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There is no doubt about the tremendous achievement of Big Data since its inception in recent times. Developed nations like the United States, Germany, and Australia are utilizing it along with manpower skillsets in their fight against crime and recorded tremendous success. In Nigeria, the fight against insurgence and local crime has witnessed an upsurge in recent times ranging from multiple attacks recorded by the Islamic State of West Africa Province, Boko Haram, Fulani Herdsmen and Farmers' clashes, Bandits, Cyber-crimes, Kidnapping, IPOB, and other civic unrest such as the ENDSAR protest. These have overwhelmed the present security architecture which has often struggled to contain the situation and restore peace to warring factions. This study, therefore, proposed an Integrated Big Data for Security Information Sharing (IBDSIS) model that integrates datasets from databases of security agencies, non-paramilitary organizations, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in Nigeria to form a holistic cloud-based information sharing platform. The implementation steps and strategies proposed by this study to adopt the IBDSIS modeling framework into the current national security architecture can bring together domain experts and data scientists to analyze tones of datasets pooled together using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and graphical visualization techniques to observe hidden patterns and insights for knowledge discoveries. The results of their analyses (products) will be customized into web applications and continuously update and deploy for security agencies' utilization in the fight against insecurity and external aggression. Our study expounds on related literature on common data models, big data, and applications to national security. We proposed the implementation steps and strategies for the adoption of the IBDSIS architectural modeling framework for information sharing by the relevant security agencies.

Paper# 19610

Recent reports indicating that large portions of land (estimated 50-80m hectares) have been bought by international investors in middle- and low-income countries, with roughly two-thirds of those purchases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, calls for a cursory appraisal of the implications of the trend of land grabbing for West African food security. This study reviews cases of land grabbing by foreign investors in West Africa, identifies the possible drivers of large-scale land acquisition by foreign investors in the region, and discusses the implications of the findings for agricultural and land policy reforms in West Africa. Land transactions involving foreign investors have increased in the area over the past 10 years. Over 100,000 ha have been documented in Nigeria. Ghana and Mali have many significant transactions on land by foreign investors. Several investors have more than 100,000ha. Burkina Faso has one significant land transaction (200,000 ha) while Niger and Senegal have relatively small land transactions. Most lands grabbed in West Africa were profit driven (by biofuel investors) and were made under the guise of using the lands acquired for agricultural investments. There were noted dangers in the deals with respect to food security drive, food safety, environmental safety, employment generation, and land tenure threats, which endangered peace, sovereignty, and the economic wellbeing of citizens. We recommend applying a regional approach by African countries, implementing land reforms that will involve the local communities who own the land, stopping long-term leasing beyond 50 years, building capacity, and creating awareness about land transactions of large magnitudes., Consilience, No 14 (2015): Issue Fourteen: 2015

This study compares the incomes generated from periwinkle and dog-winkle catch amongst farmers in oil spill- affected and non-oil -spill-affected areas in Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected and data were collected using structured questionnaires and personal interviews. Analytical tools used included descriptive statistics, net income model, T- test and regression analysis model. Results indicated that income realized by the farmers from shellfish sales in non-oil spill-affected Local Government was higher than that of the oil spill-affected Local Government Area per annum and was estimated as ₦407,812.79.00 and ₦182,485.00 respectively. The level of profit recorded among the farmers in the two areas was significantly different with a T-value of 14.42. The null hypothesis was rejected. The regression model employed three functional forms; linear, semi log and double log. Linear model was chosen as the lead equation because of the highest R2 of 59%. Cost of labor and transportation had significant effect on the level of profit. Cost of labor positively influenced profit while cost of transportation negatively influenced the profit. It is recommended that government intervention programs provide a cheaper means of transportation in the area., Consilience, No 15 (2016): Issue Fifteen: 2016

