Niger is afflicted with high rates of poverty, high fertility rates, frequent environmental crises, and climate change. Recurrent droughts and floods have led to chronic food insecurity linked to poor maternal and neonatal nutrition outcomes in vulnerable regions. We analyzed maternal and neonatal nutrition trends and subnational variability between 2000 and 2021 with a focus on the implementation of policies and programs surrounding two acute climate shocks in 2005 and 2010. We used four sources of data: (a) national household surveys for maternal and newborn nutritional indicators allowing computation of trends and differences at national and regional levels; (b) document review of food security reports; (c) 30 key informant interviews and; (d) one focus group discussion. Many food security policies and nutrition programs were enacted from 2000 to 2020. Gains in maternal and neonatal nutrition indicators were more significant in targeted vulnerable regions of Maradi, Zinder, Tahoua and Tillabéri, from 2006 to 2021. However, poor access to financial resources for policy execution and suboptimal implementation of plans have hindered progress. In response to the chronic climate crisis over the last 20 years, the Nigerien government and program implementers have demonstrated their commitment to reducing food insecurity and enhancing resilience to climate shocks by adopting a deliberate multisectoral effort. However, there is more that can be achieved with a continued focus on vulnerable regions to build resilience, targeting high risk populations, and investing in infrastructure to improve health systems, food systems, agriculture systems, education systems, and social protection.
This study examined the spatio-temporal dynamics of malaria epidemiological patterns considering environmental(vegetation, water bodies, slope, elevation) and climatic factors (rainfall, temperature and relative humidity) in Ondo State, Nigeria, from 2013 to 2017 using ArcGIS 10.4 and QGIS software. The factors influencing malaria were studied using a multi-criteria analysis (Analytical Hierarchical Process-AHP). The trend analysis revealed an increase in cases over time, indicating a significant increase in the occurrence of malaria in all study areas. The most important climatic variable impacting malaria transmission in the study was temperature. Nevertheless, other environmental and climatic factors causing transmission include vegetation, water bodies, slopes, elevation, rainfall, and relative humidity. With the exception of Okitipupa, the study identified high-risk locations (vulnerable areas/hot spots) in almost all of the local government areas, while Ondo East, Akure South, Akoko South West, and Owo are the most vulnerable areas. The findings reveal that the malaria incidence is high in the developed LGAs having more towns where temperature is higher due to several anthropogenesis activities, high population and increased land-use. Thus, in-depth epidemiological studies on malaria should be undertaken in Ondo State and other regions of Nigeria considering environmental factors impacting malaria incidence as this will enable one to ascertain the major factors influencing the disease, thereby taking adequate measures to curb the increase in incidence.
Sustainable management of groundwater resources in geological transition zones (GTZ) is essential due to their complex geology, increasing population, industrialization, and climate change. Groundwater quality monitoring and assessment represent a viable panacea to this problem. Therefore, there is a great need to investigate groundwater resources in terms of their chemistry and pollution to ascertain their quality and implement robust pollution abatement strategies. This study focused on the characterization of groundwater in a typical geological transition zone in northeastern Nigeria. Eighty-seven (87) groundwater samples were collected from dug wells and boreholes during the 2017 dry season. pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured in situ using a multiparameter probe, while major cations and anions were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry and ion chromatography, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), water quality index, and standard hydrochemical plots. TDS ranged between 95 and 1154 mg L(-1) in basement terrains and between 49 and 1105 in sedimentary areas. pH ranged between 6.8 and 7.7 mg L(-1) in basement terrains and between 5.0 and 6.5 in sedimentary areas, suggesting a moderately acidic to alkaline low mineralized groundwater. Calcium (2.6-128.0 mg L(-1)) was the dominant cation in the basement areas, suggesting silicate weathering/dissolution, while sodium (1.9-106.0 mg L(-1)) dominated the sedimentary zones due to base exchange reactions. The PCA analysis suggests that mineral dissolution (mostly silicate weathering) controls the hydrochemistry of the basement aquifers, while ion exchange and albite weathering, with some influence of anthropogenic factor, control the sedimentary aquifers. The water quality index revealed that the basement setting was predominated by poor to unsuitable groundwater, while the sedimentary terrain was characterized by potable groundwater. The dominant hydrochemical facie in the basement areas was Ca(2+)-(Mg(2+))-HCO(3)(-) characteristic of recharge meteoric water. The Na(+)- (K(+))-HCO(3)(-) facie characterized the sedimentary zones, indicative of cation exchange reactions, while the mixed water facie typifies the geological contact zones. The shallow nature of the basement groundwaters makes them more susceptible to geogenic and anthropogenic pollution compared to the sandstone aquifers. However, the basement aquifers have better irrigation indices (Kelly ratio and soluble sodium percent) as compared to the sandstone aquifers, which exhibit poor Kelly ratios (< 1) and soluble sodium percent (> 50) ratings. Results from the study clearly highlight the poor-unsuitable groundwater quality in parts of the studied GTZ and can be very instrumental to the policymakers in implementing sustainable water treatment strategies and cleaner production technologies in GTZ to forestall the incidence of water-related diseases.
