Kaduna Journal of Geography
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Assessing Environmental Sustainability of the Built Environment in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
No full textKano Metropolis is undergoing rapid urbanization, resulting in a high urban growth rate that is a major challenge for urban environmental sustainability. This study evaluates the environmental sustainability of the built environment in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria, with a view to providing solutions to the increasing pressures from population expansion, infrastructural strain, and environmental degradation. Using a descriptive research design, a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire was administered for data collection by employing the Delphi technique; 23 experts across multiple environment-related disciplines were selected purposively for the study. The key indicators of the built environment include housing, infrastructure, and aesthetics. The responses were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis in the SPSS environment using mean values, standard deviation, and percentage, as well as consensus level, to determine the availability and quality of these indicators. Results show that Housing, Infrastructures, and Aesthetics have considerably low means and SD that range from 1.91 to 2.70 and 0.90 to 1.36, 2.13 to 2.74 and 0.76 to 1.36, 2.04 to 2.48 and 0.93 to 1.30, respectively. Housing was found to be poorly designed, unaffordable, and lacked basic amenities. Infrastructure such as road networks, drainage, and waste management systems was inadequate, while Aesthetic components, including green spaces, recreational areas, and structure spacing, were notably deficient. These deficiencies reflect broader issues of weak urban planning, over-exploitation of natural resources, and ineffective environmental governance. Hence, there is a need to adopt sustainable construction practices using local and agro-based materials, policy-driven urban densification, and the protection of green and open spaces
Potentials of Adire Production for Sustainable Tourism Development in Abeokuta, Nigeria
No full textAbeokuta, Ogun State capital, Nigeria, is globally renowned as Adire’s epicenter, a traditional Yoruba resist-dyeing textile art, yet its significant cultural heritage remains underexploited as a catalyst for holistic, sustainable tourism development. As a result, this study aimed at examining the impact of Adire production on sustainable tourism development in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 384 respondents in the study area. Systematic random sampling was used to administer the questionnaire in a predetermined sequence, ensuring representativeness across clustered Adire production hubs. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Findings of the study revealed a youthful cohort (mean age 31.85 years, 77.35% under 40) and female-dominated (66.41%) producers driving Adire production with 80% familial participation. Findings showed that 80% train apprentices engage in Adire production. Findings of the study further revealed that Adire employs 184 individuals across 42 trainers (mean 4.38/trainer), with 90.27% of respondents affirming the potential of Adire production for sustainable tourism development, 81.4% viewed it as an employment source, and 41.3% recognized its role in promoting local culture. The study advocates leveraging Adire production for community-based tourism, niche market experiences for tourists, and local entrepreneurship. It recommends standardization, strategic branding, and a multi-stakeholder framework to harness Adire\u27s production potential to position Abeokuta as Nigeria\u27s leading sustainable cultural tourism destination
Scaling Up Insect Farming in Kaduna State: Challenges, Evidence-Based Prospects, and Its Role in Enhancing Livelihoods in Urban and Rural Areas
No full textThis paper analyzed the prospects of scaling up and the importance of insect farming- particularly honey bees and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) in the rural and urban areas of Kaduna State. This was done through secondary data review, application of participatory methods like focus group discussion, key informant interview, semi-structured interviews and participants’ observation. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative analysis of yield data, cost-benefit assessments, and qualitative interviews with poultry farmers and agricultural experts. The research aims to identify the barriers to the adoption of BSF, such as limited access to technology, knowledge gaps, and infrastructural challenges. It also seeks to evaluate the economic potential of BSF production within the local agricultural economy, assessing its effects on poultry growth rates, feed costs, and overall farm profitability. Preliminary findings indicate that BSF can significantly enhance the nutritional quality of poultry feed while reducing dependency on conventional feed sources, which are often subject to price volatility. Furthermore, the study reveals that successful BSF farming practices could lead to increased income for farmers, reduced environmental impact compared to traditional livestock farming, and improved food security. It was recommended that the Kaduna State and Nigeria government and other interested parties must create an enabling environment that supports the development of the insect-based feed value chain. Also, it is important to raise awareness among farmers, policymakers, and consumers about the advantages of insect farming for animal feed production, to encourage its adoption and integration into Nigeria\u27s agricultural system. Studies should be carried out on how insect farming particularly BSF and bee keeping, processing, marketing and exporting of honey products can be enhanced in the state. 
