Environmental Management

The study analyzed the effect of Kaduna refinery effluent discharge on River Romi. The study was
carried out in two years (2010-2011: samples were collected in the rainy and dry seasons and a range of
water quality parameters were measured in the river. The level of total suspended solids (TSS), total
dissolved solids (TDS), pH, dissolved oxygen ( DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), oil and grease,
temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, hardness, benzene, cyanide, mercury and cadmium in the
water sample were quite high. With the exception of pH and oil and grease, all other physico-chemical
parameters measured are between 100% and 120% higher and have exceeded the maximum permissible
limit given by the National Standard Water Quality (Nigeria) and World Health Organization (WHO).
Presence of some of these pollutants, at various points along River Romi, was observed and level of
these pollutants at varying degrees was found. Since the treatment given to the raw water is disinfection
alone, there is tendency of these pollutants to persist in the water and its uptake may cause long term
health problems as well as have effects on plants when used for irrigation.

The student housing has been a major area of concern with increasing student population as a result of increasing interest in the higher institutions of learning over the years. The rise in population which has led to various problematic conditions of student housing which range from inadequate infrastructure facilities to overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions thus leading to severe health problems amongst students residing in hostels, has indeed met with renewed interest in sourcing and researching the best practicable approach towards the enablement and efficient, conducive academic driven environment. This research paper examines the effects of student housing condition on students' health in Kaduna State College of Education. Purposive sampling method was used as only students residing in the college's hostels were sampled A total number of 358 well structured questionnaires were administered in the entire student hostels and oral interview held with staff of the student affairs division as well as staff of the college clinic and data collected were presented through the use of tables and graphs. The study revealed that there are diseases amongst students residing in the hostels caused and spread by the poor state and condition of available

Housing problem is a global one but more pronounced in developing countries, the housing situation of the urban poor is a source of concern in Nigeria. In the urban areas in Nigeria it is disturbing , as almost 75 percent of the urban dwellers live in slums and in conditions that are degrading to human dignity. The predicament of the urban poor has not been properly addressed in spite of the activities of government in housing delivery, and private sector participation as well. This paper reviews the intervention of government in housing in Nigeria and critically examines the effect on the general populace, especially the urban poor. It asserts that the bottomup approach, involving the direct participation of the local communities, is vital in ensuring sustainability in housing provision

It is an indisputable fact that the global climate is changing. These changes have been attributed to natural variability and human activity on the environment. Climate change poses serious challenges and takes centre stage in the global agenda as an issue calling for corporate strategies and appropriate measures by countries, communities, and individuals. The United Nations and other actors are responding to the challenge with the major focus on the development of strategies, and policy framework. These approaches are used to attain sustainable community-climate related livelihoods. It is on this basis, that this paper examines Climate Change and Poverty and its impact in Nigeria. It was revealed from the study that the means of livelihood is being affected by climate change. These impacts are as a result of devastating effects of flooding, drought, erosion, desertification, sea level rise, heat stress, pests and diseases, erratic rainfall patterns, etc which are all due to climate change. The paper further emphasized the need for climate policy in Nigeria, the establishment of Nigerian Climate Change Commission (NCCC), the development of a national framework for climate change adaptation, and the embracing of emerging technologies among others. It showcased the new role of agricultural extension in the face of climate risk management. These include awareness creation, mobilization, training, assistance, and dissemination of proven measures of mitigation/adaptation to climate change among vulnerable communities in Nigeria. copyright@ 2012 cepa ISSN 2141-1824 V ol. 3, N o 6 C J

