Environmental pollution and associated health hazards to host communities (Case study: Niger delta region of Nigeria)

Document Type: Research paper

Authors

Abstract

This study analyzed the impact of household fuel expenditure as a means of identifying a sustainable energy. Secondary data were used obtained from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on general household survey carried out in 2016. The study employed descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Consumer Lifestyle Approach (CLA) models. The results revealed that electricity and Liquefied Petroleum Gas )LPG( are the two clean energy sources. However, it was discovered that households dedicate greater share of their income on dirty fuels. A total of 135,631kg of CO2 is emitted monthly with an average of38kgper household. The urban households were found to emit more CO2than the rural households. Furthermore, family size, income and educational level have positive effect on CO2emission, while, younger household heads emit less CO2. The Kuznet hypothesis is also found to be applicable to Nigerian households. The present research recommended that the policy of cut one tree and plant five to be reinforced, electricity supply through solar and hydro sources should be improved, income of the consumer should be augmented and LPG production and supply should also be incresead and made affordable to households.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

• Impact of poor water and sanitation on household economy was investigated.
• Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to assess the impact of poor water and sanitation on households economy.
• People have not access to proper sanitation facilities in most of the rural settlements .
• The diseases ratio was very high because of poor water and sanitation condition.
• Unawareness of WATSAN related diseases affect adversely on household economy by hospitalization, transportation and medical costs.