The prevalence and impact of onchocerciasis (river blindness) on agricultural production in the Hawal River valley, Borno State, Nigeria

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The prevalence and impact of onchocerciasis (river blindness) on agricultural production in the Hawal River valley, Borno State, Nigeria
Authors:	Akoh, J.I. Ameh, I.G. Onwuliri, C.O.E.
Year:	1991
Periodical:	Annals of Borno
Volume:	8-9
Pages:	162-169
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Nigeria Northern Nigeria
Subjects:	blindness agricultural production
Abstract:	The prevalence and economic impact of onchocerciasis were studied in the farming communities of the Hawal River valley, which forms part of the Upper Benue River system (Nigeria). Thirteen villages were visited between April 1988 and July 1989. The prevalence rates of the disease in the various communities varied significantly. The prevalence and intensity of the disease is significantly higher in males than in females; higher in people above 30 years of age than in those below 30 years; and higher in farmers and nomads than in any other occupational group. The disease therefore affects the agriculturally active, productive sector of the community. The prevalence of the disease is high in the most fertile arable areas of the river valley. Over 65 percent of farming time in the valley is lost due to the biting nuisance of the blackfly vectors. The probable role of onchocerciasis in the reduction of agricultural productivity and land utilization is discussed. Bibliogr., sum.