ABSTRACT
This study examined the
effects of Covid-19 on the residents of Asaba Metropolis. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design in
administering the research instrument (questionnaire) to the respondents in the
study area. For
the purpose of this study, data were collected from two main sources: Primary
and Secondary sources. The data was presented in
tables, statistical diagrams and analyzed with the aid of percentage and
averages. The descriptive statistical
technique was used to analyze the data collected while the chi-square method
was used to test the hypothesis formulated. The result of the hypothesis
indicated that there is significant difference between access to health facilities
before and after the covid-19 pandemic in Asaba Metropolis. The findings also revealed that Covid-19 pandemic have significant
effects on the environment. The findings also
showed that Covid-19
has significant effect on the socio-economic activities of Asaba Metropolis. It
recommended amongst others that the government of Nigeria should lay emphasis
on the protection of citizens through intervention in health sector. This
should be done through identifying various health centers/hospitals that needs
renovation/rehabilitation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page - - - - - - - - i
Certification - - - - - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - iv
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - v
Table of Contents - - - - - - - - vi
List of Tables - - - - - - - - ix
List of Figure - - - - - - - - x
Abstract - - - - - - - - xi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1. 1. Background to the
study - - - - - 1
1.2 Statement of Problem - - - - - - 5
1.3. Objective of the
Study - - - - - - 6
1.4. Hypotheses - - - - - - - 6
1.5 Significance of the
Study - - - - - 7
I .6 Study Area - - - - - - - 8
CHAPTER TWO: CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual Framework - - - - - - 13
2.2 Literature
Review - - - - - - - 18
2.2.1 Coronavirus: Definition and
Scope - - - - -18
2.2.2 Transmission
and Symptoms of COVID-19 - - - -22
2.2.3 Prevalence of COVID-19
Pandemic in Nigeria - - - -24
2.2.4 Effects of Covid-19 on Residents - - - - -27
2.3 Summary of Literature Review - - - - - -34
CHAPTER
THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. 1. Research
Design - - - - - 35
3.2. Types and Sources of Data Collection - - - 35
3.3 Population
of the Study - - - - - - 36
3.4. Sampling Framework - - - - - -36
3.5 Determination of Sample Size - - - - - 37
3.6 Research
Instrument - - - - - - -37
3.7 Validity
of Research Instrument - - - - - 38
3.8 Reliability of Research
Instrument - - - - 39
3.9 Methods of Data Collection - - - - - 39
3.10 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - 40
CHAPTER
FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1. Data Presentation and Analysis- - - - - -41
4.2 Questionnaires Administration in Asaba Metropolis - - -41
4.2.1 Personal
Information of Respondents - - - - -42
4.2.2 Level of Access to Health Facilities during
Covid-19 - - -45
4.2.3 Effects of Covd-19 on residents of Asaba
Metropolis - - 46
4.3 Testing of Hypotheses - - - - - - 50
4.4 Discussion of Findings - - - - - - 54
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1.
Summary of the Findings - - - - - - -57
5.2.
Conclusion - - - - - - - - -58
5.3. Recommendations - - - - - - - -59
REFERENCES - - - - - - - - -60
APPENDIX I- - - - - - - - -70
LISTS
OF TABLES
Table 4.1: Sex of
Respondents - - - - - - - 42
Table 4.2: Age of
Respondents - - - - - - - 42
Table 4.3: Educational status
of respondents - - - - - 43
Table 4.4: Occupational
Status - - - - - - - 43
Table 4.5: Family Size - - - - - - - - 44
Table 4.6: Disruption to
health care services - - - - - 45
Table 4.7: Effects of
Covd-19 on the environment - - - - 46
Table 4.8: Effect of
COVID-19 on Socio-economic Activities and Coping
Mechanisms - - - - - - - - 48
Table 4.9: Differences
between access to health facilities before and after the
covid-19 pandemic in the area - - - - - 50
Table 4.10: Chi-square analysis - - - - - - - 50
Table 4.11: Effect of
Covid-19 pandemic on the environment - - 51
Table 4.12: Chi-square analysis - - - - - - - 52
Table 4.13: Effect of
Covid-19 pandemic on socio-economic activities - 53
Table 4.14: Chi-square analysis - - - - - - - 53
LIST
OF FIGURE
Fig. 1.1: Map of the Study Area (Asaba) 8
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
History has it
that the Coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 outbreak emanated as an epidemic
in the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019 and over a short time became a
pandemic which is currently affecting the entire world without exception
(Etukudoh, Ejinaka, Olowu, Obeta, Adebowale & Udoudoh, 2020). The developed
world (USA, Italy, France) are most hit by the pandemic in terms of number of
infections and causalities as well as the developing economy such as Brazil and
India. At a point, the COVID-19 brought the world to her knees and is still
causing great havoc in virtually all the sectors of the economy and on the
environment (WHO, 2020a; Nassiri, 2020). Despite the high death rates in the
developed world, the African people and the economy are worst affected. Nigeria
is one of the countries in Africa that is presently witnessing tremendously
upsurge of COVID-19 cases since 27th February, 2020 when the index case was
recorded in Lagos (African Women Unite against Destructive Resources
Extraction, 2020; UN Inter Agency Network on Youth Development, 2020). It is an
Italian citizen who was in Nigeria on business trip. Since, then the case keeps
in number of confirmed cases and death. National Centre for Disease Control
(NCDC) reported the cases in as at 1st September, 2020 to be: Sample Tested
405,916; Confirmed Cases 54,247; Active Cases 11,214; Discharged Cases 42,010;
Death 1,023 (NCDC, 2020).