The African Niger Delta is among the world’s most important wetlands in which the ecological effects of intensive oil exploitation and global change are not well documented. We characterized the seasonal dynamics and pollution with total-petroleum-hydrocarbons (TPHs), heavy-metals (HMs) and nutrient-loads in relation to climate-driven variables. High TPH concentrations up to 889 mg/L and HMs up to 13.119 mg/L were found in water samples, with pronounced spatio-temporal variation throughout the year. HM pollution index and contamination factor indicate serious ecological and human health hazards, especially for Cd, Cu, Hg, and Ni. Significant differences in TPHs/HMs were observed between sites and seasons, with correlations between TPHs-HMs, and climate-variables and TPHs-HMs. Nutrient levels, turbidity, salinity, temperature, and SO(4)(2-) were high and interlinked with the variability of TPHs/HMs being greatest during wet season. These findings suggest an urgent need for improved pollution control in the Niger Delta taking into account the observed spatio-temporal variation and the exacerbation of effects in light of climate change. Given the high levels of contamination, further assessments of exposure effects and bioaccumulation in biota should include future climate change scenarios and effects on humans who intensively depend on the system for drinking water, food supply and livelihood.
INTRODUCTION: Understanding the specific geospatial variations in childhood stunting is essential for aligning appropriate health services to where new and/or additional nutritional interventions are required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national targets. OBJECTIVES: We described local variations in the prevalence of childhood stunting at the second administrative level and its determinants in Nigeria after accounting for the influence of geospatial dependencies. METHODS: This study used the 2018 national Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey datasets (NDHS; N = 12,627). We used a Bayesian geostatistical modelling approach to investigate the prevalence of stunting at the second administrative level and its proximal and contextual determinants among children under five years of age in Nigeria. RESULTS: In 2018, the overall prevalence of childhood stunting in Nigeria was 41.5% (95% credible interval (CrI) from 26.4% to 55.7%). There were striking variations in the prevalence of stunting that ranged from 2.0% in Shomolu in Lagos State, Southern Nigeria to 66.4% in Biriniwa in Jigawa State, Northern Nigeria. Factors positively associated with stunting included being perceived as small at the time of birth and experience of three or more episodes of diarrhoea in the two weeks before the survey. Children whose mothers received a formal education and/or were overweight or obese were less likely to be stunted compared to their counterparts. Children who were from rich households, resided in households with improved cooking fuel, resided in urban centres, and lived in medium-rainfall geographic locations were also less likely to be stunted. CONCLUSION: The study findings showed wide variations in childhood stunting in Nigeria, suggesting the need for a realignment of health services to the poorest regions of Northern Nigeria.
