Rapid nutrient depletion in soils is one of the major problems that affect food production and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have linked the growth of food crops with seasonal variation and differences in weather conditions. This study was conducted to assess the effects of various organic fertilizer formulations (OFFs) on the growth and yield of selected crops (Zea mays L.; Glycine max, TX 114 and Dioscorea rotundata Poir) during rainy and dry seasons to ensuring climate-smart agriculture.

In Nigeria, there are no sewage treatment plants hence liquid wastes are managed in an indiscriminate manner. Sullage gets into drains and flows into rivers and streams. Human excreta are managed separately through ventilated improved toilets, pit toilets or septic tanks. In some areas like markets and other public places, excreta are mixed up with solid waste, thus creating nuisance in the recycling facilities. People litter the roads with no civic concern. The markets generate a variety of wastes, for example, corn cobs, vegetable wastes, packaging materials, etc. The household wastes also contain other materials such as paper, glass, metal, plastic, and other nonbiodegradable materials. However, some of them are excellent raw materials for various industries in the country. Hazardous waste facilities have not yet been established and hazardous wastes are co-mingled for disposal with municipal solid wastes, despite laws to the contrary. There is the limited involvement of civil society in the execution of waste management projects. This paper reviews current waste management practices in Nigeria and suggests strategies for its improvement. Sustainable Integrated Waste Management which is the selection and application of suitable technologies and management programmes to achieve specific waste management goals was recommended for the country.

Exposure to compromised indoor air is one of the factors affecting the health and productivity of workers in the workplace. Studies have proved that the number of related health complaints from workplace has increased in recent years. Indoor air quality and perceived health effects experienced by occupants of selected offices and classrooms in the Oladele Ajose Building (OAJB) were assessed in this study. Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) of seven indoor locations within OAJB were monitored using Multi-Tester N21FR during the dry season. Values obtained for temperature and RH were compared with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guideline limits for indoor environment of 23.5 – 25.5°C and 30 – 50% respectively. Airborne Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Total Fungi Count (TFC) were determined using Polish Standard PN 89/Z-04008/08 and values obtained compared with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) guideline limit of 500cfu/m3 for total airborne microbial count in an indoor environment. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from staff and students. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Mean indoor temperature and RH in the morning were 30.3±2.5 °C and 30.5±2.1% respectively and 66.5±5.6°C and 66.6±5.6% respectively in the afternoon. The TBC and TFC were lower than guideline limit. Bacterial species isolated included Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Proteus while fungi specie includes Aspergillus. Mean age of respondents was 31.4±8.9 years. Reported symptoms in the last six months prior the study include cough (65.5%), fatigue (81.0%) and wheezing (87.9%). Temperature and RH of the sampled locations were higher than acceptable limits. These together with the airborne microbes may influence the prevalence of health symptoms experienced by respondents. Routine air monitoring of office buildings should be carried out to ensure conformance with stipulated guidelines.

This study investigated water and sanitary conditions of a typical faculty of Public Health building, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 108 consented students and staff members were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Fifteen (15) toilet facilities with 45 rooms were also observed using an observational checklist. Respondents’ age was 28.9±5.5 years, 63.0% were female, 92.6% were students and all participants had completed tertiary education. The main source of water supply into the building was piped water (85.2%) and 77.9% used it for flushing toilet. Only 22.2% reported that the water source is readily accessible all the time while 63.0% stated that the quantity of water available got depleted during the afternoon time. On-site observations revealed that 8 (53.4%) of the toilet facilities had inadequate water supply. Majority (81.5%) reported water closet as the main type of sanitary convenience in the building while the major shortcomings of the toilets mentioned were non-accessibility (88.9%) and shortage of water supply (77.8%). All (100%) of the toilet rooms observed had no severe odour while 2 (4.4%) of the toilet rooms had appreciable quantities of vectors breeding. About fifty-nine percent had good attitude towards the sanitary conveniences within the building and significantly, 75.0% of female respondents had good attitude compared to 25.0% of their male counterpart (p<0.05). Twelve (11.1%) respondents said they practiced handwashing with water and soap and none (0.0%) reported presence of signs that encourage good hygiene practices in the toilet. Wash hand basins was observed to be present and functional within all the 15 (100%) toilet facilities, water was present in 10 (66.7%) of the facilities while soap was absent in all the 15 (100%) facilities observed. Constant water supply should be sustained, handwashing materials and signs that encourage good hygiene practices should be provided within the toilets.