According to
World Health Organization, the disease broke out on 31st December 2019 in
Wuhan, a city in eastern China with a population of over 11 million people.
What started as an epidemic in China was designated a public health concern by
World Health Organization on 30th January, 2020. And on 11th March, 2020 the
World Health Organization officially declared Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic
which needed to be taken serious by the whole world. According to John Hopkins
University Covid-19 dashboard which collects information from National and
International health authorities, the world has already recorded 19,024,700
confirmed cases, 11,594,817 recovered cases and 709,282 deaths globally as of
7th August, 2020. The disease has been detected in more than 180 countries and
territories with United States of America, Brazil, India, Russia and Mexico
experiencing the most widespread outbreaks worldwide. Nigeria, unfortunately,
confirmed its first case on 27th February, 2020 (WHO, 2020).
The corona
virus pandemic has influenced significant global crisis and the greatest
effects are being experienced by the poor, local habitants, the public and
civil servants especially in the private sectors all over the world. On African
countries such as Nigeria, the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting many economic
sectors, social environmental crises such as the unemployment, closure of
markets and factories, hunger, increase in poverty levels, social violence such
as increase rate of rape cases, civil unrest, climate change, environmental
degradation, increase in generation of waste and land grabs among others
(African Women Unite against Destructive Resources Extraction, 2020).
Nigeria a
densely populated country with low healthcare infrastructure and multiple
preexisting fragilities is currently battling to manage the pandemic (Nigeria
Centre for Disease Control, 2020). Since the emergence of the COVID-19
pandemic, the Nigerian governments and all other concerned stakeholders have
made various efforts to flatten the curve of the spread of the disease
(Mustapha, Adedokun & Abdullahi, 2020; Olanrewaju & Olowoporoku, 2020).
Efforts made by the government to manage the spread of this disease include
population disaggregation with stay at home orders, closure of learning
institutions, restrictions/ban on public gatherings, public awareness for the
promotion of proper sanitation habits, social distancing etc. (Bassey &
Akaninyene, 2020). These actions popularly known as the lockdown in the country
has led to change in household waste generation, disposal and sanitation
behaviour.
