The aim of this paper is to describe the rural structure of Nigeria on the basis of some indicators and internationally accepted methodology rather than just the population criterion that is presently used in the country. This is necessary because as is the case in most developing countries, this method of determining the rural structure does not make for comparison between countries. To achieve the aim, 14 indicators were selected from the 2006 Annual Abstract of Statistics and Factor Analysis employed to determine the structure, while the pattern was mapped by Arc View GIS 3.2a software. The factor analysis identified five underlying dimensions which explain 77.6% of the total variance that determine the structure of rurality in Nigeria. Based on the pattern of the factor loadings, five typologies of rural were identified. The research further shows that Nigeria is still dominantly rural. The implications of the findings and the need for concerted efforts on rural development in the country are highlighted.

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Climate change affects agriculture in many ways, one of which is its direct impact on food production. This is particularly significant in developing countries, where agriculture is mainly rain-fed, providing employment and income for the majority of the population. This paper, based on data from 400 randomly selected farmers in Enugu and Imo states in South East Nigeria, assesses some effects of climate change and the cost implications of farmers' adaptation practices. Virtually all respondents reported unusual rises in extreme events such as thunderstorms, heavy winds and intense heatwaves; uncertainties at the start of the farming season such as unusual early rains, erratic rainfall and delay in the onset of rain; the incidence of pests, diseases and weeds; and signs of land degradation such as declining soil fertility and the drying up of streams or rivers. The overall impact (on farm yield and income) was significantly higher for Enugu than for Imo, possibly because Enugu has drier weather. The greatest perceived effects of climate change were reduced yield and income, drying up of streams and rivers, reduced storage quality of crops, loss of pastureland and/or vegetation and the destruction of wildlife ecosystems. Coping strategies with a relatively high profitability index were multiple cropping/intercropping, agro-forestry/afforestation, mulching, purchase/ harvesting of water for irrigation and the use of resistant varieties. Extension services need to promote appropriate adaptation practices among farmers.

This study examines the prevalence, and the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of under-five mortality in Benue State, Nigeria. Using a purposive random sampling technique, a total of 1,500 questionnaires were administered to women aged 15 to 49 years and who have ever given birth in 30 communities from 10 sampled local government areas in the state. In addition, focus group discussions and key informant interviews formed sources of data for this research. The analysis of data was carried out using descriptive statistics, child survival analysis, and probit regression model. The pattern of the prevalence of infant and child mortality showed that there are three major child killers in the study area: malaria (38.2%), complications at birth (29.5%), and measles (16.9%). The survival probability results show that children born to parents living in an urban area have more chances (72.6%) of survival, as against 71.4% for children born to parents living in a rural area. The probit regression analysis showed that the pregnancies ever had by the mothers has a greater marginal effect on child survival (6.7%) than the current age of mothers at birth (3.7%) and the age of mother at marriage (0.9%). Based on the findings, recommendations such as empowerment and education of mothers are suggested.