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This dissertation investigates the instantiation of prosodic constituents, from the level of the prosodic word to the mora, in several Benue-Congo languages spoken in Nigeria, Togo, and the Republic of Benin. The over-all analysis is couched within Optimality Theory (Prince and Smolensky 1993, P&S) which states that phonological constraints are hierarchically ranked and violable. The cross-dialectal and cross-linguistic diversities exhibited in the languages discussed are shown to be a consequence of different constraint rankings. The observed variations and their respective analyses can be summarized as follows. First, only a subset of the total segmental inventory is moraic in all the languages examined. In some dialects of Yoruba (Ilaje), only vowels are tone-bearing and potential syllable peaks; in other dialects (Standard Yoruba and Onko), both vowels and nasals are tone-bearing, but only vowels may occupy the nucleus position in the syllable. In Idoma, vowels, liquids and nasals are tone-bearing, but only vowels and liquids are potential syllable peaks, nasals are excluded. These diversities are shown to follow from the different cut-off points established for non-nuclear moras as opposed to nuclear moras on the sonority hierarchy. Second, it is observed that vowels differ in their syllabicity capabilities depending on whether they are preceded by onsets or not. In Standard Yoruba, Owon-Afa, and Gokana, vowels are syllabified if onsets precede them; onsetless vowels are not syllabified. In Ondo Yoruba and Emai, vowels are syllabified regardless of whether they have onsets or not. The variation in the syllabification pattern is shown to follow from the variable ranking of ONSET and other syllable structure well-formedness constraints such as PARSENUCμ or PARSEμ. Third, the properties of foot structure found in the non-stress tone languages examined are reminiscent of the properties associated with the metrical foot. In Yoruba, Ibibio and Owon-Afa, feet are binary and headed. Ibibio utilizes trochaic feet while Owon-Afa and Yoruba use iambic feet. This finding confirms the proposal that non-stress processes utilize the metrical foot (M&P 1986, Inklelas 1989, Spring 1991, Downing 1994). Fourth, prosodic minimality and maximality effects are observed at the level of the prosodic word. Two patterns of minimality effects are found. In languages like Idoma and Gokana, the minimal prosodic word is a binary foot, while in languages like Yoruba and Ebira, the minimal condition requires the presence of a syllable in every word. Foot binarity effects are only required of specific lexical classes, like nouns, in both languages. The minimal syllable requirement is proposed to follow from properheadedness, and the diversities found in the spellout of prosodic minimally derived by the variable ranking of Foot Binarity and Properheadedness. The emergence of unmarked words in child phonology in English, Dutch and Yoruba is cited as evidence in support of this view of minimality: children start with CV words and then move on to the CVCV stage. These two stages are proposed to follow from Properheadedness and Foot Binarity assuming the “Continuity Hypothesis” which states that language acquisition is made up of a series of continuous stages determined by Universal Grammar (Pinker 1984). Concerning prosodic maximally, it is observed that the maximal instantiation of the prosodic word is two feet. This property is proposed to follow from the principle of binarity which limits the unmarked shape of phonological constituents to two tokens of a given phonological unit (Ito & Mester 1992).

