Papers by Jake D . Dan-Azumi
World environment, 2016
Faced by multiple stressors such as climate variability, policy inconsistency and economic global... more Faced by multiple stressors such as climate variability, policy inconsistency and economic globalization among others, smallholders in developing countries are constantly seeking ways to adapt and reduce the vulnerability of their farming systems. Indigenous knowledge systems have provided the basis for efficient and cost effective resource management for many centuries. In this study of two fadama communities in Northern Nigeria, findings reveal the significant role and value indigenous knowledge in improving the resilience and adaptive capacity of fadama agricultural systems especially in light of increasing pressures, both natural and man-made. These farmers provide an excellent example of how local knowledge can contribute in the quest for sustainable systems through the promotion of adaptive strategies for resource management.
This paper explores the connection between socio-economic development and insecurity in Nigeria. ... more This paper explores the connection between socio-economic development and insecurity in Nigeria. Of particular significance to this paper is the link between economic decline (characterized by high rates of unemployment, low wages and income, corruption and injustice) and the proliferation of conflict particularly in the north-east. The data presented in this study show a relationship between insecurity challenges in the north-east and rates of poverty and unemployment in the zone. Furthermore, the study shows that despite increased spending by the government, the number of attacks and resulting casualties continued to rise between 2009 and 2017. In the final analysis, it is here argued that for proposed long term solutions to the insecurity situation in Nigeria to be effective, they must be predicated on the rule of law, protective of personal and political freedoms and equality, accountable and transparent and more importantly, in service of the common good. Keywords: Insecurity, ...
This paper examines the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in health care delivery throug... more This paper examines the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in health care delivery through legislative advocacy. It highlights the various efforts of civil society organisations (CSOs) towards the passage of the National Health Bill (2014). The role of CSOs spanned the various stages of the legislative process. Evidence from their engagement and advocacy for the NHB shows that when CSOs are engaged in developing and reviewing national health plans, they can assist in identifying or sharpening national priorities and consequently help improve health outcomes. The paper concludes by highlighting key lessons learnt in the advocacy process and critical success factors which include knowledge of the legislative process, ability to leverage on existing relationships and networks, and partnership with international partners, among others. Keywords: National Health Act, CSOs, Legislative Advocacy, National Assembly
This study focuses on women legislative representation in Nigeria since the commencement of the F... more This study focuses on women legislative representation in Nigeria since the commencement of the Fourth Republic (1999 to 2020). It investigates the low levels of representation of women in the National Assembly and factors that explain this. Results from the study show that the majority of female respondents indicate active interest in politics but are discouraged by factors that include prevailing gender stereotypes, cultural/religious reasons, unfavourable political environment, lack of financial capacity, electoral violence and restrictive party structures and processes amongst others. The bulk of male respondents confirm these structural biases and barriers to women’s political participation. In view of these findings, some recommendations offered include implementation of deliberate policies and legislations that target women quotas and affirmative action, elimination of structural barriers to women's participation, reducing the cost of political participation for women, re...
Journal of Political Science and Public Affairs, 2019
This research study reviews all dimensions of the recent agitations for political restructuring o... more This research study reviews all dimensions of the recent agitations for political restructuring of Nigeria. A range of stakeholders from all the states in the federation were interviewed on a range of issues including the structure of the federation. Key findings from the study show that on the whole, respondents generally believe in a united Nigeria despite the challenges to Nigerian unity. Furthermore, while there is a clear preference for the retention of the current federal structure with states as federating units. The consensus is that some kind of restructuring is necessary particularly through devolution of powers and allocation of more resources to the states to make for a more functional and effective federal system. The study therefore recommends, among others, greater autonomy for states and local governments in the forms of devolution/decentralization of power and resources using established principles of distribution of powers such as subsidiarity and proportionality.
International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 2016
A study of smallholder agriculture in Africa reveal a delicate interaction and negotiation across... more A study of smallholder agriculture in Africa reveal a delicate interaction and negotiation across the formal and informal boundaries where traditional agricultural practices, based on an understanding of the particular physical reality and exploitation of natural synergies, are combined with inputs typical of conventional agriculture. African agriculture thus stands poised at crossroads; whether to abandon tradition in favour of entirely "modern" methods and export markets as often advocated for in certain circles or depend on time tested indigenous knowledge systems and grassroots-defined development vision which combines popular livelihoods with respect for nature"s systems. Drawing on Bruno Latour, the metaphor of "hybridisation" is used to justify a negotiated compromise between official discourses, which promote the use of chemicals and grassroots reality which relies on nature"s systems. Agroecology is offered as a model to overcome this agricultu...
