Kaduna Journal of Geography
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An Assessment of Fire Preparedness Within Lagos State Government Facilities in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Lagos State
No full textFire outbreaks in rapidly urbanizing areas, particularly affecting public facilities, come with significant losses. These could range from critical record loss to disruption of public services and potential casualties. Fire preparedness in such facilities is thus critical. This study assessed the dynamics of fire preparedness of Lagos State government facilities in Lagos Mainland LGA, a highly urbanized region. Specifically, facilities were mapped, and their distribution was analyzed. Available fire preparedness equipment and staff fire safety knowledge were also evaluated. A combination of fieldwork, direct observation, and social survey was employed for data collection. Twenty-one (21) facilities were identified, coordinates retrieved, and mapped accordingly. A total of 105 staff members of the facilities were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. Sampled facilities were found to be randomly distributed with a nearest neighbour index of 1.0472. All the facilities were within a 2km buffer of fire stations, but fire safety equipment across the facilities was largely inadequate. The highest fire preparedness index attained was 0.5 out of 1.0, indicating generally low scores across the board. Fire drills and training of staff were largely lacking, even though 72% indicated personal knowledge of the use of fire extinguishers. Urgent retrofitting of facilities with modern equipment and mandatory quarterly fire drills, among others, were recommended
The Geography of Insecurity and Its Effect on Livelihoods in Kurfi Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria
No full textInsecurity in Katsina state, Northwest Nigeria, including banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and communal clashes, poses serious threats to rural livelihoods. This study investigates how the spatial distribution of insecurity incidents in Kurfi LGA, Katsina State, affects household livelihood outcomes. Drawing on mixed methods (household surveys, mapping, and interviews) from 420 households, the research examines income loss, asset depletion, food security, and coping strategies. Findings show that households located within 5 km of insecurity hotspots report on average 32% lower farm output and significantly higher livestock losses, as well as more frequent food shortages. Coping strategies include migration, asset sales, and shifting to non‑farm labour. The study therefore recommends the for spatially targeted interventions such as market access, livestock restocking, and secure transport routes to strengthen resilience
Tourist Perceptions of Environmental and Infrastructural Barriers to Urban Leisure in Kaduna Metropolis Hotels
No full textThe sustainability and growth of tourism development in Kaduna metropolis are hindered by continued environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and climate-related constraints. This study assessed the major environmental and infrastructural determinants influencing sustainable tourism development in the Kaduna metropolis, with an emphasis on identifying key factors that shape tourists’ satisfaction and destination resilience. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect primary data from 385 respondents at seven purposively selected tourism destinations, including Bafra Hotel, Hotel Seventeen, Zee Cool Hotel, Jay Hilton Hotel, Green Apple Hotel, Top Galaxy Hotel, and Fifth Chukker Polo. A total of 366 valid questionnaires were recovered and used for data analysis. The data were analysed via descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and logistic regression with SPSS version 26 to examine the effects of the environmental and infrastructural variables on tourism sustainability. The results from the ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated a significant association between flooding, deforestation, waste disposal problems, and poor maintenance of the tourism site, with higher chances of disruption of tourism services (p < 0.05). Three main components were extracted via principal component analysis (PCA): environmental quality, infrastructural adequacy, and safety accessibility, which explained 76% of the total variance. The study revealed that without environmental integrity, especially alongside infrastructural development in the Kaduna metropolis, there is no sustainable tourism development in the area. This suggests improved cooperation between government agencies, private investors, and local communities to support green practices, reinforce infrastructure, and enable policy implementation for sustainable tourism growth
Comparative Performance of Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI Imagery for Mapping Urban Infrastructure Footprints