This dissertation investigates the instantiation of prosodic constituents, from the level of the prosodic word to the mora, in several Benue-Congo languages spoken in Nigeria, Togo, and the Republic of Benin. The over-all analysis is couched within Optimality Theory (Prince and Smolensky 1993, P&S) which states that phonological constraints are hierarchically ranked and violable. The cross-dialectal and cross-linguistic diversities exhibited in the languages discussed are shown to be a consequence of different constraint rankings. The observed variations and their respective analyses can be summarized as follows. First, only a subset of the total segmental inventory is moraic in all the languages examined. In some dialects of Yoruba (Ilaje), only vowels are tone-bearing and potential syllable peaks; in other dialects (Standard Yoruba and Onko), both vowels and nasals are tone-bearing, but only vowels may occupy the nucleus position in the syllable. In Idoma, vowels, liquids and nasals are tone-bearing, but only vowels and liquids are potential syllable peaks, nasals are excluded. These diversities are shown to follow from the different cut-off points established for non-nuclear moras as opposed to nuclear moras on the sonority hierarchy. Second, it is observed that vowels differ in their syllabicity capabilities depending on whether they are preceded by onsets or not. In Standard Yoruba, Owon-Afa, and Gokana, vowels are syllabified if onsets precede them; onsetless vowels are not syllabified. In Ondo Yoruba and Emai, vowels are syllabified regardless of whether they have onsets or not. The variation in the syllabification pattern is shown to follow from the variable ranking of ONSET and other syllable structure well-formedness constraints such as PARSENUCμ or PARSEμ. Third, the properties of foot structure found in the non-stress tone languages examined are reminiscent of the properties associated with the metrical foot. In Yoruba, Ibibio and Owon-Afa, feet are binary and headed. Ibibio utilizes trochaic feet while Owon-Afa and Yoruba use iambic feet. This finding confirms the proposal that non-stress processes utilize the metrical foot (M&P 1986, Inklelas 1989, Spring 1991, Downing 1994). Fourth, prosodic minimality and maximality effects are observed at the level of the prosodic word. Two patterns of minimality effects are found. In languages like Idoma and Gokana, the minimal prosodic word is a binary foot, while in languages like Yoruba and Ebira, the minimal condition requires the presence of a syllable in every word. Foot binarity effects are only required of specific lexical classes, like nouns, in both languages. The minimal syllable requirement is proposed to follow from properheadedness, and the diversities found in the spellout of prosodic minimally derived by the variable ranking of Foot Binarity and Properheadedness. The emergence of unmarked words in child phonology in English, Dutch and Yoruba is cited as evidence in support of this view of minimality: children start with CV words and then move on to the CVCV stage. These two stages are proposed to follow from Properheadedness and Foot Binarity assuming the “Continuity Hypothesis” which states that language acquisition is made up of a series of continuous stages determined by Universal Grammar (Pinker 1984). Concerning prosodic maximally, it is observed that the maximal instantiation of the prosodic word is two feet. This property is proposed to follow from the principle of binarity which limits the unmarked shape of phonological constituents to two tokens of a given phonological unit (Ito & Mester 1992). / Arts, Faculty of / Linguistics, Department of / Graduate

Doctorat en philosophie et lettres / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Agricultural production has contributed over time to food security and rural economic development in developing countries particularly supporting the countryside. Evidence show that crop yields are declining in the Lower River Benue Basin of Nigeria. This study conducted a land use evaluation and suitability mapping for production of yam, cassava and also assessed the possible socioeconomic impediments that may hinder or enhance sustainable agricultural development in the Lower River Benue Basin. The study adopted physical assessments and socioeconomic approach coupled with mapping which incorporated processing of satellite imagery. Statistical methods were used to measure the status, trends, level of dispersion, and relationships between the variables of physical and socioeconomic parameters. Modelling techniques for determining potential impacts assessment, agricultural suitability index, adaptive capacity index, finally producing suitability maps. Geo-informatics processes were used to produce a digital elevation model, land use and land cover map, and normalised difference vegetation index map. The results were thematic maps, weighted percentages of attribute data, and suitability maps produced through weighted overlay. An intensive analysis of climatological data depicted a progressive intensity of rainfall, and a decreasing trend in the number of rain days; a gradual temperature rise; and high relative humidity during the planting season which is about 168 days. Laboratory analysis show that soils in the study area require fertility enhancement with inorganic fertilisers to encourage better crop yield. Results show that the Lower River Benue Basin is suitable for yam, cassava, and rice cultivation as classified on maps of suitable areas. Rice had the highest suitability percentages (38.30%). The study area was found to be moderately suitable for each of the crops examined by more than 40% for each crop. Cassava had the least suitability percentages (34.47%). Evidence suggests that agricultural development in the Lower River Benue Basin is under threat from potential impacts of climate variability and change, population growth, and infectious diseases. The agricultural suitability index of the study area regards the study area as suitable (70.5%) and the adaptive capacity index of the study area was moderate (50.83%), but it was found that serious attention need to be given to farm technology and infrastructure. Mitigation strategies and recommendations which are beneficial to the sustainable development of agriculture have been provided in line with the established characteristics of the Lower River Benue Basin. / Environmental Sciences / D. Phil. (Environmental Management)