A Political Economy of Pandemics and Consequences of COVID-19 for Nigeria, 2021
The chapter explores the nexus between the erosion of democratic values such as freedom, excessiv... more The chapter explores the nexus between the erosion of democratic values such as freedom, excessive accretion of powers to the executive and respect for civil liberty and credible and regular elections and the management of pandemic. It shows that the disruptive impact of a pandemic, not just on the lives and livelihoods of millions of people as well as the functioning of institutions and systems of countries is real. The chapter particularly shows that conditions thrown up by COVID-19 appear to have favoured the executive in terms of control and exercise of power at the expense of other institutions such as the legislature and civil society across democracies and in Nigeria in particular. The chapter also demonstrates that despite the constraints, the legislature and civil society have engaged the situation to limit executive control and excesses which provide clear lessons given the understanding that pandemics are permanent features of human existence and occur with some sense of regularity. Two important lessons that the chapter draws out relates to how to deal with the question of cushioning the effects of a pandemic on citizens in the form of palliatives and the administration of such palliatives and addressing issues of social inclusion including the rights of the vulnerable population. The authors underscore the need to institute safeguards during emergency situations to ensuring continuity of democratic governance, confidence in institutions responsible democratic leadership and responsible citizenry. They also call attention to the need for governments not only to remain transparent and accountable during pandemics but to maintain the principle of checks and balances especially in the application of emergency powers. Extraordinary measures, for instance, should be crafted to ensuring that they are limited and subjected to parliamentary scrutiny and the intervention of the courts and that “sunset clauses” are needed to ensuring that emergency measures are only for a limited duration and should, as much as possible, not alter the fundamentals underlying democratic governance. Furthermore, the government should make efforts to mitigate the impact of the lockdown through the provision of cash and the distribution of food to vulnerable households.
Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 2021
This study focuses on women legislative representation in Nigeria since the commencement of the F... more This study focuses on women legislative representation in Nigeria since the commencement of the Fourth Republic (1999 to 2020). It investigates the low levels of representation of women in the National Assembly and factors that explain this. Results from the study show that the majority of female respondents indicate active interest in politics but are discouraged by factors that include prevailing gender stereotypes, cultural/religious reasons, unfavourable political environment, lack of financial capacity, electoral violence and restrictive party structures and processes amongst others. The bulk of male respondents confirm these structural biases and barriers to women's political participation. In view of these findings, some recommendations offered include implementation of deliberate policies and legislations that target women quotas and affirmative action, elimination of structural barriers to women's participation, reducing the cost of political participation for women, reforming the electoral process, and sustained and systematic gender education.
Nigerian Journal of Legislative Affairs, 2018
This study assesses the effectiveness of legislative representation and constituency office manag... more This study assesses the effectiveness of legislative representation and constituency office management in the senatorial districts and federal constituencies of Enugu East from 2011 to 2017. Both primary and secondary data are utilised in this study with primary data generated from respondents through the administration of structured questionnaires. A total of 424 questionnaires were administered to legislators, constituency office staff and selected constituents were returned. Simple random and purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents. Results from the study show that legislators maintain and operate constituency offices in Enugu East Senatorial Districts/Federal Constituencies and consider this to be an important aspect of legislative representation. However, despite the fact that funding is provided for constituency work, there is no explicit legal or institutional framework that regulates constituency services and office management. Furthermore, the level of awareness for constituency offices as well as interface between constituents and legislators are generally low with many constituents expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which constituency offices are managed. The study concludes that despite holding greater potential for improving engagement between legislators and constituents, constituency offices remain far from achieving this as they are beleaguered by numerous challenges that include low visibility, insufficient professional office staff and low political will. Recommendations are made as to how to improve the effectiveness of constituency offices through putting in place a framework to guide constituency services, regular public enlightenment, the development of a constituency management and administration manual including standard operating procedures, and regular training for constituency office staff.
