1Muntaka H.A., 2Magaji J.I., 2 Ogah A.T., 2Bello I.E., 3Umar I.A. and 4 Idris A. Ja
1Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Plot 22D Cadastral Zone B6 Mabushi, Abuja.
2Department of Geography, Faculty of Environmental Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
3Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, Department of Farm Input and Support Services, Abuja
4Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University, Keffi
*Corresponding author’s Email: ibrahimbuji84@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100128
ABSTRACT
Rapid urban expansion in Nigeria has intensified the proliferation of unmanaged dumpsites within residential areas, disproportionately affecting low-income populations. This study examined the socioeconomic characteristics of households residing around selected dumpsites in Lafia, Keffi, and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and assessed associated environmental exposure risks. A total of 180 households were surveyed using structured questionnaires, while descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were employed for data analysis. Results showed that most respondents belonged to the economically active age group (31 – 40 years), while over 70% were engaged in low-income occupations such as farming and petty trading. Approximately 78.9% of respondents earned between ₦110,000 and ₦500,000 annually, indicating generally low household income levels among dumpsite communities. Logistic regression analysis indicated that distance from dumpsites was significantly associated with reported health symptoms (OR = 0.43, p = 0.002), while higher income reduced exposure risk (OR = 0.59, p = 0.010). Households located within 0–200 m of dumpsites reported higher incidences of skin irritation, diarrhea, and respiratory symptoms. The study concludes that environmental health risks were more common among low income households residing near dumpsites. Improved urban planning, engineered landfill development, environmental health education, and stricter waste management regulations are recommended.
KEYWORDS
Dumpsite communities, Environmental justice, Wast exposure, Nigeria.