DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND REGIONAL PLANNING

The study focused on the characteristics and effects of pluvial flooding on soil quality under oil palm plantation in Ovia North East, Edo State in order to avert soil degradation, loss of nutrents and fertility. Soil samples were collected from two sites within the same area which was then labeled as experiment A (Flooded Soils) and experiment B (Non flooded soils/control) and at depths of 0 – 15 , 15 – 30 and 30 – 45 cm respectively. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analyzed using factorial arrangement in randomized complete block (RCB) design. The result showed that sand and clay particle distribution had the highest value in the non-flooded soils than the flooded soils, silt was higher in the flooded soil. It was only Bulk density (BD) that indicated significant difference (P>0.05).water holding capacity (WHC) and Hydraulic conductivity (K-Sat) value was higher in the flooded soils, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Porosity value was higher in the non-flooded soils, there was significant difference (P>0.05. The pH and Organic carbon (O.C) value of the flooded soils was higher than the non-flooded soils. Total Nitrogen (T.N) was higher in the non-flooded soils; Its LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Available phosphorus, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) were higher in the flooded soil except Potassium; LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. The LSD of exchangeable acidity (E.A), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC) and base percentage was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Fe, Mn and Zn were higher in the flooded soil, but significant difference (P>0.05) except Zn which is not significant at 0.05 level of probability. It was only Cu was high in the non-flooded soil and LSD indicates no significant difference at P>0.05. From the mean values gotten for SEF and SFI, it was discovered that flooded and non-flooded soil are both fertile and are of good quality. It can be concluded that moderate flooding actually helps to improve the quality of the soil.

Spatial distribution of health infrastructure in Edo State using Oredo Local Government area as a case is examined. The location of healthcare facilities in the twelve wards of the local government areas is presented against the background of the pattern of population distribution. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary source. Methods of data analysis are simple ratio, percentages and averages. The Geographic Information Systems analysis was used in spatially depicting data, while coefficient of localization analysis was run with SPSS to determine the level of uniformity in distribution of health facilities with respect to population distribution. Findings show that distribution of he alth care facilities, are not exactly uniform with respect to population distribution among the wards in Oredo Local Government Area. Perception analysis on accessibility, reveal that accessibility to health facilities is average, due to the reasons of poorly maintained accessible roads and financial affordability. The study concluded by recommending a policy of deliberate dispersal of health care services to areas of insufficiency as well locating intending new and affordable health facilities in ideal and accessible locations. It is also suggested that the Government should make provision for better transport systems, improved staffing and equipment in health care centres.

This study investigated the causes of flooding in Egor Local Government Area. In carrying out this study questionnaire were sorted using SPSS version 21. The result from this research work revealed that there are both physical and anthropogenic causes of flood in Egor Local Government Area from respondents perception. The physical causes in their order of importance include: heavy rainfall, lack of vegetal cover, topography (low-lying areas etc). amongst others. While the anthropogenic or humaninduced causes in their order of severity include: increase in built-up areas (urbanization), poor drainage system, blockage of drainage system with debris and so on. This research approach which is purely descriptive or exploratory in nature has indeed create robust awareness on the human-base activities and the physical factors responsible for the flood problem in the study area Thus, this study
saw the need to adopt some measures such as adequate drainage system provision, proper refuse disposal system, creating environmental awareness, raising building foundation in low lying areas, and so on to prevent, control and mitigate the causes of flood in the study area . Undoubtedly, this study is an eye opener to residents, leaders, planners within the study area and may also provide vital
information and guide to researchers and government on the causes of flood in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

The study focused on the characterizing, classifying and identify the soil-forming processes in a waterlogged soil in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State for the purpose of providing an understanding of the ecosystem and land-use sustainability. A soil profile of up to 180 cm was dug in the area, and six soil samples were drawn from the each of the horizons in the profile for laboratory analysis. The morphological properties of these soils: colour, soil structure, soil consistence, drainage, boundaries and root inclusions were recorded in the field. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analysed using different weathering indices. The results showed that the soil in the study area has a moderate, medium, sub-angular blocky structure in the topsoil, with colours ranging from dark reddish brown to red. The bulk density of the soil was found to be within acceptable limits. The water holding capacity (WHC) was highest in the subsurface horizon and lowest in the surface horizons, with the highest values found at the Bt2 horizon and the lowest at the AB horizon. The pH of the soil was slightly acid to neutral and did not show a clear pattern throughout the profile. Available phosphorus was very low and not sufficient for crop production. The levels of micronutrients in the soil, including manganese, copper, zinc, and iron, were higher than necessary for crop plant growth, and crops sensitive to these micronutrients should not be planted. The soil contained high levels of heterogeneous bacteria and fungi, with microbial activity being
particularly high at the topsoil. However, microbial activity decreased with soil depth. There is evidence of transformation, translocation of clay, eluviation, illuviation, and leaching. The soils were classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiudults. These findings provide important information for understanding the suitability of the soil for crop production and identifying potential management strategies. To improve the productivity of the soil in the study area, the study recommends putting in place a well-functioning drainage system and water management facilities, engaging in good organic matter management practices, including the use of farmyard manure, and periodically applying lime to the soil