Global Food Insecurity, 2011
... The Case of Fadama Agriculture in Semi-Arid North-Central Nigeria Jake Dan-Azumi Abstract Afr... more ... The Case of Fadama Agriculture in Semi-Arid North-Central Nigeria Jake Dan-Azumi Abstract Africa is threatened by the current global food crisis ... FAO, Rome Flavier JM, De Jesus A, Navarro C (1995) The regional program for the promotion of indigenous knowledge in Asia. ...
Fadama areas (floodplains) are extensively used by smallholders for agricultural production and h... more Fadama areas (floodplains) are extensively used by smallholders for agricultural production and hence it is of critical importance to their survival and economic development. Fadama farming relies on the high moisture retention capability of the floodplains making it suitable for recession (dry season) farming. Farming families engage in subsistence farming in which family needs determine the scale of production and wherein small plots of land are cultivated by individual owners or sub-owners using age-old methods of soil and water management. This paper investigates the constraints to agricultural productivity faced by smallholders in fadama areas. Findings reveal that some of the limitations faced by smallholders were found to include institutional constraints, harvest/post-harvest losses, and the seasonality of agriculture and the challenge of irrigation, parasitic " weeds, low soil fertility, land tenure/women disempowerment, labour, and limited access to funds/capital.
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 2010
Nigeria is endowed with underground and surface water reserves, rich pastures and favourable agro... more Nigeria is endowed with underground and surface water reserves, rich pastures and favourable agroecological conditions in the country's low-lying plains with alluvial deposits, popularly referred to as fadama lands. The 3,000,000ha of fertile soils with residual moisture offer attractive opportunities for the arable farmers to grow both season and off-season high-value crops. The potential and importance of fadama agriculture for food production and economic development is crucial, given rising food prices, climatic changes, environmental risks associated with ‘modern’ agriculture, modelled farming systems and population growth. Fadama areas are therefore of critical importance to the survival and economic development of millions of rural dwellers. This research surveys and analyses the sustainability of fadama farming systems in semi-arid northern Nigeria. Findings reveal a delicate interaction and negotiation across the formal and informal boundaries where traditional agricultural practices, based on an understanding of the particular physical reality and exploitation of natural synergies, are combined with inputs typical of conventional agriculture. African agriculture thus stands poised at a crossroads: whether to abandon tradition in favour of entirely ‘modern’ methods and export markets as often advocated in certain circles or to depend on time-tested indigenous knowledge systems and grassroots-defined development vision which combines popular livelihoods with respect for nature's systems.
Books by Jake D . Dan-Azumi
A Political Economy of Pandemics and Consequences of COVID-19 for Nigeria, 2021
The chapter explores the nexus between the erosion of democratic values such as freedom, excessiv... more The chapter explores the nexus between the erosion of democratic values such as freedom, excessive accretion of powers to the executive and respect for civil liberty and credible and regular elections and the management of pandemic. It shows that the disruptive impact of a pandemic, not just on the lives and livelihoods of millions of people as well as the functioning of institutions and systems of countries is real. The chapter particularly shows that conditions thrown up by COVID-19 appear to have favoured the executive in terms of control and exercise of power at the expense of other institutions such as the legislature and civil society across democracies and in Nigeria in particular. The chapter also demonstrates that despite the constraints, the legislature and civil society have engaged the situation to limit executive control and excesses which provide clear lessons given the understanding that pandemics are permanent features of human existence and occur with some sense of regularity. Two important lessons that the chapter draws out relates to how to deal with the question of cushioning the effects of a pandemic on citizens in the form of palliatives and the administration of such palliatives and addressing issues of social inclusion including the rights of the vulnerable population. The authors underscore the need to institute safeguards during emergency situations to ensuring continuity of democratic governance, confidence in institutions responsible democratic leadership and responsible citizenry. They also call attention to the need for governments not only to remain transparent and accountable during pandemics but to maintain the principle of checks and balances especially in the application of emergency powers. Extraordinary measures, for instance, should be crafted to ensuring that they are limited and subjected to parliamentary scrutiny and the intervention of the courts and that “sunset clauses” are needed to ensuring that emergency measures are only for a limited duration and should, as much as possible, not alter the fundamentals underlying democratic governance. Furthermore, the government should make efforts to mitigate the impact of the lockdown through the provision of cash and the distribution of food to vulnerable households.