The outbreak
in Nigeria has so far spread to all the States and the Federal Capital
Territory, Abuja. Record shows that Lagos has the highest cases of the Covid-19
and Kaduna a state in the Northwest rank 6thin terms of confirmed cases with
2,141 as at 1st September, 2020. Furthermore, it is estimated that 29% of the
country’s disease burden is linked to risk factors in the environment being the
home of man. The environment is the sum total of all surroundings of living
organisms; the aggregate of social, cultural, physical, chemical and biotic
factors that influence the life of organisms, individuals and communities. It
is very pertinent to note that the environment is very patient and absorbs both
natural and anthropogenic activities but never forgives and gives back severely
to the offender (WHO, 2020). Arguably, man through various anthropogenic
activities has done more harm than good to the environment. These activities of
man have resulted to numerous environmental problems that are bedevilling the
world especially the developing economy. While the developed world has imbedded
the concept of environmental sustainability, same cannot be said of the
underdeveloped world such as Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of Problem
In developing
economies like Nigeria with 69 percent of people living below poverty level, it
is important the impact of coronavirus should not only be seen from the angle
of health and economic crises but also the social crises which impact can only
be imagine from a position of a profound disadvantage society. The UNDP have
predicted that, income losses in developing economies are expected to exceed
$220 billion with an estimated 55 percent of the global population with no
access to social protection to suffer the impact of this pandemic more on
education, human rights and in most severe cases, basic food security and
Nutrition. Also, according to the Sun newspaper of Monday, June 29th 2020, the
World Bank has predicted an estimated 95.7 million Nigerians would be joining
extremely poor countries across the world by 2022 due to the impact of
coronavirus pandemic. This is in addition to a previous report stating that before
covid-19 outbreak, 90 million Nigerians were already living in extreme poverty
of less than a dollar per day. While there is much focus by analyst and
researches in assessing the impact of coronavirus at National, and global
level, Ortserga (2017), have argued that such analysis hardly capture the real
impact on the people who form the foundation on which the economy stands and is
supported, as both National economic growth and development are products of a
localize system that cannot be effectively analyze and understood at the
topmost level without understanding the foundation on which such economy
structure is formed. It is on this bases that the study analyzes the effects of
coronavirus using aggregate data to bring out issues of concern to both policy
makers and planners. The central issue the study address is the effects of
coronavirus with focus on protecting livelihoods of the urban poor in Asabai,
Delta State Nigeria.
1.3 Objectives of
the Study
The major
objective of the study is to examine the effects of COVID-19 on residents of
Asaba Metropolis. It specific objectives are to:
i.
ascertain the level of
access to health facilities during covid-19 in Asaba Metropolis
ii.
examine the effects of
covd-19 on the environment of Asaba
Metropolis
iii.
determine the effect of
covid-19 on socio-economic activities in Asaba Metropolis
1.4. Hypotheses
The following
null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study;
1. There
is no significant difference between access to health facilities before and
after the covid-19 pandemic in Asaba Metropolis.
2. Covid-19
pandemic does not have significant effects on the environment.
3. Covid-19
has no significant effect on the socio-economic activities of Asaba Metropolis.
1.5. Significance of the Study
The study focuses on the effects of COVID-19 on residents
of Asaba Metropolis. First, it will contributes to the emerging literature on
environmental effects of COVID-19 by providing empirical work on access to
health facilities before and after the covid-19 pandemic, increase in the generation
of medical infectious waste and rate of waste collections and the impact of
coronavirus on livelihoods of the people of Asaba.
Secondly, from
a policy perspective, this study would enable the government of Nigeria to
identify gaps in its outbreak mitigation strategies that aim to prevent and
control the spread of COVID-19. For instance, regarding COVID-19 information,
the government may consider using multiple channels in order to get vital
information to various segments of the population.
As there is no
prior study, hence it is expected that this study will expose the existent
scenario with safety equipment’s use and their disposal practices amid COVID19
in Asaba, which might be helpful for the local administrations and
policymakers.
1.6 Study Area
1.6.1
Location and Size
The study area is located in Oshimili
South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Asaba is located between latitude 6°17' and 6°2'N and longitude 6°24'
and 6°45'E with an area extent of 2 about 773km (Fig. 1.1). Asaba is chosen for
this study because it exhibits as part of the variables homogenous
socio-economic and cultural characteristics and falls within the same
agro-climatic and other geography conditions (Enebeli, 2017).
1.6.2 Geology and Relief
The geological surface of the study
area is made up of lateritic sand, clay and sandstone with occasional lignite
seam which is the characteristic of the Asaba-Ogwashi formation, Ameki and
Ogwashi- Asaba formations in the northeast of Delta State and the coastal plain
sands (Benin formation) that astride the northern boundary with Edo State and
beyond (Ejemeyovwi, 2015a).
The Ogwashi-Asaba formation is made up of coarse grained sands containing
lignite and peaty clay seams.
Asaba is generally low lying
sedimentary terrain, generally flat and has gentle slope which lies in the
coastal plain of Southern Nigeria. The area is gently undulating plain without
even a single hill rising above the general land surface. The mean elevation of
the area is generally below 50 metres above sea level which favour the growth
of rice (Okpor, 2002).
