International Journal of Environmental Problems

3-18

Authors: Oluwole Daramola a, Oluwaseun Olowoporoku a , *, Oluwatofunmi Aribisala

This paper examined the influence of local governance on residents’ environmental sanitation behavior in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This was with a view to suggesting policy response in furtherance of a sustainable environmental behavior among residents in the city and others with similar background. Four residential zones were identified in the study area. A total of 2,881 buildings were identified comprising 739, 154, 357 and 431 respectively in the low income, middle income, high income and post crisis residential area. One out of every 10th residential building was sampled in each residential area. A total of 288 residents were selected for survey using systematically sampling technique. The study revealed that residents’ socio-economic characteristics varied significantly across residential areas. The study also found that there is low level of access to environmental sanitation facilities/services in the low income, middle income and post crisis residential areas. The study established that a relationship exist between residents’ environmental sanitation behavior and their place of residence. The study also established a variation in the level of agreement of the functions of the mandated monthly environmental sanitation exercise. In general, the maintenance of dumpsites within the city by government was not satisfactory to the residents across the four identified residential areas. The study recommended a synergy of strategies among environmentally-concerned institutions in the study area in provision of facilities/services, environmental awareness and enforcement of sanitation legislations in the study area.

24-28

Authors: I.A.A. Ibrahim, M.M. Mohammad, A.A. Faisal, H. Musa

This research aimed to study the bioactivity of crude extracts of stem bark of Vetillariaparadoxa “Shea-nut tree” as used in traditional medicine for treatment of stomach ache and control of diarrhea, using hexane, acetone and ethanol as the extraction solvents. Phytochemical screening of stem bark of extracts of Vitellariaparadoxa revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Ethanol, acetone, and hexane extracts inhibited the growth of pathogenic Escherichia coli, salmonella typhi, and staphilycoccusaureus with varying degrees of activity with the ethanol extract demonstrating the highest activity against all the tested bacterial organisms.

37-44

Authors: Adewale Olufunlola Yoade

Background. This study examines factors responsible for poor environmental health among vulnerable residents of Ondo, Nigeria. This was with a view to suggesting policy response capable of enhancing healthy environment in the city and others with similar background. Materials and Methods. Systematic sampling was used to collect data from a total of 196 households having stratified the study area into the high, medium and low densities residential neighbourhoods. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. Results. Findings showed that low government intervention was the most important factor responsible for poor urban environmental health in the study area. Results showed that environmental factors are significantly related to health situation of vulnerable people in the study area. Conclusion. The study concluded that poverty tends to breed poor environmental and unhygienic conditions that have great impact on human health. The study therefore suggests some policy guidelines, including redevelopment (in some parts of the study area), upgrading and provision of basic infrastructural amenities and facilities.

56-75

Authors: M.M. Mukaddas, A. Mohammad, F.A. Mohammad

Material waste has been a great nuisance in the construction industry. It is the major cause of the high cost, low value and poor service delivery in the construction industry. The purpose of this study is to provide data that will increase knowledge on waste minimization in construction sites by identifying sources and causes of avoidable waste on construction sites and valuation of level of knowledge of the lean concepts among construction specialists and recognizing obstacles to effective application of the lean concept in construction. Data for the study were obtained through site visitations, interviews and the administration of 1000 questionnaires. Respondents included all the major professionals in the construction industry. Ratios and Simple percentages were used to analyze the data. Data from the analyses indicated about 10 % to 33 % of total construction materials are wasted on site. Results also revealed that method of operation, storage and handling of construction materials, procurement methods, record keeping and design were the major sources of waste on construction sites. It also revealed the presence of some degree in knowledge of lean construction among the construction experts.