Residents’ Perception on Environmental Impacts of Urban Informal Enterprises in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The need of this paper came as a realization that literature are extensive on the contribution of urban informal enterprises to nation economy without given adequate attention to its associated negativities on sociocultural environment. Against this background, the paper analyses the perception of residents on environmental impacts of Urban Informal Enterprises in Ibadan Nigeria. Using systematic sampling technique, a total number of one thousand, six hundred and thirty eight (1638) questionnaire were administered to residents in low medium and high residential quarters. An interval of 2 was used to select residential unit in each quarter. Six indices were developed and Likert scale rating was used to measure resident’s perception on the effects of UIES on the environment. The average weight of such gave each index and this was subjected to Correlation Analysis to examine the effects and relationship between UIEs and indices on perceived environmental effects. The result of analysis show that the way operators dispose their waste makes the environment dirty. This recorded highest agreement index of RAI 4.14, followed by waste from UIE litters the streets (RAI 4.12) and deface the environment (RAI 3.90), high level of noise from operators (RAI 3.85), waste releases offensive odor (RAI 3.78) shops built on open spaces disturb flow of water (RAI 3.69) and also block drainage channel (RAI 3.60)  The result of correlation analysis reveals that physical characteristic index (PCI), behavioral characteristic index (BCI), environmental characteristic index (ECI), land use characteristic index (LUCI), and economic characteristic index (ECCI) have impact on the environment. This supports the observed negativities associated with the subject on the environment. The paper therefore recommends formulation of policies and legislative measures that will cater for proper waste management from this sector. This will further promote sustainability of Nigerian cities.

Keywords: Urban Informal Enterprises, Environment, Sustainability, Waste