DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND REGIONAL PLANNING,

This study examined the consequences of increased staple food costs on the daily feeding patterns of residents in Benin City. It analyzed the magnitude of food price rises, how inhabitants have modified their feeding patterns in response, and the larger socio-economic consequences of these changes. A cross-sectional survey study design was utilized, utilizing
standardized questionnaires to gather data from individuals across different income levels. Findings predict a large rise in the cost of staple goods such as rice, beans, yam, and garri, with price hikes exceeding 70% for some items between 2023 and 2024. This escalation has led to major changes in daily dining behaviors, including a drop in meal frequency, increased dependence on cheaper food alternatives, and a shift towards less nutritional diets. Socioeconomic characteristics such as income level, household size, and occupation were found to strongly influence how residents cope with these price increases. The study also found crucial coping techniques, including engaging in new income-generating activities, substituting pricey necessities with cheaper alternatives, lowering portion sizes, and relying on financial aid from family, friends, and religious organizations. The report advises specific initiatives to alleviate the impact of rising food prices, including government policies to stabilize food costs, investment in local food production, and the introduction of food assistance programs for needy communities. Additionally, lowering transportation costs and guaranteeing food affordability depend on enhanced infrastructure and security measures. To improve citizens' food security, community-based initiatives like food banks and urban farming are also promoted.

This study aims to assess the level of awareness on sex education among adolescent boys in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. With the prevalence of teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and misconceptions surrounding sexual health, understanding the extent of sex education knowledge among adolescent boys is crucial for effective interventions. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data will be collected through structured questionnaires distributed among a representative sample of adolescent boys in the study area. Statistical analysis will be employed to determine the level of awareness, sources of sex education, and potential influencing factors. The study reveals that older adolescents, particularly those in SS2 and SS3, tend to have higher awareness levels compared to their younger counterparts. This suggests that as adolescents progress through their educational journey, they may become more exposed to sex education materials or discussions, either through formal school curricula or other sources. The findings highlight the diverse sources of sex education information accessed by adolescent boys, ranging from traditional sources like parents and relatives to modern platforms like social media and the internet. It was also recommended that while trying to provide comprehensive coverage, there is need for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information across all channels. Educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders must collaborate to develop evidence-based sex education programs that encompass various mediums and cater to the specific needs and preferences of adolescent boys. In light of the identified challenges and barriers, such as cultural taboos, societal norms, and reliance on inaccurate information, targeted interventions are necessary to address misconceptions and promote positive attitudes towards sex education.

This study examined the Remote Sensing Assessment of Urban Blight in Lagos Mainland Metropolis. The objectives of the study were to; identify the causes of urban blight in Lagos mainland metropolis; examine the factors influencing blight and its rapid spread in the study area; identify the effect of blight on other elements of the urban environment; identify the most susceptible areas to blight impact in the study area and assess the measures and structures being put in place to curb urban blight in the study area. Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery was used in assessing the level of urban blight in Lagos mainland. A comprehensive analysis of the remote sensing imagery obtained from these areas and direct physical observation, revealed that blight which is the primarily examined focal point of this research has been the first, variable that is responsible for the general deterioration of these places. Also discovered is that urban sprawling has led to a struggle for survival and accommodation facilities, thereby causing a corresponding increase in the fees and rents of the housing facilities in these areas. Blighted areas were also found to be breeding grounds of crimes. To combat the environmental and societal issues of urban blight, the study recommends urban regeneration as a curative measure for the urban blight in Lagos Mainland Metropolis. Careful planning of development in potentially flood prone areas with resettlement strategies and emergency preparedness plans developed by the involved the government in order to easily evacuate citizens in the occurrence of flood disasters. Policies that setup City codes, need to set a minimum standard for building and property maintenance and these codes need to be effectively and efficiently enforced. Also recommended is that a framework for a political, regulatory and administrative approach should be put in place to effectively combat urban blight in Lagos Mainland Metropolis.

This study investigates critically the impact of urbanization on the standard of living in Port Harcourt. The aim of this study is to ascertain the impact of urbanization on the standard of living in Port Harcourt. To achieve this aim, a field work was conducted in Port Harcourt to ascertain if urbanization has impacted on the standard of living of respondents. A total of 380 questionnaires were distributed in the study area and out of these 368 were returned valid. Data generated from the field were fed into SPSS. Spearman non-parametric correlation analytical technique was used to test the hypothesis. The results from the analysis of data gotten from the field showed that urbanization has a weak and low relationship with standard of living. However, the relationship was not significant. Although urbanization has affected the standard of living in Port Harcourt, the standard of living is a little bit above average. It was also found that urbanization has impacted largely on the environmental condition in the study area. It was recommended therefore that although the standard of living is above average, the health care system, quality and network of roads, water supply, electricity supply, and drainage system can still be worked on and improved upon to create a better and more conducive urban centre. Also good environmental policies should be endorsed by the government to tackle the negative effects of urbanization on the environment