<p>The study utilized a qualitative case study design to explore the problem of poor access to ART in Benue State. PLWHAs, policy makers, program managers and health workers were involved in an effort to describe the factors influencing access to ART in the State. Semi structured interviews, exit interviews and focus group discussions were used. To analyse the findings, categorization was done into facilitators and barriers to access, in addition to the ways respondents believe these barriers can be overcome. Other sub-themes were also identified and sorted. Themes were linked to direct quotes from the respondents. Additional literature review was done to review available information on the themes identified. Facilitators of access included free cost and increased number of sites / beneficial effects of ART / disclosure, membership in a support group and having a treatment partner. Barriers included stigma and discrimination / hunger, poverty, transportation and opportunity costs / hospital factors / non-disclosure / inaccurate knowledge and perceptions about HIV and ART / certain religious beliefs and advice / coverage, capping of services and fear of non-availability of ART. In addition to stigma, patients bypass closer ART access points to further away hospitals because of business opportunities / financial assistance / perceived better standard of care and hope that a cure, when found, will be more accessible to patients in bigger hospitals.</p>

<p>The study utilized a qualitative case study design to explore the problem of poor access to ART in Benue State. PLWHAs, policy makers, program managers and health workers were involved in an effort to describe the factors influencing access to ART in the State. Semi structured interviews, exit interviews and focus group discussions were used. To analyse the findings, categorization was done into facilitators and barriers to access, in addition to the ways respondents believe these barriers can be overcome. Other sub-themes were also identified and sorted. Themes were linked to direct quotes from the respondents. Additional literature review was done to review available information on the themes identified. Facilitators of access included free cost and increased number of sites / beneficial effects of ART / disclosure, membership in a support group and having a treatment partner. Barriers included stigma and discrimination / hunger, poverty, transportation and opportunity costs / hospital factors / non-disclosure / inaccurate knowledge and perceptions about HIV and ART / certain religious beliefs and advice / coverage, capping of services and fear of non-availability of ART. In addition to stigma, patients bypass closer ART access points to further away hospitals because of business opportunities / financial assistance / perceived better standard of care and hope that a cure, when found, will be more accessible to patients in bigger hospitals.</p>

Magister Public Health - MPH / The study utilized a qualitative case study design to explore the problem of poor access to ART in Benue State. PLWHAs, policy makers, program managers and health workers were involved in an effort to describe the factors influencing access to ART in the State. Semi structured interviews, exit interviews and focus group discussions were used. To analyse the findings, categorization was done into facilitators and barriers to access, in addition to the ways respondents believe these barriers can be overcome. Other sub-themes were also identified and sorted. Themes were linked to direct quotes from the respondents. Additional literature review was done to review available information on the themes identified. Facilitators of access included free cost and increased number of sites; beneficial effects of ART; disclosure, membership in a support group and having a treatment partner. Barriers included stigma and discrimination; hunger, poverty, transportation and opportunity costs; hospital factors; non-disclosure; inaccurate knowledge and perceptions about HIV and ART; certain religious beliefs and advice; coverage, capping of services and fear of non-availability of ART. In addition to stigma, patients bypass closer ART access points to further away hospitals because of business opportunities; financial assistance; perceived better standard of care and hope that a cure, when found, will be more accessible to patients in bigger hospitals. / South Africa

Magister Public Health - MPH / At the end of 2008, Nigeria had the third largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA) in the world, with an estimated 2.95 million people and an average prevalence rate of 4.6%. According to the 2008 prevalence survey, prevalence rates in Nigeria’s 36 states and capital ranges between 1.0% in Ekiti State, to 10.6% in Benue.In Benue State, as at December 2008, only 12% of those requiring treatment were enrolled in an ART programme and only about half of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) had a health centre providing ART services. There are several possible causes for poor coverage of ART services. This study explores some of the barriers preventing PLWHAs from accessing treatment in Benue State.The study utilized a qualitative case study design to explore the problem of poor access to ART in Benue State. PLWHAs, policy makers, program managers and health workers were involved in an effort to describe the factors influencing access to ART in the State. Semi structured interviews, exit interviews and focus group discussions were used.To analyse the findings, categorization was done into facilitators and barriers to access, in addition to the ways respondents believe these barriers can be overcome. Other sub-themes were also identified and sorted. Themes were linked to direct quotes from the respondents. Additional literature review was done to review available information on the themes identified. Facilitators of access included free cost and increased number of sites; beneficial effects of ART;disclosure, membership in a support group and having a treatment partner. Barriers included stigma and discrimination; hunger, poverty, transportation and opportunity costs; hospital factors; non-disclosure; inaccurate knowledge and perceptions about HIV and ART; certain religious beliefs and advice; coverage, capping of services and fear of non-availability of ART.In addition to stigma, patients bypass closer ART access points to further away hospitals because of business opportunities; financial assistance; perceived better standard of care and hope that a cure, when found, will be more accessible to patients in bigger hospitals.In conclusion, improving health worker attitudes through training; reselection of non-ARV drugs used in HIV management to ensure an uninterrupted supply; highlighting the importance of membership in a support group through patient enlightenment; working with religious leaders to reduce stigma and improve access; income-generating programs for patients; decentralization of ART services and upgrading of primary healthcare centres are important strategies to improve ART access in the state.

