RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Environmental degradation is a major global challenge that has triggered diverse responses. These environmental issues include deforestation, poor waste management, pollution, desertification, flood, drought and erosion. This study aims to identify the environmental degradation problems in Egor Local Government Area, assess the responses to these problems and evaluate the determinants of these responses.  This project examined four forms of environmental degradation (flooding, gully erosion, solid waste and air pollution) in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of 200 household heads were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on responses to environmental degradation in Egor Local Government Area and the data were analysed using percentages, frequencies and weighted mean. The study revealed that flooding was the most prevalent form of environmental degradation in Egor Local Government Area with a weighted value of 54. 9. The study also revealed that the responses to environmental degradation are determined by the severity of the degradation, educational attainments of respondents and the facilities available. The study recommended that environmental policies should be enforced more firmly. It is also recommended that there should be regular awareness creation based on the prevalent environmental degradation in the political wards of Egor Local Government Area. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of different responses to environmental degradation.