This study assessed the trend of growth/sprawl that have taken place over the years and the direction of the sprawl in Saminaka town. The study utilized data from field surveys, remote sensed data and geographical information system technique. The results of the study show that built up areas in 1986 occupied the least among the total land area with about 4.85% coverage representing 1.954hectares. Saminaka recorded 57.72% increase in spatial growth between 1986 to 2001 with a difference of 2.667 hectares. The pattern of growth in 2006 recorded an exponential increase compared to that of 1986 to 2001, as it recorded about 61.10% a difference of 7.261 hectares from that of 2001 covering about 11.882 hectares. The sprawl patterns are along the major roads to Karu, Jos, in the southern eastern, south western part and along the Lagos streets areas. Also the northern fronts along Angwan bawa and Sabon birni are all in ribbon developments. The sprawl patterns at the out sketch are leaping frog development interfering on farmlands at the fringes especially around Abadawa, Nasarawa, and Angwan bawa in the northern and southern fringe. The area around the Lagos Street is slow in terms of development; this is because of the proximity of the area to River Goggo that serve as a constraint to development. Farmlands are gradually on the decline as both vegetation and rock outcrop have given way to built-up areas. Farmlands in 1986 occupied the highest land area with 80.74% covering 32.540 hectares. This figure dropped gradually in 2001 covering an area 30.40 hectares at 75.44% and fell to 23.71 hectares at 59.03% in 2006. Saminaka is largely a potential grain cultivated area and the alarming rate of development mostly attributed to rapid population increase, migration and improvements in the standard of living of the people due to commerce, its status as a local council headquarters are the major determinants of sprawl which in the nearest future will sharply reduce the agricultural output of Saminaka.

Rural areas of developing countries are very dependent on biomass fuels such as firewood and dried dung for their energy consumption. This use of energy is often coupled with many problems such as deforestation, land degradation, various health and social problems as well as giving raise to emissions of greenhouse gases. This paper examines the health effects of biomass energy use in Kanai (Mali) District, Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected from households in the study area using 225 well structured questionnaires; questions were related to the type of energy used in the study area, reason for using such type of energy and diseases that emanate from the use of biomass energy. The study revealed that biomass energy is the predominate source of energy in the area and because it cooks fast and it is cheap are the reasons amongst other reasons why the inhabitants of the study area use biomass energy. It was also discovered that biomass energy has adverse effects on the health of the inhabitants of the study area as there reported cases of in-door air pollution related diseases in the area. Recommendations were made to reduce the health risk of biomass energy in the study area. copyright@ 2012 cepa ISSN 2141-1824 V ol. 3, N o 6 C J

This study examines the socio-economic impact of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) on the Rido Area of Kaduna metropolis. Primary data was collected from households residing in the area. 610 copies of well structured questionnaires were administered to the households. Questions were related to the socio-economic characteristics of households and benefits or otherwise they derive from the presence of the KRPC. Questions regarding the ownership of businesses and their sources of capital were asked from the business organizations. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive methods. The study result reveals that the presence of the refinery in the study area impacted negatively on most of the socio-economic parameters such as employment, health, housing, education, land value etc, thus making the inhabitants of the area blame the refinery for the rising wave in crime within the study area. The positive impact of the refinery on the study area is the increase in businesses and commercial activities. These have contributed to better livelihood for many of the inhabitants of the area. Suggestions were made towards improving the socio-economic conditions of households. copyright@ 2012 cepa J

This paper examines the locational impact of Gasoline service station along Abuja-Keffi road. Primary data was collected using Site Analysis Report (SAR) and Questionnaire, seventeen (17) gasoline service stations were sampled out of a total of fifty eight (58) service stations using the systematic sampling technique while 150 copies of well structured questionnaire which were administered to the respondents Questions regarding the perceptions of respondents on the impacts of the locations of gasoline service stations in the area, and the respondents suggestions towards mitigating such effects. The study result reveals, that the establishment and location of these service stations in various parts of the study area is going on without due regard to planning criteria, safety and without considering the environment service stations in the area are built with little or no compliance to planning regulation and standards, these therefore remain a source of concern to all. There is a need therefore for plans and actions to tackle the situation for today and the future. Suggestions were made so that any change introduced into the environment should not facilitate its destruction and consequently hazardous to human. copyright@ 2012 cepa J