A la limite entre le Cameroun et le Nigéria, la région du Faro est une zone d’extraordinaire diversité, tant du point de vue des populations que de la topographie. Pas moins de 13 groupes ethnolinguistiques y sont documentés, qui appartiennent à 3 grands ensembles linguistiques et se répartissent dans la plaine et les montagnes. Les données de la linguistique indiquent que les représentants des langues adamaoua seraient présents dans la plaine de la Bénoué et du Faro depuis environ quatre mille ans. Au niveau de l'ethnohistoire, on sait que les habitants des plaines sous soumis à l’autorité des Foulbé depuis deux siècles. Mais au delà de cette période, de nombreuses zones d'ombre demeurent. L’histoire des populations de cette partie du bassin de la Bénoué avant le 19ème siècle semblait donc hors d’atteinte, car la région du Faro restait vierge du point de vue archéologique. Dans ce travail, j’apporte par le biais d'une approche historique et comparative des éléments susceptible d’expliquer, d’une part la complexité qui caractérise le peuplement du Faro et, d’autre part, la façon dont le peuplement de cette région a évolué au cours du dernier millénaire. Il est également question de faire progresser la réflexion méthodologique, en évaluant la façon dont les modèles obtenus par l’archéologie peuvent être confrontés avec ceux qui se basent sur les traditions orales, les éléments de la culture matérielle actuelle et la linguistique. L’étude des traditions orales a permis de classer par ordre chronologique les éléments historiques importants et d’établir une histoire du peuplement durant ces derniers siècles. Elle confirme qu’il est possible de reconnaître des racines remontant au delà du 19ème siècle à la plupart des groupes qui peuplent encore la région aujourd’hui, ainsi que de nombreuses ruptures dans l’histoire du peuplement du Faro. Contrairement aux travaux antérieurs, la plus importante de ces fractures date du début du 19ème siècle, avec l’occupation des conquérants foulbé, qui ont provoqué l’insécurité généralisée, la division de la région en deux et les plus importantes déportations de populations des plaines vers les montagnes refuges. L’approche archéologique a permis d’établir la première séquence chrono-culturelle du Faro au cours du dernier millénaire. Si la présence d’un peuplement ancien dans la plaine était envisagée, l’étude archéologique apporte la preuve que des communautés humaines vivent dans le Faro depuis environ 1000 ans. A partir du 15ème siècle, des modifications surviennent. Celles-ci se manifestent surtout par l’apparition d’une nouvelle poterie ornée au Blepharis sp. Lorsque l’on compare la carte de distribution des sites associés à cette céramique, au trajet suivi par les Bata, qui remontent le cours du Faro en implantant des villages et à l’aire d’extension des langues tchadiques au Faro, il semble plausible que de nouvelles populations occupent la région vers le milieu du dernier millénaire de notre ère. Pour le 19ème siècle bien documenté par les traditions orales, les données archéologiques viennent renforcer l’idée d’une profonde rupture durant cette période. En abordant l’histoire du peuplement du Faro, il était nécessaire d’examiner le concept de l’ethnicité comme il est classiquement employé dans la région. D’une manière générale, l’étude conforte l’idée qu’il est très difficile d’aborder la profondeur historique des identités des groupes actuels. La confrontation entre les faits des cultures vivantes et les résultats archéologiques a permis d’évaluer les potentialités de raisonnements historique et comparatif. On ne peut que constater, dans cet exemple concret, le grand intérêt qu’il y a à fonder la reconstitution du passé sur de multiples sources.