1.6.3 Vegetation and Climate
The vegetation is that of the
tropical rainforest belt characterized by dense vegetation cover consisting of
evergreen forest of tall trees with undergrowth of climbing plants that are
closed together along the streams and creek channels and this normally typifies
primary vegetation while the presence of grassland with sparse trees and shrubs
typified the secondary vegetation pattern within the vegetation belt (Enebeli,
2017). The vegetation is tropical evergreen rainforest with tall trees and
undergrowth. This has been interfered by anthropogenic activities such as
farming, bush burning, grazing and rapid development in the area which has
contributed to air pollution in one way or the other. Due to these effects, the
vegetation of the study area has been observed as mainly of secondary type with
patches of trees in grassland. The natural vegetation of Asaba are the tropical
rainforest (Enebeli, 2017). The plant community is basically of evergreen
species that yield hardwood e.g Entaudrophragma Spp, Melicia excelsa, Khaya
Ivorensis, Lovoa trchiliodes etc. Grassland vegetation is also found in
many areas in Asaba, mainly in patches (Julius,
2009).
The major
factor that is responsible for the changes in the climate of Asaba includes the
falling of trees (deforestation) and farming thereby causing the climate
prevailing in the area to be quite distinct from that of the surrounding since
the thermal equilibrium of the area have been altered (Julius, 2009). In the
rainy season, high rainfall and poorly drained soil of low retention capacity
results in wide spread flooding and erosion. Thus, 80% of the entire area is
flooded with the rivers overflowing their banks at the peak of wet season as
the coastline is buffeted throughout the year by tidal current (tides) of the
Niger and indeed Astlantic Ocean (Ejemeyovwi, 2009).
1.6.4 Drainage
Asaba is situated on the valley of
River Niger with its tributary streams. There are human settlements along the
banks of the River as well as business activities, such as dredging and other
commercial and domestic activities in the vicinity of the River (Chukwu, 2017).
River Niger and its tributaries drainage system is characterized by very low
velocity of flow due to its low elevation together with very high capacity
discharge of sediments. This results in features such as braided channels,
lagoons, canals, bars, creeks, meanders as shown in the Nigeria Surveys
topographical sheet of the area map of that result from alternative flooding
and exposure episodes of a long rainy season with short dry season accompanied
with tidal movements. In the rainy season, high rainfall and poorly drained
soil of low retention capacity results in wide spread flooding and erosion.
Thus, 80% of the entire area is flooded with the rivers overflowing their banks
at the peak of wet season as the coastline is buffeted throughout the year by
tidal current (tides) of the Atlantic Ocean (Ejemeyovwi, 2015b; Ejemeyovwi, 2008).
1.6.5 Population
The population of the area, according
to the 2006 national population census data, is approximately 241,289. The
proximity of the study area to Onitsha, a major commercial city, in the
neighbouring Anambra State, and the fact that Asaba has been the administrative
headquarters of Oshimili South Local Government Area, promoted trade and
commerce in Asaba prior to the creation of Delta State. There has been a
tremendous growth in human population; it has grown from being a rural area to
an urban area. In 2006 population census, it has a high population density that
is concentrated in the core areas of the city. Thus, as population increases
there is an increase in anthropogenic activities which in turn leads to over
population, pressure on land and social facilities such as pipe born water,
schools, housing, hospital, high rate of crime and so on.
1.6.6 Socio Economic Activities
The majority of rural dwellers in the
area engage in farming and other agricultural activities. The creation of the
State, however, has boosted the administrative and commercial status of Asaba,
attracting industries and increasing trade and commerce in the area. The main
town has a network of good roads, standard hotels and communication facilities.
The Niger Bridge connects Asaba to Onitsha in Anambra State but separated by
the River Niger. There are also high commercial activities in areas of
transportation industry with Delta line and private ownership. Apart from
occupations like civil service, most indigenes are traders and self-employed. A
lot of wastes from industrial and domestic activities in and around the fast
growing town of Asaba and highly urbanized town of Onitsha as well as
surrounding villages of Okoh, Anwai and Ugbolu contribute to air pollution. The
saw mill, transportation sectors, industrial generators, Mami market, Cable
market and Delta textile mills Asaba are some of the known contributors to air
pollution. Metal fabricators along the catchment areas are involved in the
production of car rims, iron beds, cutlasses, pots, underground and surface
tanks etc, in and around Asaba/Onitsha axis of the river catchments. Thus, are
some of the major contributors to the air pollution.
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