No full textThe choice of remote sensing data is critical for accurate urban mapping, particularly in regions with frequent cloud cover. This study evaluates and compares the capacity of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from Sentinel-1A and multispectral optical imagery from Sentinel-2 for mapping urban infrastructure footprints in Osogbo, Nigeria. Using the Google Earth Engine platform, we performed a supervised classification for the year 2023 on both datasets using a Random Forest classifier. Identical training and validation data were used for both classifications to ensure a robust comparison. The results demonstrated a stark contrast in performance. The classification based on Sentinel-2 optical imagery achieved an exceptionally high overall accuracy of 99.93% (Kappa = 0.999), effectively distinguishing between roads, buildings, vegetation, water, and bare ground. In contrast, the Sentinel-1A SAR-based classification achieved a moderate overall accuracy of 67.24% (Kappa = 0.568). The error matrix for the SAR classification revealed significant mixed classification, particularly between roads and buildings, and between certain urban features and vegetation. The study concludes that while Sentinel-1A offers all-weather capability, its utility for detailed urban infrastructure classification is limited when used independently due to its reliance on backscatter and texture, which lack the rich spectral information of optical sensors. For precise urban footprint mapping in studies of medium-sized cities, Sentinel-2 is vastly superior. However, the complementary all-weather capability of Sentinel-1A suggests that a synergistic multi-sensor fusion approach would be the most effective strategy for continuous urban monitoring in tropical regions
Geospatial Analysis of Healthcare Facilities Distribution and Accessibility in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThe study analysed the spatial distribution of healthcare facilities in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Coordinates of healthcare facilities were obtained using a handheld GPS, while facility attributes were obtained from the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and the Igabi LGA Health Department. Data was analysed using the Average Nearest Neighbor Analysis and Kernel Density Estimation. The results revealed a clustered spatial distribution (ratio = 0.64, z-score = -7.77, p = 0.00). The KDE revealed that the highest density was observed in the Rigasa ward, with 17 facilities (13.6%), spreading to Rigachikun, Kwarau, and Zangon Aya, mainly due to proximity to the Kaduna metropolis, high population density, and ease of road access. However, Afaka, Birnin Yero, Sabon Birni, and Igabi showed a low density of healthcare facilities. Primary facilities accounted for the majority, with Primary Health Centers at 47.2% and Primary Health Clinics at 32.0%. Facilities were mostly publicly owned, with Local Government accounting for 52.0% and State PHCDA for 28.0%, while the private sector accounted for only 2.4%. The results reveal spatial inequities that affect equitable access to and universal coverage of SDG 3. The study recommends establishing new healthcare facilities in underserved areas of the northern and western parts of the LGA, and continuing the use of GIS for evidence-based planning in Igabi LGA and the state
Assessment of the Seasonal Variations in Elemental Composition of Fine Particulate Matter across Selected Industrial Locations in Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textFine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) poses a significant threat to environmental quality and human health, especially in rapidly urbanizing and industrializing regions like Lagos State, Nigeria. Understanding its elemental composition and seasonal variation is crucial for formulating effective air quality management strategies. This study monitored PM₂.₅ concentrations and their elemental composition across eleven locations in five major industrial estates (Odogunyan, Ikeja/Ogba, Oshodi/Ilupeju, Apapa, and Surulere) and one control site (Alausa) in Lagos over a 12-month period. A total of 132 PM₂.₅ samples were collected using air metric gravimetric samplers. Elemental analysis was performed using the Rigaku EG Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) to quantify the presence of 51 elements. PM₂.₅ concentrations varied significantly between the wet and dry seasons, with higher values recorded in the dry season (24.55–137.14 µg/m³) exceeding WHO guidelines compared to the wet season (7.94–32.4 µg/m³). Of the 51 elements screened, 41 were detected, with silicon (Si), barium (Ba), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), aluminum (Al), and calcium (Ca) being the most abundant. Spatial patterns showed that Odogunyan and Surulere had the highest elemental burdens due to heavy industrial and vehicular activities. The study revealed distinct spatial and seasonal variations in PM₂.₅ concentrations and elemental composition, reflecting differences in industrial activity and environmental conditions. The presence of potentially toxic elements highlights serious public health concerns, especially in densely populated areas. There is an urgent need for Lagos State Government to strengthen its air quality regulations and enforce cleaner industrial practices. Establishing a continuous air quality monitoring network and integrating air pollution controls in urban planning are essential steps toward reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Knowledge of Antenatal and Obstetric Care among Women of Childbearing Age Group in Some LGAs in Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThe knowledge of antenatal care (ANC) among pregnant women has played a major role in the reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality in women of reproductive age, yet the global burden is still high in many developing countries, including Nigeria. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge of ANC and awareness of health services among women in the reproductive age group in six LGAs in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 863 women were interviewed. The study used descriptive statistics in SPSS v20 and prevalence ranking to analyze the data. The results revealed that the age distribution showed that the mean age of the respondents was 25.8 ±6.4 years. The majority (48%) was between 25 and 34 years, with 18.8% between 35 – 39 years, 6.5% older than 45 years, and 5.0% under 19 -24 years. Varying levels of awareness of each activity carried out during ANC were recorded, with BP check ranking highest, 78.8 %. This was closely followed by 67.2% and 58.6% representing those who agreed to be aware of education on breastfeeding, family planning, and nutritional care. The reason behind the high level of awareness in this study might be a result of high literacy levels. Effective strategies to encourage women’s education, coupled with improvements in ANC quality, are essential in combating maternal and perinatal mortality in women
