Evaluation of Naturally Occurring Radionuclides Concentration and Associated Radiological Health Risks in Agricultural Soils from Iwerele, Oyo State, Nigeria.

T. J. Aluko — 2025-12-25

Artisanal and small-scale mining activities often pose environmental and health risks to surrounding ecosystems. This study evaluates radiological hazards and potential exposure levels in soils from active and abandoned mining sites in Iwere-Ile, Oyo State, Nigeria. Twenty-two soil samples were analyzed using a Gamma-ray Spectrometer with a NaI(Tl) detector to determine the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides. The mean specific activities of ⁴⁰K and ²³²Th contributed about 15% and 9%, respectively, to the total radioactivity. The absorbed dose rate from terrestrial gamma radiation ranged from 5.86 to 217.48 nGy h⁻¹, averaging 58.06 nGy h⁻¹, slightly above the UNSCEAR global reference value of 55 nGy h⁻¹. The annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) varied between 0.02 and 0.76 mSv yr⁻¹, remaining below the 1 mSv yr⁻¹ public dose limit. Although the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) exceeded international recommendations, the internal and external hazard indices were both less than unity, indicating minimal radiological threat. Overall, agricultural activities in the area can be considered radiologically safe despite ongoing mining operations.

Assessment of Sasakawa Africa Association Project in Northern Nigeria and Its Effects on Agricultural Productivity and Rural Livelihoods

H. Aminu — 2025-12-12

This study assessed the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) agricultural interventions on smallholder farmers’ productivity, post-harvest management, technology adoption, and livelihoods in Northern Nigeria. The study aimed to document major SAA interventions, examine adoption levels of improved seeds, agronomic practices, and post-harvest innovations, evaluate effects on crop productivity and post-harvest losses, analyze socio-economic outcomes, and identify challenges affecting adoption and sustainability. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Gombe States in 2025. Quantitative data were collected from 500 smallholder farmers using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through 12 Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and 25 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with extension agents, Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs), and Farmers. Findings revealed high adoption rates for improved seeds (82%) and good agronomic practices (76%), moderate adoption of post-harvest technologies (71%), and lower uptake of mechanization and water management innovations (<45%). Adopters demonstrated significantly higher crop yields for maize (3.4 vs. 2.1 t/ha), rice (4.1 vs. 2.8 t/ha), sorghum (2.5 vs. 1.7 t/ha), and soybean (2.8 vs. 1.9 t/ha) compared to non-adopters (p ≤ 0.05). Post-harvest losses were reduced substantially, particularly through metal silos (26%) and PICS bags (20%). Respondents reported improvements in household income (67%), food security (72%), and market access (59%), though challenges such as high technology costs, limited mechanization, and inadequate extension coverage persisted. The study demonstrates that integrated SAA interventions enhance smallholder productivity, post-harvest management, and livelihoods, highlighting the need for policy support, gender-inclusive programs, youth engagement, and expanded extension services to scale agricultural transformation in Northern Nigeria.

Jewel Journal of Scientific Research

Evaluation of Naturally Occurring Radionuclides Concentration and Associated Radiological Health Risks in Agricultural Soils from Iwerele, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Assessment of Sasakawa Africa Association Project in Northern Nigeria and Its Effects on Agricultural Productivity and Rural Livelihoods