American Journal of Environment Studies最新文献

{"title":"Comparative Diagnosis of the Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Human Settlements Using Satellite Images in the Sprawling Bamenda, Cameroon","authors":"C. M. Wanie","doi":"10.47672/ajes.2204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.2204","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Human settlements define people’s existence and play an important role in development. There is the dire need to comparatively diagnose human settlement evolution in the sprawling Bamenda city where a spatial, temporal, knowledge and evidence gaps currently exist on the subject matter. This study therefore aims to diagnoses, in a comparative manner, the spatio-temporal evolution of human settlements in Bamenda between the period 2000 to 2020. \u0000Materials and Methods: The study used systematic field surveys via observation, structured informant interviews with relevant council authorities and 260 copies of questionnaire as primary sources of data collection. The administration of 260 copies of questionnaire was carried out using the simple random sampling techniques in the urban, peri-urban and rural peripheries of Bamendas I, II and III sub-divisions. The Bamenda City Council provided the satellite imageries showing land use patterns in Bamenda for 2000, 2010 and 2020 which were used to calculate settlement evolution over time. \u0000Findings: Findings revealed that settlement land use, in relation to other land uses such as farmland, grassland, woodland, wetland, road and water bodies (rivers, streams and lake) increased in Bamenda from 17.37km2 in 2000 to 54.31km2 in 2020, given a net increase of 36.94km2 in just over 20 years. Spatio-temporal evolution equally showed that Bamenda II Sub-division is the most urbanized with 29.78km2 (54.77%) of all settlements, followed by Bamenda III with 15.18km2 (28.02%) and lastly Bamenda I with 9.35km2 (17.21%). The factors driving human settlement growth in the area are complex and many, including population growth, economic opportunities, geographical factors, social and cultural factors, relative political stability in relation to the neighbouring areas like Ndop, Kom and Oku, government incentive policy and the existence of urban planning and zoning laws. \u0000Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: By making a comparative diagnosis, the study proffers the need to strengthen spatial planning at the local level in organizing and managing the physical space in the urban, peri-urban and rural neighborhoods in the different sub-divisions of Bamenda. It recommends that the Bamenda City Council in collaboration with the three sub-divisional councils undertake a spatial planning assessment to help identify suitable land for other uses, create growth poles in the peripheries accompanied by socio-economic triggers (schools, financial institutions, health establishments and transport agencies) and the provision of a well-planned new layout to make the urban peripheries of Mandakwe and Mankon more attractive sites for settlement construction.","PeriodicalId":474864,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Environment Studies","volume":"95 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141652855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges of Waste Disposal and Management in Peri-Urban Location around Ilorin Metropolis North Central Nigeria","authors":"Kolawole Adebayo, Modupe Lateefat, Maryam Abimbola, Abigeal Abosede, Olaniyi Afolabi, Modupe Olabisi","doi":"10.47672/ajes.2096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.2096","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The research aimed to investigate the challenges associated with waste disposal and management in Eyenkorin, a peri-urban neighborhood in Kwara State. \u0000Materials and Methods: The study adopted cross-section survey research. The study involved sampling 250 respondents within Eyenkorin using a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. Demographic information such as gender, marital status, and age was recorded, alongside data on waste storage methods, disposal practices, frequency of disposal, and average weekly waste generation. The data was presented in tables. \u0000Findings: The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents were male, married, and aged between 41-60 years. Plastic baskets were identified as the primary means of waste storage, with burning being the preferred method of waste disposal. Waste was disposed of every fortnight, with an average weekly waste generation of less than 5 kg. The implications of improper waste disposal included the creation of breeding spaces for germs and pollution. Furthermore, the study identified nonchalance by residents, poor policy frameworks, and a lack of technical know-how as the major challenges of waste management in Eyenkorin. \u0000Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: In conclusion, the research highlighted the inadequacy of waste management services and facilities in Eyenkorin, despite its status as a fast-growing peri-urban area. The increasing physical development of the neighborhood necessitates a proportional enhancement of waste management infrastructure. This suggests a disparity between current waste management practices and the evolving needs of the community, underscoring the urgency for policy interventions and technical support to improve waste management in peri-urban regions like Eyenkorin.","PeriodicalId":474864,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Environment Studies","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141343451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Community Capacity Building and Recovery of the Hirola Antelope in Ijara Sub-County, Garrissa County, Kenya","authors":"Mohamed Yassin, Ahmed M. Mohamed, Sitati Isiah, Ali Abdullahi","doi":"10.47672/ajes.2094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.2094","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: This study aimed at establishing the role of community capacity building in the recovery of the hirola antelope. \u0000Materials and Methods: A Pragmatic research design was used to assess how community capacity building in the recovery of the hirola antelope. A total of 357 respondents were targeted by this study. A chi-square test was done to establish the effect