Authors: Adebowale, O. and Adebowale, O.O
European Journal of Social Science;Jun2011, Vol. 22 Issue 1, p66
Abstract
Environmental pollution arising from industrial activities causes economic hardship especially for rural dwellers whose livelihood and livelihood activities are sometimes completely destroyed. This study investigates the effect of industrial water pollution on the livelihood of rural dwellers in Yewa area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 182 respondents for the study. Purposive sampling method was used to select two L.G.As:Ado odo ota (where industrial effluents are released rivers) and Yewa south. 90 and 92 respondents were selected from Ado odo ota (downstream) and Yewa south(upstream) respectively.Response rate was 95%. However the study shows that only a small proportion of respondents in Ado Odo Ota L.G.A are involved in non agricultural income generating activities. There is a significant relationship between perceived effect of industrial water pollution and the livelihood activities of rural dwellers in the study area. (r= -0.253, p<0.05). There is a relationship between perceived effect of industrial water pollution and respondents income (-196,p>0.05). The impact of industrial water pollution is highest in Ado Odo Ota where effluent from industries had damaged their water resources and affected their livelihood a great deal. However, measures must be taken to stem or eradicate the problems posed by these industries located near them. Members of the community should community watch dog directly monitoring the activities of these industries in their locality and report to the appropriate law enforcement agents.