Journal of Arts, Environmental and Management Studies

Effects of firewood consumption on the biodiversity across the communities in Awka North Local Government Area

Benedict Nnabuike Okoye — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study employed a mixed-method research design, integrating quantitative surveys with qualitative focus group discussions and key informant interviews to examine the effects of firewood consumption on biodiversity in Awka North Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria. Six rural communities were purposively selected, with a sample of 400 residents determined using Taro Yamane’s formula and proportionally allocated. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, validated by experts, and pilot-tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), while qualitative insights contextualized ecological and socio-economic patterns, enabling a comprehensive understanding of how household firewood use impacts biodiversity. According to respondents in Awka North LGA, the use of firewood has a huge effect on biodiversity. 351 respondents (88 percent) reported loss of trees, reducing food and shelter to the wildlife. Three hundred and one respondents (78 percent) reported deforestation that reduced habitat of various species and 302 respondents (76 percent) reported loss of rare plants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify four significant dimensions that explain 94.85 percent of the variance: Component 1 (42.54) - ecosystem resilience and sustainability; Component 2 (26.59) - reduction of species richness; Component 3 (14.32) - extinction of plant species; Component 4 (11.40) - disruption of microclimate. The ANOVA did not reveal any significant difference between communities (F = 1.163, p = 0.34), meaning that there are no variances in perceptions of all six communities. The researchers found that the use of firewood is always a danger to the biodiversity of all communities, disturbing ecosystem strength, species richness, and equilibrium. To reduce such impacts and to save local biodiversity, it is suggested that sustainable energy options and community-based conservation strategies should be used.

Impact of N-Power programme on the socio-economic status of youth in Anambra State

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Unemployment and low socio-economic status among the young people is another big issue in Nigeria especially youths who form the majority of the population. To solve this issue, the Federal Government developed the N-Power programme under the National Social Investment Programme to offer job opportunities, skill development, and socio-economic wellbeing of young people. Although the programme was put in place, there are still questions about whether it has alleviated the socio-economic status of the beneficiaries. The research design used in this study was a descriptive survey design to investigate how N-Power programme influences the socio-economic status of youth in Anambra State, Nigeria. Two thousand four hundred and fifteen beneficiaries (18 to 35 years) in 6 Local Government Areas were sampled. A sample of 343 respondents was calculated using the formula by Taro Yamane and purposive sampling was used to select the sample. Data were collected using structured questionnaires with a 5-point Likert scale and secondary data were obtained with the help of the other literature. Experts reviewed it and tested it again, which ensured validity and reliability. The SPSS version 20 and Pearson correlation at the 5% level were used to analyze data. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents said that N-Power enhanced purchasing power, income, savings, and educational progress, but many disented that it enhanced wealth accumulation. Correlation analysis demonstrated a positive and significant relationship (r =.222, p=.035) which showed that N-Power had a significant effect on improving the socio-economic status of youths. The paper concludes that the N-Power programme has made a great difference in the socio-economic situation of young people in Anambra State.

Distribution and Environmental Health Implications of Manganese, Zinc, Mercury, and Arsenic in Surface Water and Sediments

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems is a major environmental and public health concern, particularly in regions affected by industrial activities. This study investigated the distribution and health implications of Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As) in surface water and sediments of the Okulu River in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Five water and five sediment samples were collected, including four sites impacted by industrial effluents and one control site. Samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Cold Vapor AAS for Mercury. Results revealed that impacted sites exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of Mn (0.131–8.409 mg/L), Zn (0.178–13.38 mg/L), Hg (0–0.081 mg/L), and As (0–4.835 mg/L), all exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limits, whereas the control site remained within safe limits. These findings indicate a substantial risk to human health and aquatic life. It is recommended that continuous monitoring, regulatory enforcement, and pollution mitigation strategies be implemented to protect the river ecosystem and surrounding communities

Assessment of the effects of fuel subsidy removal on direct cost components of building in Abuja, Nigeria

Blessing Precy Nnamani , Uchechi Vanessa Alintah-Abel — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study critically assesses the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the direct cost components of building projects in Abuja, Nigeria, with specific focus on materials (cement, reinforcement steel, and aggregates), labour, and plant costs between 2020 and 2025. A quantitative research design was adopted using market survey data analyzed through Pearson correlation and linear regression techniques using Jamovi software. Hypothesis testing was conducted to determine the significance of the relationship between fuel price fluctuations and direct construction cost components. The results indicate a very strong positive and statistically significant relationship between fuel prices and direct cost components of building, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Cement prices increased by 45.8%, reinforcement steel by 44.4%, and aggregates by 32% in the post-subsidy removal period. Significant increases were also observed in mason and helper wages, rising by 25% and 37.5%, respectively. Furthermore, hypothesis testing confirmed a significant relationship between fuel price increases and plant operating costs, as higher fuel prices substantially increased equipment running expenses. Overall, the findings validate that fuel price deregulation exerts a cost-push inflationary effect on direct construction inputs, thereby increasing building production costs in Abuja. The study highlights the need for strategic policy interventions to mitigate energy-induced cost shocks within the housing sector in Nigeria

Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Cointegration and Short-Run Analysis of the Impact of Capital Inflows and Institutional Quality on Labour Productivity

