4 research outputs found
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION, HYGIENE PRACTICES, AND WATERBORNE DISEASE PREVENTION ON THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN IN MAIHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE
Research problem: Poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inadequate hygiene practices remain leading causes of waterborne diseases that affect children’s health in rural communities. In Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State, these challenges persist despite the introduction of the Sanitation, Hygiene and Water (SHAWN) Programme, which aims to curb open defecation, promote handwashing, improve hygiene knowledge, and safeguard child health. Concerns, however, remain regarding the programme’s effectiveness in reducing sanitation and hygiene-related health risks among children.
Methods/theory: The study was guided by Neo-functionalism Theory, emphasizing the interdependence of institutions in tackling developmental issues. A mixed research approach was employed, combining quantitative and descriptive methods. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to households on sanitation and hygiene practices.
Results: Findings indicated that access to improved sanitation, hygiene awareness, and clean water significantly reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases among children in Maiha LGA. The SHAWN Programme was effective in eliminating open defecation and promoting behavioural change toward proper hygiene practices, contributing to better child health outcomes.
Conclusion: Sanitation and hygiene interventions are essential for reducing child morbidity caused by waterborne diseases. Strengthening and sustaining such interventions remain critical for long-term health improvements.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: The study provides empirical evidence on the impact of community-based sanitation and hygiene programmes in improving child health outcomes in rural contexts.
Recommendation: Government should expand access to improved toilet facilities and safe water sources across households and public areas in Maiha LGA
ENHANCING RESILIENCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN THE CHAD BASIN OF NORTH EAST-NIGERIA: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
As the 21st century began, it became clear that environmental changes were occurring with unprecedented speed and severity. These changes, which differ by time and location, have generally led to deterioration in environmental quality, affecting aspects like forestry and soil health. It is against this background that this study examines climate change adaptation strategies to environmental change in Chad Basin of North East, Nigeria. The data for this study were obtained from a socio-economic survey carried out between 2022 and 2023. The survey targeted two major project areas within the Lake Chad basin: the Baga Polder Project (BPP) located in the western part and the Southern Chad Irrigation Project (SCIP) situated near New Marte in the southern part of the basin. A notable portion, around 70%, utilize both rain and lake water. Only a small percentage, under 2%, use wells for their water supply. The reliance of about 25% of respondents on rainfall alone is significant, as a total failure of rainfall would leave a quarter of the population unable to farm effectively. Since dams also depend on rainfall, the number of individuals affected by insufficient rainfall is likely even greater. It is apparent that the residents have developed various survival strategies to adapt to the arid conditions of the study area. However, these strategies do not address the core issue of declining water supply. The study recommends that effective adaptation in this environment likely surpasses the capabilities of individuals, underscoring the importance of continued government efforts in environmental restoration and the development of underground water sources through boreholes for the region\u27s population centres
Effects of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies on Food Crop Production in North East Nigeria
The study examines the impact of climate change adaptation strategies on the efficiency of food crop production in northeastern Nigeria. Adaptation strategies, including changes in agricultural practices and systems, are acknowledged as crucial for farmers to cope with climate variability. These strategies aim to boost productivity, efficiency, and economic returns from farming. The research utilized a multi-stage sampling method to select 120 respondents, with data gathered via a structured questionnaire and analysed through both descriptive and inferential statistics. The sampling techniques included purposive sampling across the six states of Northeast Nigeria Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Bauchi, and Gombe. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages and frequencies, were employed, and a Multinomial Logit model was used to estimate the likelihood of achieving the study's objectives. Regression analysis indicated that factors such as marital status, age, education level, farming experience, farm size, access to extension services, and extension visits had positive and statistically significant effects (P<0.01) on adaptation. Major barriers to adopting climate change adaptation strategies among food crop farmers included high input costs, insufficient financial resources, labour costs, and inadequate climate information. The study concludes that farmers' socio-economic characteristics significantly influence their perceptions and adaptation to climate change. The study recommends the government and policymakers should broaden service coverage and improve service quality to address climate change-related risks, with special attention to disadvantaged groups such as poor farmers in remote areas, and extension agents should intensify efforts to raise awareness and educate farmers about climate change
GOVERNANCE AND THE EFFECTS OF URBAN SPRAWL ON LIVELIHOODS IN THE FRINGE AREAS OF MUBI METROPOLIS, ADAMAWA STATE
Research problem: Rapid urban growth in Mubi Metropolis, driven by population increase and proximity to markets, has led to unregulated expansion into fringe areas. This urban sprawl creates economic opportunities but also threatens livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. Examining its effects on livelihood capitals in Mubi’s fringe areas is therefore essential for sustainable development and governance.
Methods/theory: The study applied a survey research design under the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, focusing on human, natural, financial, physical, and social capital. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 391 households in fringe communities. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the impacts of urban expansion on livelihoods.
Results: The study found mixed effects of urban sprawl. Positive outcomes included enhanced human capital through better access to education and skills, financial capital via improved income opportunities, and physical capital through expanded infrastructure. Conversely, negative impacts were noted on natural capital due to farmland loss and environmental degradation, and on social capital from weakened communal ties and declining cohesion.
Conclusion: Urban sprawl enhances infrastructure and economic opportunities but undermines natural resources and social systems, posing risks to long-term sustainability in fringe areas of Mubi.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This research contributes empirical evidence on how unregulated urban expansion simultaneously strengthens and weakens livelihood capitals, offering policy insights for governance in developing contexts.
Recommendation: The study recommends implementing comprehensive land-use and zoning policies to regulate expansion and protect ecological zones, alongside community-based initiatives to reinforce social integration
