Involvement of cities with county rights in financing tasks pertaining to physical culture

Units of local governments in Poland are responsible for running actions in the sphere of physical culture. The growing number of people practicing sports, as well as social and rearing aspects related to sports exert an influence on the activity of sports clubs and social organizations which promote physical culture. While only some sports organizations are self-sufficient economically, most of them must rely on public support. In Poland, like in the majority of European countries, one of the main sources of financing are public grants. Cities with county rights (CCRs), being a specific type of commune, undertake tasks of both communes and counties. In the sphere of tasks pertaining to physical culture this can manifest itself by higher budgetary expenses in general, including grants. Local tasks connected with sport are stiffly defined by central regulations only to an insignificant extent. Therefore it is accepted that local governments possess considerable autonomy as regards deciding about allocation of the means assigned for their realization. This concerns also the grant-based expenses. Thus, the aim of the article is to examine whether the scale of expenses borne on physical culture, including local government grants, is dependent on the size of CCRs and on the level of their financial autonomy. In this paper, the author presents differences in expenses from budgets of CCRs on tasks pertaining to physical culture (Section 926 of the budgetary classification), with particular taking account of grants which constitute them. The basic tools of descriptive statistics and study of interdependences were used. A very large spatial difference in the examined variables, both in the regional framework and within the types of communes, was found. The mean interdependence was identified between grant-based expenses and the level of financial autonomy of the cities with county rights.

Biogas production from the perspective of sustainable development

One of the basic aspects of sustainable development strategy involves investments in green technologies, including energy production from renewable sources. Biomass, special organic waste which belongs to “green sources” of energy can be used in the methane fermentation process of biogas production to generate heat and electricity.Biogas power plants have functioned in the Polish energy industry for many years now. On the basis of the data available from Central Statistical Office, in 2014 the ratio of biogas accounted for 7.6% of the structure of primary energy derived from renewable sources in the EU and 2.6% in Poland. An important consideration related to the production of biogas is associated with the applicability of waste resources derived from agricultural production and from the food industry, including pig slurry, slaughterhouse waste, brewing and distilling dregs as well as others. The operation of biogas plants provides considerable benefits to the environment, resulting from the controlled fermentation process and its application in the production of useful energy, as it can provide reduction of the emission of methane and other greenhouse gases. The aspects including the reduction of the volume of waste, environmental protection, fulfillment of the EU obligations and local energy security, form the reasons why communes in Poland should focus their attention on the use of biogas.This paper presents the results of SWOT analysis of biogas production in the context of sustainable development. The assessment of the aspects (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) and the intensity of their impact were undertaken on the basis of a point scale developed by the authors. The analysis shows that the process demonstrates a number of strengths, which can promote the implementation of positive changes in the environmental and social aspects undertaken on a local scale.

Analysis of procurement of selected agricultural products in Poland in the years 2010-2016

Economic development is characterised by the fact that the share of agriculture tends to decrease both in terms of resources used and domestic product generated. This does not mean, however, that the role of agriculture in the economic development diminishes. It can be considered a paradox that the lower the share of agriculture in the national economy, the greater its role, as it provides raw materials for the production of goods, especially food, which meet the needs of the ever-growing community. The main aim of the presented study is to measure and evaluate changes in agricultural produce procurement in Poland in the years 2010-2016. The following research hypothesis is put forward in the study: Changes in the procurement volume had a much greater impact on the procurement value of selected agricultural produce in Poland in the period considered than changes in the level of transaction prices. In the paper, a comparative analysis of procurement of crop and animal products was conducted. The research process was based primarily on data derived from official statistics obtained from the Central Statistical Office and the Eurostat database regarding procurement of agricultural produce carried out by commercial entities and processing plants. This information is presented in qualitative and quantitative terms for total agriculture, as well as for individual voivodeships.

Structural equation modelling of users’ assessment of affordable housing in developing cities

This study investigated the users’ assessment of affordable housing in developing cities among the residents of Ibadan urban centre. Affordable housing entails users having access to quality housing at reasonable prices, obtaining it, maintaining the ability to meet other basic costs of living and to stay in it without any problem in order to promote good health, accessibility, convenience and environment that is free from crime and violence. The study developed a theoretical model that links users’ assessment to the affordable housing. Questionnaire was developed and administered to 494 residents in the five local government areas within Ibadan. The data was analysed using statistical packages SPSS and AMOS version 22. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis techniques were applied to evaluate the users’ assessment of affordable housing. The structural equation modelling as the validated measuring tools was employed to validate the theoretical model. The finding indicated that detailed examination, assessment and critical reflection of users on their affordable housing is an important step towards designing policies to improve affordable housing that is accessible to users. The authors are of the opinion that strategies through the employment of suitable housing policy are needed to address the challenge of existing affordable housing in developing cities.

The influence of socioeconomic variability on the housing quality standard in sub-Saharan Africa

The study examined the relationships between residents’ socioeconomic characteristics and the housing quality standard in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 198 household heads for questionnaire administration. The findings revealed that socioeconomic factors are correlated in the following proportions: educational level shows a moderate correlation with monthly income (r = .463, p < 0.01), length of stay (r = -.433, p < 0.01) and age of building (r = -.414, p < 0.05); monthly income displays a fairly strong correlation with length of stay (r = -.502, p < 0.01) and age of building (r = -.625, p < 0.01); household size presents a relatively strong correlation with length of stay (r = .766, p < 0.01), and a moderate correlation with age of building (r = .545, p < 0.01). The results of the multiple regression analysis produced an R2 = 0.387, meaning that socioeconomic variables explained the 38.7% variance in the housing quality standard (HQS) in the study area. Therefore, the study concluded that length of stay, educational level and age of building are strongly associated with the housing quality in Abeokuta.

