FAECAL SLUDGE MANAGEMENT IN THE CORE OF AKURE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study appraised Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) in the core of Akure with a view to suggesting effective FSM systems that will prevent health and environmental hazard. The study employed a survey research design. Primary data on socio economic and household characteristics of respondents, FSM value chain, among others were obtained from the residents of randomly selected 10 housing quarters in the core of Akure. Secondary data include information from National Population Commission, satellite imageries among others. A sample size of 400 respondents amounted to 3.4% of the total household heads were randomly selected across the study area for questionnaire administration. Four hundred structured questionnaires were administered, transect walk variant of observation technique and interview guide were used to obtain primary data. The random sampling technique with replacement was used to pick respondents in residential buildings for the field survey. Purposive sampling technique was used to interview selected emptying service providers. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to process and analyse the data. Analysis was carried out at univariate (Frequency distribution), bivariate (Point Biseral correlation) and multivariate (Multiple regression analysis) levels. Tables and Figures were used in the presentation of findings. This study revealed that significant proportion of respondents were urban poor with low level of educational attainment. In addition, this study showed that faecal sludge management in the study area was unhygienic, unsafe, and perilous to environmental and public health. Thus, recommends the adoption and adaptation of twin pit pour flush system among others. Hence, concludes that synergistic measures that would involve sound public private partnership will immeasurably improve faecal sludge management in the core and Akure at large.