Uzoma Mirian Anyachebelu — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study uses the Solow-Swan model to link labour productivity with capital, labour, and technology. It applies the ARDL approach to examine how international capital inflows affect productivity in Nigeria, including FDI, FPI, debt, aid, and remittances, with control variables. Cointegration and ECM capture long- and short-run dynamics. Institutional quality is included as a moderator. Robustness is ensured with FMOLS and diagnostic tests using 1992–2024 time-series data from multiple sources. Short-run results show that FDI (-0.0012) was insignificant, while FPI (0.0000), ODA (0.1632), external debt (0.3852), and institutional quality (0.5131) significantly influenced labour productivity. The error correction term (-1.1137) confirms rapid adjustment to long-run equilibrium. The findings suggest that while international capital inflows are important drivers of productivity, their effectiveness depends largely on the quality of institutions. The study recommends strengthening governance structures, improving regulatory efficiency, and ensuring effective allocation of external resources to maximize productivity gains and support sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

Monetary Incentives and Employee Productivity in the Nigerian Banking Sector

Obinna Solomon Eboh, Chinelo Patience Ohanyere, Ekwutosi Theresa Ezeanolue — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Employee productivity in the Nigerian banking sector remains inconsistent despite significant investments in monetary incentives, raising concerns about the effectiveness of financial rewards alone in driving performance and sustaining employee commitment. The study uses a case study approach to examine incentive strategies and employee productivity in three Nigerian banks. A triangulation method combining qualitative and quantitative techniques was adopted. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation, and bank records. A sample of 300 employees was selected using stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative insights supported interpretation. The approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of how monetary incentives, motivation, and job satisfaction influence employee productivity. Monetary incentives were generally rated critical, with strong emphasis on performance-based rewards, though non-monetary incentives were less valued. Motivation factors were mostly critical, especially recognition, job security, and management openness, while few factors were low. Employees were moderately perceived as organizational assets, with concerns about external hiring and limited training. Correlation results showed a weak but significant relationship between monetary incentives and productivity, and stronger links between employee factors, productivity, and job satisfaction. In conclusion, the study establishes that monetary incentives alone are insufficient to drive optimal employee productivity in the Nigerian banking industry. A holistic approach that integrates financial rewards with employee development, recognition, and supportive work environments is essential for improving performance and achieving sustainable organizational success.

Impact of training and reward on employee performance in Enugu state civil service, 2010-2019

Chibuike Chris Umeokafor — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The deterioration of employee performance in the public sector has proved to be a major issue especially in the Enugu State Civil Service. These factors are all contributory such that lack of training and reward systems, among others, create an environment of the least possible productivity, demotivation, and inefficiency in service delivery. This paper explores the Enugu State Civil Services, its historical development since it started as a colonial coal-mining centre to a modern administrative centre. The state is located in a favourable climate in southeastern Nigeria and it has an agrarian economy. The civil service is founded on the colonial administration and is governed by a statutory commission that deals with personnel management. The study used a descriptive design with a population of about 10, 100 employees where 385 respondents were sampled via structured interviews and secondary data thus providing reliability and validity. The results support the hypothesis that sufficient training and reward systems increase employee performance in the Enugu State civil service. Training increases knowledge, skills and competence among workers and it is necessary to realize organizational goals in an ever-changing work environment. However, the common pitfalls are ineffective training design, insufficient recognition and lack of implementation. On the same note, good reward systems (not only monetary but also non-monetary) would uplift motivation, job satisfaction, and productivity. It has been shown in an empirical study that equitable and regular rewards reinforce performance but incompetent pay wears down morale. The research paper concludes that long-term and on-going training and a fair and encouraging reward system are essential in improving staff work performance in the Enugu State Civil Service. Suggestions include the implementation of organised training courses and reward policies that are clearly outlined to enhance effectiveness and service provision.

Contemporary Armed Conflicts and the Crisis of International Intervention in Africa

Esther Chiamaka Okezie — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Armed conflicts remain persistent in the modern-day Africa even after decades of attempts by international intervention. These wars, which have grown in complexity and transnational aspects, cast important questions about the adequacy, reliability and validity of international and regional responses to security crises in the continent. In this paper, the author discusses the characteristics and the reasons of armed conflicts in Africa today and critically assesses the crisis of international intervention. The research is qualitative, descriptive, and analytical based on secondary data of academic sources and international institutions. It uses case studies of important areas of conflicts in Africa and applies content analysis to extract patterns and themes. The research is based on the theories of international relations and achieves validity due to the triangulation of data. The findings revealed that modern armed conflicts in Africa are influenced by political unrest, poor leadership, ethnic, religious unrest, competition over resources, external forces, and increased insurgencies. The case studies of Sahel, Horn of Africa, Great Lakes, Sudan and Nigeria demonstrate diverse yet interdependent conflict dynamics. The UN, the regional organizations, and the international actors continue to intervene in international matters at an inconsistent rate and with limited effectiveness because of the political interest and logistical problems. These wars are devastating in terms of humanitarian and economic consequences, state institutions, and region security, and it is necessary to find African-led, inclusive, and sustainable ways of peacebuilding. The paper concludes that to solve armed conflicts in Africa, it is necessary to reinforce the African-led efforts, enhance the governance and restructure the international intervention frameworks to focus on context-specific, inclusive and long-term peacebuilding efforts.