A Political Economy of Pandemics and Consequences of COVID-19 for Nigeria, 2021
This chapter evaluates the role of the Nigerian parliament in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Evi... more This chapter evaluates the role of the Nigerian parliament in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence shows that the National Assembly engaged early on COVID-19 related matters urging the executive to take pre-emptive measures to limit the impact on the economy and the livelihoods of the citizens. Despite the disruptive effect of the pandemic on legislative business, the National Assembly considered and approved the revised budget as well as the loan request of the Federal Government in the face of limited consultations with the stakeholders. Furthermore, the two chambers of the National Assembly held interactive sessions with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and other government officials to assess the government’s response. Among others, the author discussed two important legislations initiated in the House of Representatives, namely, Economic Stimulus and the Infectious Diseases Bills which could not be passed for presidential assent as of November 2020. Notwithstanding these legislative measures, the quality of oversight of government spending and activities during the pandemic because remain largely superficial with little to suggest any serious positive outcomes. In the light of the poor performance of the legislature, especially in providing effective oversight of the executive in emergency situations, a revision of House and Senate Rules is recommended to enable the legislature to better adapt to emergencies by leveraging on new technologies to conducting legislative business, engage with the public and perform oversight functions. Additional recommendations include special legislative mechanisms to enhancing the effectiveness of legislative check on the executive both in the exercise of emergency powers and emergency expenditure.
A Political Economy of Pandemics, 2021
This chapter evaluates the role of the Nigerian parliament in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Evi... more This chapter evaluates the role of the Nigerian parliament in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence shows that the National Assembly engaged early on COVID-19 related matters urging the executive to take pre-emptive measures to limit the impact on the economy and the livelihoods of the citizens. Despite the disruptive effect of the pandemic on legislative business, the National Assembly considered and approved the revised budget as well as the loan request of the Federal Government in the face of limited consultations with the stakeholders. Furthermore, the two chambers of the National Assembly held interactive sessions with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and other government officials to assess the government’s response. Among others, the author discussed two important legislations initiated in the House of Representatives, namely, Economic Stimulus and the Infectious Diseases Bills which could not be passed for presidential assent as of November 2020. Notwithstanding these legislative measures, the quality of oversight of government spending and activities during the pandemic because remain largely superficial with little to suggest any serious positive outcomes. In the light of the poor performance of the legislature, especially in providing effective oversight of the executive in emergency situations, a revision of House and Senate Rules is recommended to enable the legislature to better adapt to emergencies by leveraging on new technologies to conducting legislative business, engage with the public and perform oversight functions. Additional recommendations include special legislative mechanisms to enhancing the effectiveness of legislative check on the executive both in the exercise of emergency powers and emergency expenditure.
Treatise on Legislative Capacity Development For Good Governance in Nigeria, 2019
This chapter focuses on how the Institute has performed in fulfilling the above stated mandates s... more This chapter focuses on how the Institute has performed in fulfilling the above stated mandates since 2011. It starts by discussing the committee system, the relevance and challenges faced by committees in Nigeria. It then proceeds to examine in greater depth the various interventions of the Institute and specific programmes it has implemented towards strengthening committee processes. A concluding section pulls the arguments made in the paper together and shows how the performance of committees in the Nigerian legislature, particularly the National Assembly, has improved owing to technical assistance provided by the Institute.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): OVERSIGHT MANUAL FOR NIGERIAN LEGISLATURE, 2017
The Manual makes specific recommendations on how Parliaments can deploy some of its powers towards... more The Manual makes specific recommendations on how Parliaments can deploy some of its powers towards mainstreaming the SDGs. For instance, with regards policy coherence, the Report calls for promoting increased policy coherence, arguing that it is not “sufficient simply to parcel out each Goal to a specific ministry or parliamentary committee, given that the Goals are all interlinked in one way or another.” Within this context, the Manual recommends that parliaments use a coordinated approach to sectoral oversight while ensuring that SDG oversight as a whole is monitored and communicated. Finally, in representing those who elected them, and offering a platform for communication, parliaments can ensure an ongoing dialogue with the private sector and civil society over the SDGs.
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Papers by Jake D . Dan-Azumi
Books by Jake D . Dan-Azumi