The study focused on the characterizing, classifying and identify the soil-forming processes in a waterlogged soil in Ovia north East Local Government Area, Edo State for the purpose of providing an understanding of the ecosystem and land-use sustainability. A soil profile of up to 180 cm was dug in the Area, and six soil samples were drawn from the each of the horizons in the profile for laboratory analysis. The morphological properties of these soils: colour, soil structure, soil consistence, drainage, boundaries and root inclusions were recorded in the field. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non- eplicated and the data was analysed using different weathering indices. The results showed that the soil in the study area has a moderate, medium, sub-angular blocky structure in the topsoil, with colours ranging from dark reddish brown to red. The bulk density of the soil was found to be within acceptable limits. The water holding capacity (WHC) was highest in the subsurface horizon and lowest in the surface horizons, with the highest values found at the Bt2 horizon and the lowest at the AB horizon. The pH of the soil was slightly acid to neutral and did not show a clear pattern throughout the profile. available phosphorus was very low and not sufficient for crop production. The levels of micronutrients in the soil, including manganese, copper, zinc, and iron, were higher than necessary for crop plant growth, and crops sensitive to these micronutrients should not be planted. The soil contained high levels of heterogeneous bacteria and fungi, with microbial activity being particularly high at the topsoil. However, microbial activity decreased with soil depth. There is evidence of transformation, translocation of clay, eluviation, illuviation, and leaching. The soils were classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiudults. These findings provide important information for understanding the suitability of the soil for crop production and identifying potential management strategies. To improve the productivity of the soil in the study area, the study recommends putting in place a well-functioning drainage system and water management facilities, engaging in good organic matter management practices, including the use of farmyard manure, and periodically applying lime to the soil.

The study assessed the distribution of infant mortality in Egor Local Government Area of Benin city. The investigation was based on the use of research survey employing the instrument of questionnaire and observation. The objective was based on the use of research and was directed to identify the causes of infant mortality of the study area, to determine the relationship between infant mortality and the respondent’s attributes (location, social, economic and demographic) in the study area, to show the spatial distribution of households with at least a case of infant mortality, to show the spatial distribution of healthcare facilities and their cases of infant mortality, to suggest solutions and recommendations to the problems associated with the causes of infant mortality. Childhood mortality is one of the important indicators of a country’s general medical and public health conditions and consequently the level of socio economic development. In developed countries, infant mortality rates are generally low, while in developing countries, they tend to be higher. There are many factors that contribute to infant mortality, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, malnutrition, and poor sanitation and hygiene. The analysis revealed that they are various variables which may lead to infant mortality
in the study area and socio demographic factors which may lead to infant mortality in the study area. The analysis shows that income and education in particular have a
reasonable or rather a significant effect on infant mortality in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City. Reducing infant mortality rates is a global health priority, and numerous efforts have been made to address the underlying causes of infant mortality in order to improve the health and survival of infants and young children around the world. Its decline is therefore not only desirable but also indicative of an improvement in general living

This study examines the spatial distribution and utilization of fire services in Benin City. The aim of this study is to examine the way fire services are spatially distributed across space, if they are evenly distributed or sparsely distributed. Are fire services in Benin City enough to cover and attend to the needs of all the people in Benin City and where the fire services are located can they reach the people on time to avoid casualties; to examine the usefulness and utilization of fire services in Benin City, are fire services efficient in the sense of executing maximum productivity when performing their duties; to examine the efficiency and availability of firefighting equipment in fire services in cases of fire outbreak, are there enough equipment to combat the fire and how useful are this equipment and to evaluate the causes of fire services in Benin City and how it should be prevented. It will also discuss the challenges faced by fire services and the solutions to resolve these challenges. A total of 409 questionnaires were administered to respondents and coordinates of fire service stations were also collected for spatial analysis. It was discovered that fire service stations in the study area are clustered. The stations were also affirmed to be understaffed and ill-equipped especially in Ovia North East Local Government Area where there is only one fire service station. It was severally suggested that the government should adequately equip fire stations as this will ensure their optimal operation. Adequate education and sensitization on fire safety was also suggested as an
action plan to combat fire hazards in Benin Metropolis.