Environmental pollution arises from the myriad of chemicals in current and historic applications. In Nigeria, the fate of pollutants among other factors relies on water runoffs with pollution implications on the flooded environment. In addition, there is a need for applications of pesticides against disease vectors in a flood-prone environment, therefore increasing pollution complications in the environment. Literature information is missing regarding the levels and public health risk implications of contaminants such as heavy metals and organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in groundwater and residential soils within the selected flood-prone residential locations in Lagos, Nigeria. This study was hence targeted at examining the levels and health risks of heavy metals and OCP residues in residential soils and groundwater sources of the targeted environment. Seven heavy metals comprising Cd, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Co were detected in the water samples with high concentrations of iron (mean = 22,000 mg/kg) and Zn (mean = 810 mg/kg). Only Fe (mean = 5.8 mu g/L) and Zn (mean = 2.6 mu g/L) were detected in the groundwater samples. Fifteen OCP residues were observed in the soil samples within the concentration range of 7.9 to 13 (mean = 11) mg/kg while seven OCP residues were reported in the groundwater samples within the concentration range of 0.19 to 0.35 (mean = 0.24) mg/kg. There was a concern about high contamination of dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide in the groundwater sources with concentrations exceeding the WHO (2017) drinking water guideline. A significant Pearson correlation (< 0.05) was obtained for endrin and endosulfan I in water and soil samples indicating potential contamination of groundwater from soil sources. The diagnostic ratio indicated possible applications of endosulfan and some other OCP residues. Overall, our data indicated low health risk implications for all the targeted contaminants. We recommend continuous investigation of newly listed priority chemicals such as dicofol and more public engagement on the implication of environmental pollution and health impacts of regulated chemicals.
In 2021, Nigeria witnessed a severe cholera outbreak that affected Borno state, in which more than 1,600,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) resided at the time. This rapid appraisal explored factors that facilitate the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in sites hosting IDPs in Northeast Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), management, and healthcare personnel working in 10 displacement camps in Borno state. The interviews were complemented by transect walks and field observations, measurements of free residual chlorine levels, and publicly available data published by the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix. The recurrence of cholera outbreaks appears to be facilitated by substantial interactions between IDPs and host communities, and suboptimal WASH services in camps. Of particular concern, IDP camps are exposed to extreme weather-related events that damage facilities and subsequently affect WASH practices. WASH services in camps may likewise be severely hindered by an influx of new arrivals. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of expanding WASH activities to host communities and developing site-specific WASH interventions and chlorination targets. Practical recommendations are needed for the prevention and control of outbreaks following extreme weather-related events and population influxes.
The promise of a healthier, more comfortable, and more productive way of life has fueled a rapid technological transition, and a regenerative built environment has emerged as the tagline to denote the recent sustainable development. In the built environment, the regenerative paradigm has emerged as a transformative approach that goes beyond mere sustainability, aiming to restore, renew, and enhance the ecosystems affected by human activities. However, the concept of the regenerative paradigm and its potential to foster sustainable development has been understudied in recent time. Therefore, this paper explores how we can transform the built environment in the face of the present impacts of climate change using a new regenerative paradigm concept. The objectives of the study are: (i) to explore the predictors of climate change, (ii) to determine the negative impacts of environmental issues on inhabitants’ health, and (iii) to explore adaptive climate change strategies for Nigeria’s regenerative built environment. The study sample consisted of 235 stratified respondents’ opinions from within the built environment in southwestern Nigeria collected via a self-administered questionnaire. The collected quantitative data was analysed using SPSS (version 22) logistic regression analysis. The major results of the analysis revealed: (i) the ten most important predictors of climate change indicators, (ii) the existence of negative consequences of the impacts of climate change on inhabitants’ health in southwestern regions of Nigeria, and (iii) a significant (p & LE; 0.05) in all regenerative factors: planting native species has the highest & beta; coefficient of 0.499, followed by the biophilic approach (0.494), the establishment of a city’s tree canopy (0.467), the creation of a green functional green space (0.436), the use of smart landscaping techniques (0.388), and the development of a healthy watershed (0.314). This indicates that to have a regenerative built environment it is essential to create a functional green space, plant native species, establish a city’s tree canopy, create a healthy watershed, and render a biophilic approach. The study’s recommendations include urgent action to integrate climate change interventions into the decision-making processes, initiatives, and development plans of the Nigerian government. This integration should prioritize sustainable practices within the built environment, considering the regenerative paradigm’s potential to address climate change impact effectively.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, many cities are facing an increased risk of heat due to climate change and rapid urbanization. This poses a particular threat in areas with limited adaptive capacity. However, there is a lack of comprehensive heat risk assessment in the region, possibly due to the absence of high-resolution weather data. This study aims to address this gap by proposing and demonstrating a methodology for mapping high-risk areas in a tropical humid city, specifically focusing on Lagos, Nigeria. The approach utilises advanced numerical modelling techniques and open-source geospatial data. The urbanised Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is employed to simulate Humidex-based heat stress during a specific heatwave event in March 2020. Open-source high resolution geospatial datasets were used to assess heat exposure and vulnerability. The urban areas were classified based on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) scheme. Spatial analysis techniques, including Moran’s I test and Optimized Hot Spot Analysis (OHSA), were used to identify spatial clustering patterns and hot spots of heat risk areas. Moreover, using Gi* statistics in OHSA, the risk layer was categorised into hot, cold, and non-significant spots at various levels of significance (90 %, 95 %, and 99 %). Mapping the hot spots at the highest confidence level of 99 % identified Critical Heat Risk Zones (CHRZ), covering an area of approximately 423 km2. The results showed significant heat risk in highly urbanised LCZs. Further investigation indicated that the largest proportion of highrisk zones corresponded to densely populated and highly urbanised LCZs- LCZ3 (59 %), LCZ 6(21 %), and LCZ 7 (17 %). Notably, these areas coincide with two well-known slums in Lagos, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and planning measures in these areas. The findings highlight the magnitude and extent of heat risk within the city and emphasize the urgent need for targeted climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in the identified high-risk zones.