of community capacity building for conservation and the recovery of endangered Hirola antelope. Moreover, logistic regression was used to establish the relationship between community capacity building and the recovery of the hirola antelope. The collected data was presented in form of Figures and Tables. \u0000Findings: Half (55.5%) of the respondents reported coexisting harmoniously between the community and the Hirola in the area. Similarly, half (52.4%) of the respondents reported a high extent of Hirola poaching cases in the area. Half (52.70%) of the respondents reported a high extent of the conservancy engaging in education on wildlife conservation. Moreover, the results revealed a statistically significant relationship between Harmonious co-existence between the community, predation on Hirola, Hirola poaching cases, the extent of low deforestation, capacity building, awareness creation on community conservation and sensitization and awareness on anti-poaching and Hirola recovery (p=<0.05). In addition the study observed harmonious coexistence (COR= 2.66, C.I= 1.151-6.188, p-value = 0.022), predation of hirola (COR= 4.31, C.I= 1.277-14.567, p-value = 0.019), hirola poaching cases (COR= 3.205, C.I= 1.091-9.416, p-value = 0.034), extent of deforestation (COR= 2.46, C.I= 0.995-6.105, p-value = 0.050), awareness creation on community conservation approaches (COR= 1.764, C.I= 1.124-2.769, p-value=0.014) and sensitization and awareness on antipoaching (COR= 1.764, C.I= 1.124-2.769, p-value=0.014) were significantly associated with the recovery of the hirola antelope. \u0000Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The decline of the Hirola antelope population is attributed to a complex interplay of factors including disease, habitat loss, and predation, exacerbated by increased tree cover that diminishes their grazing space and heightens predation risks. However, community capacity building showed a significant association with the recovery of the endangered hirola antelopes. Policy implications of these findings necessitate multifaceted conservation strategies such as reducing tree encroachment through controlled deforestation, enhancing habitat management to maintain open grazing areas, and implementing comprehensive disease monitoring to prevent outbreaks. Additionally, community-based conservation efforts, such as anti-poaching initiatives and local capacity building, which have shown effectiveness should be sustained and expanded. Policymakers must prioritize integrated approaches that address both ecological and socio-economic dimensions to ensure the long-term recovery and survival","PeriodicalId":474864,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Environment Studies","volume":" 87","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141365881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Assessment of Waste Management in Slum Communities in Freetown. It’s Implications on the Health and Safety of Inhabitants","authors":"Dandeson Showers","doi":"10.47672/ajes.1948","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.1948","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The study objective is to assess the state of Solid Waste Management (SWM) in slum communities in Freetown, its factors and effects on the safety and wellbeing of slum dwellers together with the challenges faced by authorities in combatting inadequate SWM system in slum and to provide recommendations with regards to interventions to promote adequate waste management in slums. \u0000Materials and Methods: The study took place in three slum areas around Freetown in Sierra Leone. A total sample size of 400 respondents comprising of household heads were selected. A self-administered structured questionnaire was given to a total of 400 respondents of household heads above eighteen years old. Only 392 of the 400 respondents that were initially targeted for the study completed their questionnaires at the end of the survey. The data collected was presented in tables and statistical analytical techniques or methods such as percentages and graphs were used to analyse the data and to find out the factors, effects and challenges associated with inappropriate solid waste management services in slum areas in Freetown. \u0000Findings: According to the study, it was found that the major categories of waste generated in households were biodegradable and food (39%) while plastic remains (31%). Most households stored their wastes in polythene bags (59.1%) and sacks (20.2%) before disposal and 10.3% of the households did not have waste storage containers and kept their wastes outside the house in the open. Poor knowledge in waste segregation practices with very minimal recycling, reuse of wastes and a resultant poor waste management system were observed in slum communities.  The study helps provide a much-needed data on solid waste management (SWM) in Freetown for authorities and other stakeholders as there are limited sources of data on waste management in Sierra Leone. It also provides further literature on waste management issues for further research, policy development by the authorities and recommendations for best practice by communities and stakeholders. \u0000Implications to Practice and Policy: It was recommended that waste management should be prioritized as a social service, with adequate budget lines. Engage several stakeholders in the management of waste to generate a sense of responsibility and interest from all stakeholders.","PeriodicalId":474864,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Environment Studies","volume":"94 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140670129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does the Validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve Postulation Empirically Depend on the Level of Human Development in Africa?","authors":"Dennis Amponsah Baidoo (Ph.D.)","doi":"10.47672/ajes.1646","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.1646","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The interconnectedness between human development and environmental degradation is a complex issue that warrants investigation in Africa. Although there are a few studies on the economic growth and environmental degradation nexus for African countries, there is a huge scarcity of empirical research that explores the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) postulation in the context of human development and environmental degradation in Africa. The study therefore empirically explored the relationship between Human Development and Environmental Degradation within the framework of the EKC using 50 African countries subdivided into High Human Development Index Countries (HHDICs), Medium Human Development Index Countries (MHDICs) and Low Human Development Index Countries (LHDICs) from 2000 to 2019. Data for the study were obtained from the World Bank’s development indicators and the Human Development Reports of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-HDR).