This study was designed to determine variables influencing fuelwood demand in rural areas of Kogi State. Eighty households were randomly sampled from all the Agricultural Zones of the state. A 2SLS method was then used for estimation of the coefficients of the simultaneous equation model. The most significant determinants of fuelwood demand in the study area are the price of fuelwood, kerosene’s price, household size and personal incomes of the household heads. In light of this study’s findings, recommendations included reduction of kerosene prices, investment in renewable energy, cooking gas and electricity and use of agricultural extension agents to educate farmers on sustainable farming., Consilience, No 8 (2012): Issue Eight: 2012

This study was designed to ascertain the level of profitability and inherent problems derivable from oil palm products’ processing and marketing in Kogi State of Nigeria. Primary data used for the study was obtained through the use of structured questionnaire and oral interviews. From the six agricultural Zones in Kogi State a total sample size of 60 was finally drawn to form the sampling frame from 3 Agricultural Zones. Descriptive statistics were used to attain objectives 1 and 3; while objective 2 was attained by the use of gross margin analysis. Majority of the farmers obtained their Fresh Fruit Bunches for processing from the village or open market (50%); oil palm processing and marketing is profitable business in the area with a gross margin of N603,320.00K and gross margin ratio of 2.72 from an average enterprise; problems identified in the enterprises included fluctuating prices, lack of basic infrastructure and inputs such as capital and processing machines. The study recommended the need for government to hasten the supply of rural infrastructure, reduce taxes and let processors/marketers be encouraged to form cooperatives so as to access credit., Consilience, No 13 (2015): Issue Thirteen: 2015

Department of Hematology, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria. 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. 3 Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Department of Laboratory, College Clinic, Federal School of Forestry, Jos-Plateau state, Nigeria. 5 Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria.

Background: There is high prevalence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnancy worldwide, primary infection in particular has been associated with significant haematological changes and childhood neurodevelopmental disabilities. There is however, paucity of information on the effect of CMV seropositivity in pregnancy on the haematological parameters of pregnant women from our centre. Aim: This study was therefore designed to determine the effects of CMV sero-positivity among pregnant women, in Makurdi Nigeria, on some key haematological parameters. Methods: A cross sectional study of 211 pregnant women aged 15-50 years attending antenatal clinic at The Benue State University Teaching Hospital & Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Nigeria, from November 2016 to April 2017 was conducted. They were screened & grouped based on their CMV status into three groups: The overall CMV status (irrespective of antibody type), CMV IgG status and CMV IgM status. Their Mean White Blood Count (WBC), Platelet Count, Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) and Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were estimated & compared. Data obtained were coded, entered and analysed with SPSS version 20. Simple proportion was used to determine CMV positivity. The independent sample t-test and Pearson's chi-square were used for comparison of quantitative variables and chi-square test for qualitative variables. Relationships were determined, and a P< .05 was considered significant. Results: The younger pregnant women age 21-30 years constituted 75.4%, and represented the highest respondents. In those who were CMV IgG positive, WBC, platelets, ALC & haemoglobin all appeared lower & ANC appeared higher. In the CMV IgM positive, Haemoglobin & platelets appeared lower, while WBC, ANC & ALC all appeared higher. Overall, in those positive for CMV (irrespective of antibody type), WBC, platelet and haemoglobin appeared lower and ANC & ALC appearing higher. In all, these differences were not statistically significant, with P> .05 Conclusion: Cytomegalovirus seropositivity was found not to have any statistically significant effect on the haematological parameters of the pregnant women. We recommend further research in this area, education, and follow up on women with primary infection.