Assessing Demographic and Socio-economic Characteristics and Awareness Levels of Coastal Hazards in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
No full textSolid Coastal communities in the Niger Delta region face increasing environmental risks shaped by complex socio-economic and ecological factors. Consequently, this study assessed the relationship between demographic and socio-economic characteristics and awareness levels of coastal hazards in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The data used for this study were acquired from the administration of 817 copies of the questionnaire. A systematic sampling technique was used for the administration of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the socio-demographic/economic profiles of the respondents and their coastal hazards awareness levels. Chi-square X2 test was used to examine the relationship between the demographic/socio-economic variables and hazard awareness levels in the study area. Findings of the study revealed that floods and saltwater intrusion showed the highest awareness levels (means 3.06, 3.02), while erosion and accretion were lowest at 2.26. The findings revealed moderate coastal hazard awareness among respondents, with a grand mean of 2.59 and a standard deviation of 1.067, indicating notable variability in awareness levels. Findings further revealed that there is a significant correlation with age, educational attainment, and family size, duration of residence, occupation, and income with respondents’ awareness of coastal hazards. Notably, older, more educated individuals and larger families exhibited higher awareness of hazards, including coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and sea-level rise. The study recommends targeted coastal hazard education for marginalized groups like low-income, low-education, and new residents
Community Participation and Local Governance in Rural Development in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textIn Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, persistent rural development challenges such as low community involvement in development initiatives, limited awareness of local projects, and moderate trust in local governance have constrained the sustainability and effectiveness of development efforts. This study examines community participation and the effectiveness of local governance in fostering sustainable rural development in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 394 respondents selected from Gwagwada, Kakau, and Rido wards, with the sample determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Findings revealed that participation in development initiatives is generally low, with only 23% actively involved despite high willingness among residents. Awareness of local projects is limited, meeting attendance is irregular, and trust in local governance remains moderate. Key barriers include lack of awareness, financial constraints, low trust, political interference, and limited skills. Residents identified awareness campaigns, government support, capacity building, transparency, and more direct engagement platforms as strategies to improve participation. The study also found that insecurity, particularly banditry and kidnapping, as well as settler–indigene tensions, weaken trust and discourage community involvement. Strengthening communication, enhancing institutional support, and promoting inclusive decision-making are therefore essential to improving accountability and ensuring more sustainable rural development outcomes in Chikun LGA
A Geographic Information System-Based Approach to Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Agricultural Lands in Oyo Metropolis
No full textThis study analyses the land use changes on agricultural lands in Oyo metropolis from 2000 to 2024 using geospatial techniques. Landsat satellite imagery was employed to assess changes in the identified five land use classes: built-up areas, farmland, open spaces, shrubs, and water bodies. The analysis revealed a significant decline in farmland, which accounted for 46.25% of the total land lost, while open spaces expanded by 53.37%, and built-up areas increased by 2.18% reflecting urbanization and land conversion pressures. The study also observed an alarming annual farmland loss rate of -4,460.46 ha / year, highlighting the adverse effects of urban expansion on agriculture. Additionally, vegetation cover (shrubs) declined by 9.29%, indicating potential environmental degradation, while water bodies showed negligible change (-0.01%), suggesting relative stability. these findings underscores the urgent need for sustainable land use policies to mitigate the loss of agricultural land and ensure food security in the area. The study recommends implementing zoning regulations, promoting sustainable farming practices, and strengthening Geographic Information System-based monitoring to track landuse dynamics. By adopting these measures, policy makers and stakeholders can better manage land resources and minimize the negative impacts of rapid urbanization on agriculture.