&#x0D; Methodology: The study made use of the Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSE) model and the Feasible Generalised Least Squares Regression model (FGLS) which are econometrically suitable to handle N &gt; T and T &gt; N panels respectively, and are both robust to cross sectional dependence, contemporaneous correlation, group wise heteroscedasticity and slope heterogeneity. Other econometric techniques such as Descriptive Statistics, Correlation Analysis, Variance Inflation Factor test (Multicollinearity), second generation unit root tests (CADF and CIPS), Durbin Watson, Breusch Godfrey tests (Serial Correlation) and the White Test (Heteroscedasticity) were also employed in the study.&#x0D; Findings: The empirical results produced evidence that the data is integrated of order one I(1) and exhibits cross sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity and cointegration. The data was also found to be serially correlated and heteroscedastic. However, multicollinearity was absent. The panel estimates of the PCSE and the FGLS estimators showed that Human Development is a key driver of Environmental Degradation in Africa, with the greatest proportion of the impact on HHDICs, followed by MHDICs and then finally LHDICs. The results also revealed the validity of the EKC postulation only in the HHDICs, evidenced by the presence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between Environmental Degradation and Human Development. In The LHDICs and MHDICs on the other hand, U-shaped relationships between Environmental Degradation and Human Development were found, signalling the invalidity of the EKC. There was significant evidence for the support of the feedback hypothesis between Human Development and Environmental Degradation in HHDICs, MHDICs, LHDICs and all the 50 African countries at large. Based on the findings, Policymakers were given recommendations that took into consideration the uniqueness of the economic situations in HHDICs, MHDICs, LHDICs and Africa as a whole.&#x0D; Recommendations: The study shows t","PeriodicalId":474864,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Environment Studies","volume":"51 6","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136281778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Community Preparedness to Recurrent Flood Disasters in Babessi, Rural Cameroon","authors":"Mirabel Andin Ntali, Emmanuel Yenshu Vubo, Ayonghe Samuel Ndonwi","doi":"10.47672/ajes.1608","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajes.1608","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Flood is a recurrent natural disaster that has caused enormous human and material damage in many places and continues to hit rural communities at an alarming rate. Flood affects the community extensively and it is crucial for them to be prepared to reduce the risk faced in the event of a flood disaster. The need to improve on education, local flood disaster committee, public awareness and early warnings as preparedness measures to prevent and manage flood disasters by rural communities is therefore indispensable. This study aims to determine the current level of flood preparedness amongst households in Babessi, Cameroon as well as other contributing factors to preparedness such as the availability of flood forecast and early warning and public awareness to prepare for floods.&#x0D; Methodology: This study used the mixed methods approach that combined descriptive and analytical perspectives. It collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data concurrently and sequentially and integrated data at one or more stages in the process. Using a structured questionnaire, data was purposively and randomly selected from 317 households from the same. Quantitative data were supplemented by 7 key informant interviews and 2 focused group discussions. All quantitative data generated from the questionnaires were entered into a template designed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). The data were cleaned and later on analyzed using both SPSS and Microsoft Excel 2013. For qualitative data (FGDs and KIIs), they were recorded in the field using Dictaphones (voice recorder) and later on transcribed and typed into a word processing program (Microsoft Word 2013). The transcribed data were analyzed using Nvivo version 11, and themes were established in relation to research objective. Results were presented using tables, figures and charts.&#x0D; Findings: Using descriptive analysis, the findings indicated that the preparedness measures were mostly stocking of equipment (sand and sand bags) followed by emergency savings, stocking of emergency relief materials (food, water and drugs). Availability of flood forecast and early warning systems, education and public awareness were low overall preparedness level. The population of Babessi needs heightened sensitization on the impending dangers of flood hazard and be encouraged to participate in implementing the adopted strategies to prevent and manage subsequent flood disasters.&#x0D; Recommendations: The Social Representations Theory (SRT) informed this study. A social representation is a system of values, ideas and practices regarding a given social object, as well as the elaboration of that object by a group for the purpose of communicating and behaving. For policy, to enhance information dissemination, investments should be made in improving communication infrastructure and disseminating timely and accurate information about flood risks, early warnings, evacuation procedures,","PeriodicalId":474864,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Environment Studies","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135303626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}