Environmental Standards

Agricultural intensification remains a critical strategy for enhancing food production among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, when pursued without adequate environmental safeguards, it can generate adverse ecological consequences. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perception of the environmental impacts of agricultural intensification in Benin City, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on soil erosion and water quality changes. The study was anchored on the Environmental Degradation Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, with insights from Political Ecology to explain how livelihood pressures shape farmers’ environmental perceptions and practices. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Primary data were obtained from 60 smallholder farmers and six key informants across Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, and Oredo Local Government Areas using structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent samples t-tests, Fisher’s Exact test, while qualitative information supported interpretation of results. Findings indicate that farmers practice a hybrid form of agricultural intensification. Intercropping (65 percent) and biannual cultivation (46.7 percent) were widely adopted, alongside intensive use of herbicides (70 percent) and pesticides (56.7 percent). Nearly half of the respondents reported that their farms were located within 100 metres of streams or rivers, which they perceived as increasing the risk of agrochemical runoff and water contamination. A substantial proportion of farmers reported visible soil erosion on their farms, particularly under continuous cultivation on sandy-loam soils. Perceived changes in water quality were commonly associated with proximity to water bodies and poor agrochemical handling practices, including unsafe storage near streams. Despite these observations, farmer awareness of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices was limited, as only 31.7 percent of respondents reported having received formal agricultural training. The study concludes that smallholder farmers in Benin City possess experiential knowledge of the environmental consequences of agricultural intensification, but livelihood pressures, land constraints, and weak institutional support influence their continued reliance on environmentally risky practices. It recommends strengthening extension services, promoting conservation agriculture, enforcing buffer-zone regulations around water bodies, and improving access to training on sustainable land and water management. By providing localized empirical evidence on farmers’ perceptions, this study contributes to the broader discourse on balancing food security and environmental sustainability in peri-urban farming systems in Nigeria and similar developing-country contexts.

Environmental pollution from fish processing activities is a critical issue in Nigeria, especially in urban areas such as Benin City, where the rapid growth of artisanal fish processing contributes to environmental degradation. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of stakeholder participation in managing environmental pollution resulting from fish processing activities in Benin City, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 80 respondents, including fish processors, market association leaders, community leaders, waste disposal service providers, and local government officers within the study area. A structured questionnaire served as the main instrument for data collection. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings were presented in tables and figures for clarity and proper interpretation. Findings revealed that fish processing sites generate multiple waste types, including fish scales (82%), waste water (91%), packaging waste (74%), oil/fat residues (76%), and ash (69%), most of which are disposed of through open dumping, burning, or drainage channels. Key stakeholders identified include waste service providers, NGOs, community leaders, market associations, and environmental officers. However, stakeholder participation was found to be only moderately effective, limited by inadequate coordination, poor enforcement, and insufficient waste infrastructure. The study concludes that sustainable waste management in fish processing requires strong institutional collaboration, participatory governance, improved policy enforcement, and enhanced environmental education to promote cleaner and safer fish processing practices in Benin City.

The rising issue of domestic wastewater pollution, mainly from heavy metals and organic pollutants, poses significant risks to public health and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Traditional treatment methods are often costly and energy-intensive, emphasising the need for affordable, eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigated the use of Picralima nitida stem bark residue as a sustainable biosorbent for removing iron (Fe3⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) from domestic wastewater. The research focused on evaluating the adsorption efficiency, identifying optimal conditions, modelling the underlying mechanisms, and comparing the cost-effectiveness to commercial activated carbon. The study conducted an experimental investigation using batch adsorption tests in controlled laboratory conditions. P. nitida bark residue was washed, oven-dried, ground, and chemically activated before analysis. The adsorbent was characterised through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis. Parameters such as dosage, contact time, temperature, and pH were systematicallys varied to evaluate performance. Additionally, Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models were employed to interpret the equilibrium data. A cost analysis was also performed to assess the economic viability of the adsorbent. The results indicated that adsorption efficiency increased with longer contact time and stabilised after 90 minutes. The highest removal rates were 100% for Fe3⁺, 99.60% for Zn²⁺, 98.90% for COD, and 89.97% for TDS at near-neutral pH and ambient temperature. The equilibrium data conformed to the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.9940), indicating monolayer adsorption. Economically, the treatment cost was ₦19.50 per litre, which is roughly 30–40% lower than that of commercial activated carbon. The study concludes that Picralima nitida stem bark residue is an effective, cost-efficient, and sustainable biosorbent for domestic wastewater treatment, supporting Nigeria’s initiatives in sustainable waste utilisation and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is fundamental to public health, gender equity, and sustainable development and is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 and SDG 5. Despite sustained investments in Nigeria, persistent gender and social inclusion gaps continue to disproportionately affect women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups. This study assessed gender and social inclusion in WASH service delivery in selected communities in Edo State, Nigeria, by evaluating access levels and determinants of equitable access. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 371 household respondents across 12 communities using structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically, with WASH access assessed using a composite scoring system based on WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme standards. Results showed universal access to basic water sources, but weak sanitation and hygiene: over 85% of facilities were basic or limited, and only 30% of households had functional handwashing facilities with water and soap. Fewer than 10% of communities had PWD- accessible facilities, and women’s participation was similarly low. Disability status, education level, and residence were significant determinants of equitable access (OR = 6.07; p = 0.025). The study concludes that strengthening gender-responsive planning, disability- sensitive infrastructure, and community participation is essential for equitable and sustainable WASH outcomes.

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