Livelihood Vulnerability in Artisanal Mining: Impacts on Physical and Financial Capital in Kaduna State
No full textArtisanal mining serves as a vital livelihood strategy for millions of people in developing countries, especially in regions where access to formal employment opportunities is limited, offering income generation and economic survival for marginalised and rural communities. Despite its significance, the sector remains predominantly informal and highly vulnerable, characterized by unsafe working conditions, limited access to financial resources, and significant environmental degradation resulting from unregulated mining practices. However, this study assesses livelihood vulnerability in artisanal mining: impacts on physical and financial capital in Kaduna State, so as to provide information for sustainable management of natural resources. Quantitative approaches, such as a structured questionnaire, were used to collect data for the study. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and means. The study found that the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) was significantly higher in mining communities (0.549) compared to non-mining communities (0.396). This elevated vulnerability in mining areas was largely attributed to challenges related to physical capital, including poor road access, limited availability of farm production inputs, and housing damage caused by mining activities. Additionally, households in mining communities exhibited greater financial vulnerability, particularly due to limited assets and financial resources. Factors contributing to this included a lower average landholding index and restricted access to savings. Interestingly, access to credit was found to be more constrained in non-mining communities. Policies should prioritise road maintenance, sustainable production practices, housing rehabilitation, and enhanced access to formal financial services to bolster resilience and sustainable livelihoods in affected communities
Role of Technology and Digital Tools in Crop Protection under Climate Stress
No full textClimate change intensifies threats to global food security by increasing plant pest and disease prevalence, exacerbating yield losses annually. Traditional crop protection methods, which rely on reactive measures and broad-spectrum pesticides, struggle to address these evolving challenges amid rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events, but with low results. This paper examines the transformative role of digital technologies in enhancing climate-resilient agriculture. Remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) enable early pest detection, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring, facilitating targeted interventions that reduce chemical use and optimize resource efficiency. Precision agriculture tools, such as variable rate technology, improve input application and strengthen crop resilience. However, adoption barriers persist, including unequal access to technology, high costs, and data privacy concerns. Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts among governments, institutions, and farmers. This approach prioritizes digital infrastructure, capacity building, and equitable policy frameworks. Integrating technological innovation with ecological principles offers a pathway to sustainable agricultural systems capable of safeguarding food security in a climate-stressed scenario
Assessment of the Impact of Urban Renewal on the Livelihood System in Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThis study assessed the impact of the Kaduna State Urban Renewal Programme on the livelihood systems of people. A convenience sampling method was used to administer the structured questionnaire in the three (3) areas currently undergoing this renewal programme. Both Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse and summarise the data. Base on a weighted average of 3.019, the results from the data analysis, reports that majority of the respondents appeared to be aware of the Urban Renewal Programme in the Kaduna, Jema’a and Zaria Local Government Areas of Kaduna State probably as a result of the presences of much physical transformation under took by the government such as roads dualization/ construction, infrastructural rehabilitation/ renovations, constructions of fly overs and bridges, street lightening, city beautification and aesthetics. They are aware of the government\u27s compensation plan, administrative planning, and adequate logistics planning, which may be a result of the government\u27s demonstrated readiness. These respondents also have a high perception of the positive impact of the KURP on the education and economy of the inhabitants of these Metropolitan areas, since the dualization/or road expansions and construction are catalysts for reducing travel time, while market modernization and development of shopping malls will boost local economies. The research confirms that urban renewal activities in Kaduna State, while essential for urban development, have significant environmental and social repercussions. These changes adversely affect the livelihood systems of vulnerable populations, leading to socio-economic dislocation and diminished quality of life
Land-Use Land-Cover Dynamics of Malam Aminu Kano and Murtala Mohammed International Airports in Nigeria