Environmental issues are meant to be operationalized through the formulation of actor-specific environmental actions plans, which define priority action that will convert strategy into practice. The Environmental Planning and Management (EPM) process which is an increasingly popularized strategy of solving the myriads of problems affecting the environment in contemporary world. The study examines the use of Environmental Planning and Management (EPM) process as a strategy of solving environmental problems in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria by investigating the perception of the general public on the state of the environment in the area, level of participation of people in compliance to existing environmental strategies, causes of ineffective environmental management in the area and assessing community satisfaction with existing environmental management approach using well structured questionnaires administered to sampled households. Questions were related to socio-economic characteristics of households, willingness to participate by the community in the EPM process, perceived level of environmental degradation in the area, level of compliance of oil and gas companies to environmental laws and the role of Government environment protection agencies in protecting the environment of the study area. The results confirm that the level of damage from oil exploration, gas activities, pollution and pipeline vandalizations is chronic and cumulative, which has resulted to the degradation of the environment, routine of facilities and compliancy to environmental management approaches are not regular, facilities and equipment were found be grossly inadequate therefore proper inspection can not be well carried out, the community expressed dissatisfaction with the existing environment approach which they attributed to the inability of fully implementing the environmental approach, the community indicated that given the opportunity they are willing to participate in evolving an effective environmental management approach. Recommendations were made for the effective and efficient application of the EPM process in the study area.

This paper examines the effects of climate change on security in Nigeria; the study revealed that climate change is able to stir up negative effects in socioeconomic development in the economy of any country particularly developing countries like Nigeria. That climate change undermines human security in the present day, and will increasingly do so in the future, it does this by reducing people’s access to natural resources that are important to sustain their livelihoods it also undermines the capacity of states to provide the opportunities and services that help people to sustain their livelihoods, and which help to maintain and build peace. These direct and indirect impacts of climate change on human security and the state may in turn increase the risk of violent conflicts. The paper recommends an integrated approach to development which must seek to understand the existing vulnerability and coping strategies of the local people to changes in their environment and build on them through policy formulation with adequate participation of the local people. A planned adaptation and effective coping strategy will reduce vulnerability to climate change and other changes in the environment. An in-depth understanding of how individuals, communities and natural system can prepare for and respond to changes in climate and non-climate shocks is important to reducing vulnerability to adverse changes in the environment.

This study examines water supply and sanitation situation in some selected areas of Kaduna metropolis. Primary data was collected from households residing in the area and. 366 copies of well structured questionnaires were administered to the households. Questions were related to the water supply and sanitation situation of households. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive methods. The study result reveals that majority of households in the study area use hand dug wells as their major source of water supply while privately owned boreholes; Kaduna State Water Board, water vendors and streams are other main sources. The risk of various sanitation related infections and diseases are high in the study area due to the poor methods of solid waste disposal. The implication of these poor solid waste disposal methods by the households in the study area is that; people who live close to waste dumps are exposed to various health risks. The paper recommends that the private sector be involved in water supply in the areas of fund mobilization for the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and expansion of water supply and sanitation facilities in Kaduna metropolis as well as government agencies responsible for the provision of water supply and sanitation facilities should be adequately funded and equipped to carry out their services to the people in order to reach the goal 7 of the MDG 2015 target.

Town planning is a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient and attractive places for present and future generations. It is therefore necessary for planning to be in control and take charge of the responsibilities of the emerging challenges as such, this paper examines the contribution of non-town planning legislation/policies in the development and practice of town planning in Nigeria. There are various legislations and policies formulated for the country that are both planning and non-planning in nature, but all these legislations and policies may not likely work if they are not interwoven or making any significant contributing to town planning practice in Nigeria. Among the notable ones are, the National Information Technology Policy, the nation’s policy on the Millennium Development Goals and The National Strategic Health Development Plan Framework, all of which have contributed in no small measure to the development and practice of town planning in Nigeria. There are other policies that can still contribute to the development and practice of town planning in Nigeria, but the problems are in the implementation and the superior claim of other professional to the town planning profession coupled the problem of relevant agencies being led by non planners rather than professional planners.

