CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

It has been observed in recent times that the role the environment play to a nation’s development process cannot be relegated to the background. Apart from being the physical surrounding for natural habitats, the environment provide the basis for human exploits for agricultural, industrial, commercial, technological and tourism development of a society. For this and several other reasons, environmental issues now occupy a centre stage in academic discourse and other public fora both at the national and international levels as increase urbanization continues to impact on the environment with its devastating effect on the health of the people (Evelyn and Tyav, 2014).

Urbanization is not merely a modern phenomenon, but rapid and historic transformation of replaced by predominantly urban culture. The last major change was the accumulation of hunters – gatherers into villages many thousands years ago. Village is characterized by common bloodlines, intimate relationships, and communal behaviour whereas urban culture is characterized by distant bloodlines, unfamiliar relations, and competitive behaviour. This unprecedented movement of people is forecasted to continue and intensity in the next few decades. The process of urbanization is increasing in both the developed and developing countries. However, rapid urbanization in particular the growth of large cities and the associated problems of unemployment, poverty, inadequate health, poor sanitation, urban slums and environmental degradation pose a formidable environmental and health challenges in many developing countries like Nigeria. Available statistics shows that more than half of the world 6.6 billion people live in urban areas, crowded into 3% of the earth’s land area (UNFPA, 1993 cited in Muhammed, Sabiu and Khalil, 2015).

The proportion of the world population in urban areas was less than 5% in 1800, it increased to 47% in 2000. And it’s expected to reach 65% in 2030 (United Nations, 1991). However, more than 90% percent of future population growth will be concentrated in cities in developing countries like Nigeria and a large percentage of this population will be poor. In Africa and Asia where urbanization is still considerably lower (40 percent), both are expected to be 54% urban by 2025 (UN, 2002).

Although urbanization is the driving force for modernization, economic growth and development not only in Nigeria but in different part of the world, however, there is increasing concern about the effects of expanding cities, principally on human health, livelihoods and the environment. The implications of rapid urbanization and demographic trends for employment, food security, water supply, shelter and sanitation, especially the disposal of wastes (solid and liquid) that cities produce are staggering (UNCED, 1992). This is easily seen in a city like Lagos State.

Lagos state, southwestern Nigeria, has a population of about 17 million out of a national estimate of 150 mil-lion. Of this population, metropolitan Lagos, an area covering 37% of the land area of Lagos State, south-western Nigeria, is home to over 85% of the state population (Agbola and Agunbiade, 2007). The metropolis is an old Yoruba town, beginning in the 15^th Century and grew as a trade centre as well as seaport (Okusipe, 2003).

Lagos metropolis represents the epitome of urban decay replete with environmental problems ranging from slums and squatter settlements, crime and delinquency to health related issues. The high population growth rate of Lagos has been largely attributed to rural-urban migration which accounts for up to 75% of the population increase (Abumere, 2004). 

Hence, this study seeks to explore the environmental consequences of urbanization on the health status of the people living in Ojo Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The rate of development between the rural communities and urban centers in Nigeria seem not to be proportionate to the rumoured allocations made to the local governments. The publics’ speculation is that funds allocated to the rural communities had either been misappropriated or embezzled. Communities suffered lack of amenities for good living such as electricity, good water supply, good road networks and other developmental infrastructures. Indigenes were disgusted with their condition of living. The citizens leave their villages for greener pastures. The artisans leave their homes for the cities. The rural areas are depopulated while the cities are overpopulated. The able-bodied men and women who are energetic and who could stay in their villages to produce food for their aged parents are no more at home.

Urbanization is placing pressure on limited appropriate housing, resulting in increases in the numbers of urban residents now found to reside in informal housing. This presents a range of health and development challenges to governments, including access to water, sanitation, housing, and adequate health services.

In Nigeria, most of the available studies on urbanization such as Oyeleye (2013) Uma, Eboh and Obidike (2013), Bello-Bravo (2016), Osita-Njoku and Chikere (2015) were focusing on the causal factors which give rise to urbanization. These researches were also theoretical studies whose findings were subjectively based on researchers’ personal opinions. It is noted that the past studies did not give adequate attention to the environment consequences of urbanization in Nigeria, as well as highlighting effective strategy that can stimulate better urban development in Nigeria. Hence, the undertaking of this research work will fill in the gap by critically exploring the environment consequences of urbanization on the health status of people living in Ojo Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.

1.3       Objectives of the Study    

§  To examine the effect of urbanization on health service delivery in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

§  To find out if urbanization is leading to overcrowding in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

§  To explore the effect of rural-urban migration on public sanitation practices in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

1.4       Research Questions

This study will be conducted with the following research questions:

        i.            What is the effect of urbanization on health service delivery in Ojo LGA of Lagos State?

     ii.            Is urbanization leading to overcrowding in Ojo LGA of Lagos State?

   iii.            What is the effect of rural-urban migration on public sanitation practices in Ojo LGA of Lagos State?

1.5    Research Hypotheses

The following formulated hypotheses will be tested in the course of the study;

Hypothesis One

Ho:     There is no significant relationship between urbanization and health service delivery in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

Hi:      There is a significant relationship between urbanization and health service delivery in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

Hypothesis Two

Ho:     Urbanization is not leading to overcrowding in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

Hi:      Urbanization is leading to overcrowding in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

Hypothesis Three

Ho:     There is no significant effect of rural-urban migration on public sanitation             practices in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

Hi:      There is a significant effect of rural-urban migration on public sanitation practices           in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

1.6      Significance of the Study