The study focused on the characterizing, classifying and identify the soil-forming processes in a waterlogged soil in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State for the purpose of providing an understanding of the ecosystem and land-use sustainability. A soil profile of up to 180 cm was dug in the area, and six soil samples were drawn from the each of the horizons in the profile for laboratory analysis. The morphological properties of these soils: colour, soil structure, soil consistence, drainage, boundaries and root inclusions were recorded in the field. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analysed using different weathering indices. The results showed that the soil in the study area has a moderate, medium, sub-angular blocky structure in the topsoil, with colours ranging from dark reddish brown to red. The bulk density of the soil was found to be within acceptable limits. The water holding capacity (WHC) was highest in the subsurface horizon and lowest in the surface horizons, with the highest values found at the Bt2 horizon and the lowest at the AB horizon. The pH of the soil was slightly acid to neutral and did not show a clear pattern throughout the profile. Available phosphorus was very low and not sufficient for crop production. The levels of micronutrients in the soil, including manganese, copper, zinc, and iron, were higher than necessary for crop plant growth, and crops sensitive to these micronutrients should not be planted. The soil contained high levels of heterogeneous bacteria and fungi, with microbial activity being particularly high at the topsoil. However, microbial activity decreased with soil depth. There is evidence of transformation, translocation of clay, eluviation, illuviation, and leaching. The soils were classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiudults. These findings provide important information for understanding the suitability of the soil for crop production and identifying potential management strategies. To improve the productivity of the soil in the study area, the study recommends putting in place a well-functioning drainage system and water management facilities, engaging in good organic matter management practices, including the use of farmyard manure, and periodically applying lime to the soil.

The study assessed the distribution of infant mortality in Egor Local Government Area of Benin city. The investigation was based on the use of research survey employing the instrument of questionnaire and observation. The objective was based on the use of research and was directed to identify the causes of infant mortality of the study area, to determine the relationship between infant mortality and the respondent’s attributes (location, social, economic and demographic) in the study area, to show the spatial distribution of households with at least a case of infant mortality, to show the spatial distribution of healthcare facilities and their cases of infant mortality, to suggest solutions and recommendations to the problems associated with the causes of infant mortality. Childhood mortality is one of the important indicators of a country’s general medical and public health conditions and consequently the level of socio economic development. In developed countries, infant mortality rates are generally low, while in developing countries, they tend to be higher. There are many factors that contribute to infant mortality, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, malnutrition, and poor sanitation and hygiene. The analysis revealed that they are various variables which may lead to infant mortality
in the study area and socio demographic factors which may lead to infant mortality in the study area. The analysis shows that income and education in particular have a
reasonable or rather a significant effect on infant mortality in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City. Reducing infant mortality rates is a global health priority, and numerous efforts have been made to address the underlying causes of infant mortality in order to improve the health and survival of infants and young children around the world. Its decline is therefore not only desirable but also indicative of an improvement in general living.

In some advanced countries, property tax is seen as a major source of revenue, this is not the case in Nigeria. The main aim of this study was to examine the willingness of property owners to pay property tax in Benin City. Specific objectives were to ascertain the level of awareness of property tax by residents; determine the percentage of property owners that pay property tax; determine the correlation between respondents’ awareness of property tax and their compliance; and ascertain the significance of the relationship between public governance quality and property tax compliance. The hypothesis was also proposed namely: property tax payers’ compliance has no significant relationship with laws made by the government that is seen to provide citizens with basic amenities. A combination of stratified sampling technique and simple random sampling technique was used to administer questionnaires to 400 respondents in Benin City. Simple percentage, Likert’s scale analysis, Pearson Product Correlation technique, and chi-square test were deployed in data analyses and interpretation. The result showed that majority of the sampled respondents 56% were male while 44% were female while majority of the respondents 220 (55%) were also married. It was also found that majority of respondents (80%) were aware of the existence of property tax and just 55% of them had paid. The study also showed that there is a moderately positive relation between property tax compliance and property tax awareness, with a correlation coefficient of 0.58. At 95% level of confidence, it was established that there is significant relationship between government transparency and property tax compliance. Also that public governance quality in general promotes willingness to comply
with property tax by property owners. It was recommended that government must provide public services such as security, good roads that satisfy the expectations of the property owners; that the government should engage in enlightenment campaigns concerning what property tax is; and that the government should be transparent about how revenue acquired through property tax is spent as this would motivate and cause the property owners to be willing to pay property tax.