The provision of infrastructure is a tool that is expected to stimulate economic, social and physical development of an area. Successive governments in Nigeria have promoted neoliberal reforms with emphasis on the need for infrastructure development.  However, situations in Nigeria reflects infrastructure inadequacy, resulting in sufferings among individuals and the society at large. The study examines the level of social infrastructure provision in Zonkwa District of Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria and its implication on the development of the town by investigating the perception of the general public on the state of the social infrastructure in the area using well structured questionnaires administered to sampled households. Questions were related to socio-economic characteristics of households, accessibility of households to social infrastructure, level of infrastructure provision and its effects on the development of the study area. The results confirm that the infrastructure are not adequately provided since people would have to travel some distances to access the basic infrastructure. Recommendations were made for the provision of social infrastructures in the study area.

This paper appraises the Fadama II project impact on it’s beneficiaries in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Primary data was collected from beneficiaries and farmers residing in the area using 783 copies of well structured questionnaire which were administered to the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive methods. The study result reveals that accessing agricultural inputs keeps degenerating rather than improving because the rate of providing the inputs to the genuine users has always been impeded by so many factors and where the inputs are accessed, the technique to apply for better yield is deficient on the users Government over the years has attempted to tackle the problem by direct intervention and/or through agencies. Fadama II is one of such attempts made by the government where Fadama resources are harnessed through the impartation of techniques to the Fadama users to explore the resources to sustainably increase their output. The success of the programme has led Government to expand the scope of the project, it is with this belief that the recommendation as proffered will go a long way to make the new programme successful.

Rainwater harvesting is an economical small-scale technology that has the potential to boost safe water supply with least disturbance to the environment, especially in the semi arid regions. In Nigeria, less than half of the population has reasonable access to reliable water supply. This study in Kanai (Mali) district of Zangon-Kataf local government area of Kaduna state  Nigeria determined the rate of water consumption and current water sources before estimating the amount of rainwater that can potentially be harvested using 225 copies of well structured questionnaires administered to households. Questions were related to the socio-economic characteristics of household and the sources of water, system or methods of rainwater harvesting, time and the distance spent to source for water, purpose for rain harvesting, strategies used by individuals/households to cope with domestic water scarcity and whether the strategies adopted meet their demand for water supply or not. A survey on 88 households in three villages namely, Runji, Gora Gida, and Sagwaza established that more than half of them rely on sources that are vulnerable to drought, i.e. shallow hand-dug wells and natural water bodies, while only 3% harvest rainwater. Kaduna state where the study area is located have a mean annual rainfall of 1,064 mm. Annual rain water harvesting potential per household was estimated to be 63.35 m3. The amount could not meet the water demand for the study area although the three villages would have to supplement their rainwater with other sources. There is therefore sufficient rainwater to supplement the need of the rural communities if the existing mechanism and low involvement of the villagers in rainwater harvesting activities could be improved.

The study examines public health effects of effluent discharge of Kaduna refinery on River Romi.The study carried out in two years (2010 to 2011) had water samples collected in two seasons (rainy and dry seasons) and a range of physico- chemical and microbial parameters were measured. The results reveal that all  the parameters measured were far and above the World health Organization (WHO) maximum permissible limits, the study identified potential health effects of the presence of these parameters in the water of River Romi. The significance of water to the health and well-being of human populations’ is increasingly apparent. Water pollution particularly from industrial effluents is a worldwide problem and its potential to influence the health of human populations is great. There is no doubt that excessive levels of pollution are causing a lot of damage to human and animal health.

This study examines public health effects of improper hospital waste disposal. Primary data was collected from households residing in the area. 124 copies of well structured questionnaires were administered to the households. Questions were related to socio-economic characteristics of households and health effects of improper hospital waste management. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive methods. The study result reveals that the disposal of untreated hospital wastes poses an environmental threat and public health risk. Indiscriminate disposal of untreated hospital waste is often the cause for the spread of several infectious diseases. It is also responsible for hospital acquired diseases to the health care personnel who handle these wastes at the point of generation. Apart from the above, a good amount of hospital wastes such as disposable syringes, infusion bags, I.V. fluid bottles etc. are picked up by rag pickers and are recycled back into the market without any disinfection. It is important, therefore, to implement proper environmentally safe mode of disposing hospital wastes.