An Assessment of Forest Loss Using Remote Sensing in Akpaka Forest Reserve Onitsha North L.G.A. of Anambra State, Nigeria
Uzoamaka Rita Onyeizugbe,
Valerie Chinedu Nnodu
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
143-150
Received:
16 October 2021
Accepted:
4 November 2021
Published:
12 November 2021
Abstract: Akpaka community in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State of Nigeria emerged from the ancient city of Onitsha. Population rise and economic/urban growth in Onitsha city forced housing development to extend into Akpaka Forest Reserve (AFR). However, there is no up to date information on forest resources loss in Akpaka Forest Reserve. Investigations at the Local Government Administrative Head Quarters revealed that there are no statistics on spatial extent of forest loss in the reserve for planning, policy formation, re-formation and further decision making. Hence, this study assessed the spatial extent of forest loss in Akpaka Forest Reserve (AFR), Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria to cover that gap. The study used Remote Sensing to map and determine the spatial extent of forest loss in AFR from year 2000-2020. To map forest loss in Akpaka forest Reserve between 2000 and 2020, four Landsat images (Landsat 5 thematic mapper, Landsat 7 enhanced thematic mapper, Landsat 8 operational, and imager covering years 2000-2005, 2005-2010, 2010-2015, 2015-2020, were downloaded from www.earthexplorer.usgs.gov. Image pre-processing was done to correct for atmospheric errors and to correct for scan line error in the Landsat 7 enhanced thematic mapper for 2005 and 2010 using focal statistics. To effectively map the Landcover/Landuse distribution in Akpaka forest reserve, a classification scheme level I was developed for the study due to resolution of images and to ensure that the features are discriminated adequately. The next process was to identify the class features on the scene before going for a familiarization visit to the site. Thus, open forest, water body and built up area were identified and defined according to level I classification scheme. Result showed a continuous decline in forest cover, increase in built up area and slight decline in water body for the period studied. For year 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 forest cover showed 49.19%, 45.78%, 43.81%, 41.97% and 37.05% respectively. Built up area showed 37.77%, 40.90%, 42.80%, 44.60%, and 49.53% for year 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 respectively. This study made recommendations which include- use of advanced technology for monitoring and evaluation, community participation, institutional strengthening, public awareness and re-afforestation programmes.
Abstract: Akpaka community in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State of Nigeria emerged from the ancient city of Onitsha. Population rise and economic/urban growth in Onitsha city forced housing development to extend into Akpaka Forest Reserve (AFR). However, there is no up to date information on forest resources loss in Akpaka Forest Reserve. In...
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Establishing Indoor Thermal Comfort Range for Office Buildings in Jos Nigeria Using the Adaptive Psychrometric Chart
Ademola Olatunji Jimoh,
Audu Umar
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
151-157
Received:
21 October 2021
Accepted:
11 November 2021
Published:
25 November 2021
Abstract: A psychrometric chart is a web-based graphical user interface that allows for the prediction of thermal comfort and the visualization of comfort boundaries within predefined atmospheric qualities. Based on ASHRAE 55 adaptive method, this chart was used to analyse 10 administrative office buildings, with occupant-controlled natural conditioned spaces, located within Jos urban conurbation in Nigeria. This tool revealed that with an outdoor temperature of 32.0°C, indoor thermal comfort range for 80% and 90% acceptability corresponds to 24.2°C to 31.2°C and 25.2°C to 30.2°C respectively. It also established a neutral operative temperature of 29.0°C on the Adaptive Psychrometric Chart. The neutral operative temperature of 29.0°C is at slight variance with other research indicating a Neutral Temperature of 29.4°C. However, this established neutral temperatures fall within 80% and 90% of acceptability thermal comfort range. This authenticates the validity of Psychometric Chart and the Neutral Temperature Analysis techniques as viable tools in thermal comfort studies in this research environment and conditions. This also indicates that most of the office buildings examined can operate fairly effectively without mechanical ventilation thereby providing savings in energy use and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Abstract: A psychrometric chart is a web-based graphical user interface that allows for the prediction of thermal comfort and the visualization of comfort boundaries within predefined atmospheric qualities. Based on ASHRAE 55 adaptive method, this chart was used to analyse 10 administrative office buildings, with occupant-controlled natural conditioned space...
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On-farm Evaluation and Demonstration of Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) Trapping Technology
Etenesh Mekonnen,
Alemayehu Gela,
Amssalu Bezzabih
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 6, November 2021
Pages:
158-162
Received:
2 December 2021
Accepted:
30 December 2021
Published:
31 December 2021
Abstract: On-farm Evaluation and demonstration of small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) trapping technology was conducted in the 2018/2019 in West Shoa zone, Bako Tibe district to evaluate the effectiveness of the trap, to minimize the absconded of honey bees and produce quality, honey. One representative PA was selected based on honey production potential and accessibility for field monitoring and visit. Beneficiary farmers were selected based on the criteria and objective of the AGP II (Agricultural Growth Program II,) and the willingness of farmers to participate in the demonstration. The FREG members include 20 beekeepers (5female and 15 men.) The training was given for beekeepers, Woreda experts, and DAs.20 Langstroth hives (10 treatments and 10 control colonies) were established at one apiary site. Pieces of corrugated cardboard (45 cm × 45 cm), with one surface peeled to expose the ridges, were placed on the bottom board of each beehive with the ridged side down for treatment group hive. Small hive beetle adults and larvae were trapped counted, removed, and burned. Honey bee colonies from the treatment group were not absconded whereas the control group honey bee colonies were more absconded. The honey yields were obtained from the treatment group 16Kg/hive/season and 7Kg/hive/season from the control group. The number of small hive beetle adults and larvae counted from the cardboard was decreased through data collection season. The FREG members appreciated the technology; therefore, further scaling up of this technology should be conducted in different areas of beekeeping.
Abstract: On-farm Evaluation and demonstration of small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) trapping technology was conducted in the 2018/2019 in West Shoa zone, Bako Tibe district to evaluate the effectiveness of the trap, to minimize the absconded of honey bees and produce quality, honey. One representative PA was selected based on honey production potential and ...
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