Decentralization of Markets and Environmental Sanitation Scheme: A Focus on Urban Core of Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Unplanned and overcrowded market places especially in developing countries usually grapple with sanitation problems. This phenomenon poses threats such as pollution of the environment and deterioration of city landscape. In Akure the capital of Ondo State, Nigeria, government in its urban renewal effort introduced neighbourhood markets in a decentralized market system, as a way of resolving these problems. This study focuses on the extent of these urban renewal efforts and their impacts on the socio-economic and general wellbeing of the market users. It further suggests ways to achieve proper sanitation in markets places in a manner that is sustainable. The methodology includes the use of structured questionnaires, interviews, as well as observations. The study reveals a successful decongestion of the king’s market and a considerable improvement in sanitation. It concludes that sanitation in market places is absolutely expedient to ensure public health and proper public hygiene.

Keywords: Decentralization, pollution, sanitation, urban core, markets