The paper explored how agriculture can be made more attractive for youth employment for attainment of economic diversification in an oil-based economy. It took a quick x-ray of the nation’s agricultural policies vis-à-vis youth employment in agriculture, identified some challenges militating against youth interestedness in agriculture and proffered workable solutions that could drive youth interest in agriculture. It is argued that, agriculture should be promoted as a sustainable livelihood source and as an initial entry point to propel Nigeria into a green economy where there is inclusivity and equity, resource use efficiency and minimal environmental risks in line with United Nations (UN) Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. In an era where the world economies are driven by knowledge, integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and agro-tourism into agricultural activities as obtainable in any truly business venture will make agriculture attractive to the youth. Positive changes in the way we consider the youth as mere beneficiaries of agricultural interventions to seeing them as co-actors/players in the agriculture space and along the e-agriculture value chain will lead to improved agricultural productivity. The use of ICT and promoting establishment of functional Agribusiness Incubators in strategically selected Nigerian universities is needed. Agricultural policy reforms that support training youth farmers and prospective ones as impact entrepreneurs will engender youth involvement in agriculture, give them a sense of ownership and protection from unfavourable policies including subsidies that, apparently, restrict or even hinder youth involvement.

Against the backdrop of rising trend of insurgency, internally displaced persons, poverty and hunger in Nigeria in a receding economy, the study reviewed the linkages between insurgency, environment and agricultural livelihood activities in Nigeria. The specifically reviewed the theoretical linkages between environment, insecurity and agricultural livelihoods; (ii) x-rayed the trend and nature of insurgency in Nigeria lately; (iii) identified the empirical linkages between environment, insecurity and agricultural livelihoods in Nigeria. The study anchored on Homer-Dixon's theory of eco-violence. It was observed that there are new modes of insurgency in the country over time, spanning from the Niger Delta militancy started by Isaac Boro to Avengers era in the Niger Delta and the current Boko Haram menacing insurgencies in South-South and North-East Nigeria. Empirical and theoretical data affirmed the complexity and inter connectivity between the problems in focus. The interacting tripartite problems have led to poor yield of crops and livestock, unemployment, migration, flood, increased IDPs, food insecurity, loss of farm assets, human lives, pollution and rising poverty, most of which reinforced each other. The policy responses by the Nigerian government were articulated. It is therefore recommended that the recently signed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the present administration be fully implemented; constructive and diplomatic engagement between the government and leaders of insurgent groups needs to be consolidated; government should increase efforts in tackling the problems of desert encroachment and Lake Chad shrinking; the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoni land be fully implemented and applied in other areas of the Niger Delta region. Government and donor agencies should consider more realistic programmes that will support farmers and agribusinesses owners regarding supply of farm inputs and conducive environment for agribusinesses operation. Grazing lands should be established to settle the herdsmen.

This study was designed to ascertain the level of profitability and inherent problems derivable from oil palm products’ processing and marketing in Kogi State of Nigeria. Primary data used for the study was obtained through the use of structured questionnaire and oral interviews. From the six agricultural Zones in Kogi State a total sample size of 60 was finally drawn to form the sampling frame from 3 Agricultural Zones. Descriptive statistics were used to attain objectives 1 and 3; while objective 2 was attained by the use of gross margin analysis. Majority of the farmers obtained their Fresh Fruit Bunches for processing from the village or open market (50%); oil palm processing and marketing is profitable business in the area with a gross margin of ₦603,320.00K and gross margin ratio of 2.72 from an average enterprise; problems identified in the enterprises included fluctuating prices, lack of basic infrastructure and inputs such as capital and processing machines. The study recommended the need for government to hasten the supply of rural infrastructure, reduce taxes and let processors/marketers be encouraged to form cooperatives so as to access credit.

This study ascertained the effects of agricultural commercialization (agricultural net exports), deforestation as represented by exports of forestry products, economic growth and trade liberalization on the level of green house gas (CO2) emissions in Africa. It relied on World Bank data (economic development indicators) between 1960 and 2008. Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression model (using logged variables) was applied in the study. Standard econometric diagnoses such as specification test, heteroscdasticity, autocorrelation and endogeneity tests were performed and their results validated the model’s use. All variables in the main equation were statistically significant and conformed to theoretical expectations. It was confirmed from our hypotheses tests that agricultural commercialization (p