Evaluation of the Public Pipe-borne Water supply in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

This paper assesses the residents’ access to public pipe-borne water in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The authors analyzed spatial distribution and functionality of public pipe-borne water. They also examined intra-urban variation in the distribution of public pipe-borne water in the study area. The study used primary data which were obtained through random sampling techniques of 400 households, using structured questionnaire in the twelve political administrative wards of the examined area. Physical enumeration was also adopted to identify the functional and non-functional public pipe-borne water points. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency table and percentages with chi-square were used to describe residents’ demand and accessibility of public pipe-borne water. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to examine intra-urban variations in the functionality of public pipe-borne water. The results revealed that distribution of public pipe-borne water cut across different localities in the twelve political administrative wards that Ilorin West Local Government consisted of. Although the highest proportion (60.24%) of public pipe-borne water points were observed to be functioning, a significant proportion (39.26%) were not functioning. The highest proportion (95.5%) of the respondents were of the opinion that public pipe-borne water is not regularly available. The findings from Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences (F=2.702, P=0.004) in the functioning of public pipe-borne water infrastructural elements existing in the examined area. The study concludes by suggesting the need for the government to ensure regular public water supply to meet the residents’ daily needs for water consumption and domestic use, which continue to increase every day.

Changes in the standard of living of chosen countries that joined the European Union after 2004

The article is devoted to the issue of changes in standard of living, which were noted in the Member States that joined the EU structures after 2004. An attempt was made to capture the impact of EU policies on the level of living standards in the Member States. The time taken in the study covers the years 2004-2014. The year of the largest enlargement in EU history was adopted as the beginning of the period. The study used taxonomic methods, in particular the Hellwig development index.

Sustainable development of agriculture - theoretical aspects and their implications

The objective is to provide a systematization of concepts connected with sustainable development of agriculture (SDA) as the basis for indication of directions of changes in Polish agriculture. The author applied descriptive and comparative analyses based on a survey of the literature to indicate the differences between the described concepts. Both sustainable agricultural and rural development (SARD) and multifunctional rural development (MRD) could be connected with reduced agricultural production, which would bring positive and negative environmental consequences. The multifunctional agriculture cannot exist without production, so it is more favourable for SD, however it should be based on environmental requirements. Then it is close to sustainable agriculture. Considering these concepts, the author formulated and used his own definition of the SDA and its objectives. The sensitive rule of sustainability with secured critical natural capital is the proper one for agriculture in Poland. Currentl , Polish agriculture is in dual development (industrialisation and sustainable transition). For the SDA, the support for agriculture should be conditioned by compliance with basic environmental standards and by provision of public goods. It depends on properly directed and effectively implemented environmental and economic measures of the CAP.

Urban Legibility Condition in Nigeria: A Narration of Residents’ Experience in Ibadan Metropolitan Area

Peoples’ opinion has been an adjudged tool for proffering solution to various urban problems. By this, information is sourced to guide policy-makers and other environmentally concerned stakeholders in taking enlightened decisions about the future of cities. This study therefore examined urban legibility across different residential zones of Ibadan metropolis with a view to providing information that could enhance the livability of the city and others with similar background. A total of 327 residents were selected for the survey using systematic sampling technique. The study revealed that the most predominant urban legibility elements used in navigation in the core and transition zones were areas names while availability of nearby churches was the prominent urban legibility elements in giving/receiving directions in the suburban. The study revealed that variation existed in the importance residents attached to the various urban legibility elements as well as the effectiveness of these elements across the various residential areas of the metropolis. Furthermore, the study established that locating places in Ibadan in terms of describing and taking description is a challenging task. It recommended that the government should work out modalities to locate all urban legibility elements, enlighten the public on the need to incorporate these elements in order to improve street coordinate system in the study area and also develop and implement existing development plan with the integration of urban legibility elements.

Evaluation of carbon monoxide emissions of electric power generators used in buildings in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Poor supply of electricity to different settlements over the years in Nigeria has forced building occupants to shift to dependence on generators. This study thus determined outdoor and indoor carbon monoxide levels of generators used in both residential and commercial buildings and assessed its impact on the users and the environment. The study was carried out in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, which was divided into core, transition and suburban zone respectively. Five (5) residential and commercial buildings respectively were purposively selected in each of the zones of the study area. The HT- 1000 digital LCD carbon monoxide meter was used to take measurements of the emissions of carbon monoxide with conformity to NESREA AND OSHA standards. The outdoor emission levels of the carbon monoxide before or during the use of generators were taken at 0, 2 and 4 m respectively from the external walls of the buildings sampled and the corresponding indoor measurements were taken internally at 1.2-1.5m above floor area. The data collected were analysed with the use of statistical methods such as t-test, trend analysis and Kolmogorov smirnov test. The results showed that outdoor and indoor measurements of carbon monoxide emissions levels were highest in buildings in the core zone either before or during the use of generating sets. Reduced carbon monoxide levels during use of generators were obtained at distance limits beyond 2 m from external walls of buildings across zones of the study area. In view of the measurements taken, being above limits set by statutory bodies, during use of generators, and its attendant effects on the environment and building occupants, it was recommended that its users should be enforced to position them in enclosures located away from external walls of buildings and government should license only sales of generating sets with emission control mechanisms.