely selected based on their high traffi...
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Gaseous Emissions Monitoring and Ash Analysis of an Industrial Incinerator in Pakistan
Sana Akhtar,
Sunaina Ashfaq,
Asim Mehmood,
Saamia Saif,
Almas Hamid
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2013
Pages:
128-132
Received:
26 July 2013
Published:
20 August 2013
Abstract: A study was conducted on an industrial incinerator located at Kala Shah Kaku, Punjab, Pakistan to monitor and evaluate stack emissions (NOX, SOX, CO, VOCS) and determination of heavy metals in bottom and fly ash of an industrial incinerator burning tobacco dust. Incinerated bottom and fly ash samples were collected. For the purpose of ambient air monitoring three different sides of incinerator were selected. The air emissions monitoring included emissions from right side of the incinerator (A1), emissions from left side of the incinerator (A2) and emissions from the main gate of the incinerator (A3). To determine heavy metals in bottom and fly ash, HACH and Merck procedure via spectrophotometer were used. Respirable Dust Sampler and Flue Gas Analyzer were used to monitor ambient air quality and stack emissions respectively. The results of ambient quality (SOx, NOx, CO, CO2, PM& O2) revealed that the emissions from A2 were comparatively higher than emissions from A1 and A3. With the help of Flue Gas Analyzer it was found that carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were higher than SOX, NOX and VOCS. Bottom ash analysis by spectrophotometer showed that the heavy metals were below the detectable limits. The analysis conducted for heavy metals in fly ash by spectrometry as well confirmed that lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were below the detectable limits and chromium was 1.96 mg/kg of the ash.
Abstract: A study was conducted on an industrial incinerator located at Kala Shah Kaku, Punjab, Pakistan to monitor and evaluate stack emissions (NOX, SOX, CO, VOCS) and determination of heavy metals in bottom and fly ash of an industrial incinerator burning tobacco dust. Incinerated bottom and fly ash samples were collected. For the purpose of ambient air m...
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Quality Assurance System of Air Pollution Monitoring Network
Mai Ezzeldin Ahmed,
Wessameldin Salaheldin Abdelaziz
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2013
Pages:
133-138
Received:
19 July 2013
Published:
20 August 2013
Abstract: Performa quality assurance system such as applying calibration systems ensures the data will meet defined standards quality with a standard level of confidence.The work represents the way of using the standards to represent the highest level in the traceable chain of calibrations in the environmental monitoring network. The calibration of the Air Quality Monitoring to keep the performance at the confident level 95%; through determining and documenting the deviation of the indication of a measuring instrument from the true value.
Abstract: Performa quality assurance system such as applying calibration systems ensures the data will meet defined standards quality with a standard level of confidence.The work represents the way of using the standards to represent the highest level in the traceable chain of calibrations in the environmental monitoring network. The calibration of the Air Q...
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Economic Viability of Private Sector Participation in Management of Municipal Solid Waste in Makurdi Metropolis of Nigeria
Kwadzah Telumun Kenneth,
Enokela,
Onum Shadrach,
Johnson Abinbola Otun
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2013
Pages:
147-153
Received:
27 July 2013
Published:
30 August 2013
Abstract: Assessment of the economic viability of private sector participation in solid waste management within Makurdi metropolis was carried out. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to the resident waste generators and five hundred to the waste management collectors (service -providers). A survey of equipment and machinery required for proficient waste management services by government and private sector were also conducted with comprehensive inventories created. With a loan of $452,210.94 collected by any waste management company in Makurdi metropolis from commercial banks/institutions, the analysis revealed that, the company should be able to realize $4,794,352.50/annum with a servicing loan of $94,964.30/annum which gave a Net cash at hand of $4,247,177.26/annum. Three more numeric models were used to analyses the viability of the business for a period of one year for each of the models, i.e.; the net present value (NPV) model, the profitability index (P.I) model and the return on investment (ROI) model. The models yielded the following results respectively; $2,802,331:00, 6.2, 9.4, which indicates that, private sector participation in solid waste management in Makurdi metropolis, is lucrative and recommended for implementation.
Abstract: Assessment of the economic viability of private sector participation in solid waste management within Makurdi metropolis was carried out. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to the resident waste generators and five hundred to the waste management collectors (service -providers). A survey of equipment and machinery required for proficien...
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Occurrence and Chemistry of Co-contamination of Nitrate and Hydrocarbon Pollutants in Gas-Flared Areas of Niger-Delta, Nigeria
Haruna Adamu,
Bappah Adamu Umar
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2013
Pages:
154-161
Received:
28 July 2013
Published:
30 August 2013
Abstract: Scattered literature is harnessed to critically review the prime source, chemistry and potential environmental and health effects of co-contamination of nitrate and hydrocarbon pollutants commonly found in soils and surface- and groundwaters of Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, which substantially resulted from oil and gas exploration and exploitation via gas flaring of associated natural gas of crude oil. Gas flaring in Niger-Delta has impacted on the nitrate and hydrocarbon pollution of the region and thus, brought out attendant environmental and public health implications in the region. The historic trend of gas flaring presented by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and estimates of nitrogen oxides (NOx, the precursor of nitrate), hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds presented by Shell-Nigeria suggest that amounts in excess of cubic meters of these are continuously generated year-in and year-out has established the co-contamination of nitrate and organic pollutants in the region. Therefore, as the problem now is brought out conspicuously, the paper could contribute in the justification of the existence of the co-contamination, which could serve as an ignition key for the investigation of an appropriate remediation technique that can simultaneously remove/degrade nitrates that co-exist with organic pollutants.
Abstract: Scattered literature is harnessed to critically review the prime source, chemistry and potential environmental and health effects of co-contamination of nitrate and hydrocarbon pollutants commonly found in soils and surface- and groundwaters of Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, which substantially resulted from oil and gas exploration and exploitation...
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Physicochemical Characterization of Waste Oils and Analysis of the Residues in Contaminated Soil
Sébastien Koffi Ouffoue,
Laure Oura,
Kicho Denis YAPO,
Antoine Ahibo Coffy
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2013
Pages:
162-166
Received:
6 August 2013
Published:
30 August 2013
Abstract: Waste oils are oils from mineral which were already used (used oil). The results shows in the waste oil 0.15% of H2O and 0.05% in new oil (fuel, gasoil and Fresh lubricating oil).The physicochemical analysis made it possible to indicate the presence of minerals and metals in worn oils in relatively high concentration (30 times higher) compared to pure lubricating oils with sensitively equivalent calorific values. The chemical analysis, by the semi-quantitative colorimetric method using Dräger reactive tubes, made it possible to selectively detect volatile hydrocarbons present in these oils and in contaminated grounds. By comparing the data at 25°C, it appears the concentrations of volatile hydrocarbons (20 ppm) in waste oil are in the same order of magnitude of those normal oils (25 ppm). L2000DX analyzer method by the electrochemical probe confirmed the presence of organ chlorinated compounds like PCBs. The organochlorined fluctuate noticeably (10 -287 ppm) and are highly superior to new oils. Hydrocarbons were detected in the soil sample between 0.1 to 100 ppm.
Abstract: Waste oils are oils from mineral which were already used (used oil). The results shows in the waste oil 0.15% of H2O and 0.05% in new oil (fuel, gasoil and Fresh lubricating oil).The physicochemical analysis made it possible to indicate the presence of minerals and metals in worn oils in relatively high concentration (30 times higher) compared to ...
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