ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF URBANIZATION IN LAFIA METROPOLIS, NASARAWA STATE

ABSTRACT

This research work was carried out on the Analysis of The Effect of Urbanization In Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State. The study examined sources, causes, effect and solution to the problem of urbanization in the study area. In this study observation, land-use and land-cover classification (LULC), individual and questionnaire were used in order to gather data for presentation and analysis. In the analysis of the data gathered, tables, bar chart, and pie chart was used for easy interpretation and understanding. The research has taken 2.5% sample of the population to administer questionnaire used and read on sample techniques. The problems of urbanization in Lafia Metropolis are enormous, they include urban crime, traffic congestion, poor health and spread of diseases, water and sanitation problem, development of slum and ghettos, climate change, increase population, housing deficit, congestion, overcrowding tournament, stretch on facilities and amenities, and also lost of biodiversity and wildlife. The researcher here by recommended that; There is need for the provision of essential services in both urban and rural areas; stakeholders must ensure all populations within the urban & rural areas have access to adequate essential social services, there is also need for the decentralization of activities in Nasarawa State, the government should move some MDA`s (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) headquarters to other part of the state, this will enhance more development in all part of the state and Lafia Metropolis would be decongested, Building sustainable & environmentally friendly cities, government should pass laws that plan and provide environmentally sound cities and smart growth techniques, considering that people should not reside in unsafe and polluted areas, Government should also encourage sustainable use of urban resources and support and economy based on sustainable environment, such as through investment in green infrastructure, sustainable industries, recycling and environmental campaigns, pollution management, renewable energy, green public transportation, and water recycling and reclamation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

Urbanization is the process by which cities expand as a result of economic growth and industrialization. It also causes changes in human behavior, labor division, and specialization that are unique to urban areas. (Ndahlahwa 2014). Unchecked urbanization in Nigeria has resulted in rapid environmental degradation that is causing a number of issues, including housing shortages, declining water quality, deforestation, global warming, urban heat, excessive air pollution, noise pollution, dust and heat, and issues with solid waste and hazardous waste disposal (FEPA 2020).

One of the key elements of both social and economic change is urbanization. Every region's level of industrialization and urbanization has a direct impact on its development. Urbanization, however, also affects the biotic and abiotic ecosystem qualities inside, around, and even far from metropolitan regions. It is a major contributor to pollution and climate change. The term "urbanization" describes both the overall rise in population and the degree of industrialization inside a community. It involves a growth in both the quantity and size of cities. It represents the migration of individuals from rural to urban regions. Increases in the size and density of urban areas lead to urbanization. Rapid environmental deterioration has resulted in numerous issues, including land insecurity. The rising urban population of the city and the way of living is affecting its natural

environment. Although it is impossible to restrict urbanization but it has to be ensured that urbanization proceeds in the right path causing minimum impact on environment.

Urbanization is a process whereby populations move from rural to urban areas, enabling cities and towns to grow. It can also be termed as a progressive increase in the number of people living in towns and cities. It is highly influenced by the notion that cities and towns have achieved better economic, political, and social mileages compared to rural areas.

Accordingly, urbanization is very common in developing and developed worlds as more and more people have the tendency of moving closer to towns and cities to acquire “privileged” social and economic services as well as benefits. These include social and economic advantages such as better education, health care, sanitation, housing, business opportunities, and transportation.

“Urbanization (or urbanization) refers to the population shift from rural to urban areas, the decrease in the proportion of people living in rural areas, and the ways in which societies adapt to this change. It is predominantly the process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas. (Opeyemi, S. I. 2019)

The majority of people move to cities and towns because they view rural areas as places with hardship and backward/primitive lifestyles. Therefore, as populations move to more developed areas (towns and cities) the immediate outcome is urbanization

This normally contributes to the development of land for use in commercial properties, social and economic support institutions, transportation, and residential buildings. Eventually, these activities raise several urbanization issues.

Probably most of the major environmental problems of the next century will result from the continuation and sharpening of existing problems that currently do not receive enough political attention. The problems are not necessarily noticed in many countries or then nothing is done even

the situation has been detected. The most emerging issues are climate changes, freshwater scarcity, deforestation, and fresh water pollution and population growth. These problems are very complex and their interactions are hard to define. It is very important to examine problems trough the social-economic-cultural system. Even the interconnections between environmental problems are now better known, we still lack exact information on how the issues are linked, on what degree they interact and what are the most effective measures. One problem is to integrate land- and water use planning to provide food and water security (UNEP 1999).

1.2 Statement of Problems

Urbanization has become a critical issue and its possesses risk and damage to the environment. Urbanization has an effect on Lafia metropolis with undergoing serious degradation due to peripheral utilization. Urbanization, according to (Berry 1973) is “a process of population concentration. It proceeds in two ways; the multiplication of the points of concentration and the increase in the size of individual concentrations

Lafia metropolis is faced with serious challenges such as urban crime, traffic congestion, poor health and spread of diseases, water and sanitation problem, development of slum and ghettos, climate change, increase population, housing deficit, congestion, overcrowding tournament, stretch on facilities and amenities, and also lost of biodiversity and wildlife.

All the aforementioned is as a result of urbanization due to population increase and poaching resulting in natural degradation thereby deviating this geographical from it natural form. The above mention have interest me to studying more about the influence of urbanization in Lafia metropolis and recommended the possible solution to effect conservation.

1.3 Research Questions

1.     What are the spatial effects of urbanization in the study area?

      2.     How has urbanization affect socio-economic activities of the area.