No full textThe increasing demand for efficient transport systems has necessitated airports to evolve into modern facilities in line with global best practice, coupled with the competition over scarce resources have altered the land cover in many airports around the world. This study examines the Land-use and Land-cover (LULC) dynamics of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Nigeria from 1982 to 2022. Using a combination of multispectral Landsat imagery and high-resolution satellite data, the research evaluates the extent of land conversion driven by infrastructure expansion, cropland development, and population growth using supervised classification. The results reveal significant reductions in forest cover and grasslands, with infrastructure and cropland as primary drivers. At MMIA, forest cover decreased by 29%, while cropland expanded by over 1,000%. MAKIA recorded a 43% loss in cropland, largely replaced by infrastructure. The findings highlight the environmental trade-offs of airport development, particularly the decline in vegetation and biocapacity, which pose sustainability challenges. This study emphasizes the need for policy interventions, such as vertical infrastructure expansion and reforestation, to mitigate the ecological impacts of airport growth. The research contributes valuable understandings into the interplay between aviation development and land use changes in Nigeria
An Appraisal of The Effects of Sand Excavation on The Environment of Egume, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria
No full textSand mining is a crucial activity supporting infrastructure development and economic growth; however, its environmental impact raises significant concerns. This research appraised the effects of sand excavation on the environment of Egume in Dekina LGA. The study employed multiple research methods, including surveys, expert interviews, and direct community engagement, to assess the extent of environmental degradation and public awareness. The purposive sampling method was used to select respondents and locations identified to be directly associated with sand excavation, and a simple random sampling was employed to select from each of the respondent groups, identified as elementary sampling units for data collection. A satellite image of the mining site was downloaded from Google Earth Desktop Application for the study in the determination of the areal extent of the sand mining sites (burrow pits), which showed the actual pits of the sand. A total of 400 respondents were sampled for the study; however, 389 were found useful for analysis. The study revealed that 52% go into mining as a result of employment opportunity, 91% because of the lucrativeness of the business, and 75.6% as a result of a change in social status. The findings also indicate that the effects of sand excavation on the people include demolition of houses, which is found to be 3.4 on the Likert scale and is accepted. Loss of Soil nutrients due to erosion of the top soil is 3.5 also accepted. The paper therefore suggests an urgent need for stricter regulatory frameworks, better mining practices, and increased public awareness to ensure sustainable resource utilization
Assessment of The Effectiveness of The Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Damaturu Metropolis
No full textThe Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency (YOSEPA) is the government establishment responsible for municipal solid waste management in Damaturu metropolis; it was established by edict No. 3 of 1994. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Random sampling technique was used to select six (6) geo-political wards out of the eleven geo-political wards in the study area. The sample size for the study was 378 drawn from the research advisors table of sample size. The study used questionnaire; and adopted the accidental method in the distribution of the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kruskal Wallis test. The Kruskal-Wallis (H) test findings revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in perception amongst the public with respect to the role of YOSEPA in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Damaturu metropolis. YOSEPA ‟s administration and organisation of Municipal solid waste activities was rated lowest by respondents, getting a mean score of 505.70. 66.4%of respondents dispose their solid wastes inside bins. Majority of respondents (73%) had waste dumps in their areas, most of these dumps are situated by the roadside and they smell badly, obstruct traffic, block drainages and harbour insects. The study concluded that majority of respondents had waste dumps in their areas, most of these dumps are situated by the roadside and they smell badly, obstruct traffic, block drainages and harbour insects. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the policy of dumping wastes by the road side for it to be evacuated should be stopped.
An Assessment of The Suitability of Designated Tourist Sites in Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textAs the argument continues to favour tourism in the discussions surrounding income generation, it has become pertinent to ascertain the viability of areas designated as tourism sites. The feasibility of tourist sites is enhanced by the availability of support infrastructure such as roads, hotels, terminals among others. This paper assessed the suitability of designated tourist sites for tourism in Kaduna State. A Handheld GPS was used to capture the geographic coordinates of the designated tourist sites which were overlaid on the base map of Kaduna State in order to map their distribution. The Analytical Hierarchy Process was deployed to assign weights to hotels, hospitals, transport terminals, police station, community remoteness, elevation, slope and roads. The Euclidean distance of hotels, police stations, hospitals, roads among others was calculated using ArcGIS 10.8 software to establish their proximity to the tourist sites. The results showed that 38%, 29%, and 33% of the sites were located in senatorial zones 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Further findings revealed that 84% of the tourist sites were owned by the government. About 69% of the sites were moderately suitability for tourism activities while only 3.2% had high suitability. However, none of the sites was found in the very high suitability category while 28% had low suitability for tourism activities. The study recommends that the Government should provide amenities like roads and incentivize investment in lodging options. Additionally, security should be prioritized so that tourists can feel safe and secured when visiting the sites