Introduction: Secondary sex ratio is the number of live male births per 100 female births. In humans, the primary sex ratio, which is the sex ratio at conception, is expected to be 1:1 in natural populations based on the law of independent assortment of the X and Y chromosomes. This is not the case with the sex ratio at birth as it is largely affected by various social and cultural practices that it tends to bias towards one sex, with profound implications for population and demographic dynamics. Materials and Methods: We collected retrospective data of records of live births from three Southwestern Nigerian states, covering 10 years. The data were obtained from different Hospitals/Birth Centres from three states, i.e., Lagos, Ondo and Osun, between 2006 and 2017. Data analysis was performed to determine the monthly, quarterly, yearly and seasonal variation in sex ratios. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the significance of differences in sex ratios at P < 0.05. Results: Annual average sex ratios of 99.7, 105.6 and 106.0 were obtained for Lagos, Osun and Ondo, respectively, while the pooled data had a sex ratio of 104.2, indicating male preponderance. Sex ratios differ significantly according to season. Differences in sex ratio were significant during the dry season in Lagos and Osun states and in Ondo during the rainy season. Conclusions: Sex ratios from Southwest Nigeria are as diverse as other populations, with ratios ranging between 99.7 and 106.0.
Background Household water security encompasses water-related factors that pose threats to public health at the household level. It presents a reliable access to water in sufficient quantity and quality towards meeting basic human needs. This study assessed the dynamics of seasonal variations in household water security and the association between household water security and diarrheal disease across dry and wet seasons in an urban settlement in Southwest Nigeria. Methods A panel study design was employed to study 180 households selected using a multistage sampling technique. The selected households were studied during dry and rainy seasons. Household water security was assessed through the application of the all or none principle to 9 indicators associated with household water security. The intensity of water insecurity was also assessed using the nine indicators. The higher the number of indicators a household failed, the higher the intensity of household water insecurity. The association between the intensity of household water insecurity and the burden of diarrheal disease across the seasons was assessed using the Mantel-Haenszel test. Results No household was water-secure in both dry and rainy seasons; however, the intensity of insecurity was more pronounced during the dry season compared with the rainy season. Ninety households (52.0%), had water insecurity intensity scores above fifty percentiles during the dry season while 21 (12.1%) households had a water insecurity score above the 50th percentile during raining season, p < 0.001. The burden of diarrheal disease was significantly higher among households with a water insecurity intensity score above the 50th percentile, 9 (8.1%) compared to households with a water insecurity intensity score below the 50th percentile 7 (3.0%), p = 0.034. There was no statistically significant association between the intensity of water insecurity and diarrheal disease burden across the dry and rainy seasons, p = 0.218. Conclusion The high burden of household water insecurity deserves concerted efforts from all concerned stakeholders, a panacea to an important health threat in the developing world.
Feco-orally transmitted infectious diseases are common in Nigeria where the potable water access is poor. In the south-western Nigerian Ibadan metropolis, supply of municipal water is meagre as residents depend on household wells and boreholes. The likelihood of fecal contamination of household water sources in Ibadan was examined longitudinally to quantify and understand its impact. Well and borehole water samples aseptically collected from 96 households in Ibadan were assessed for total heterotrophic counts (THCs), total coliform counts (TCCs) and total Escherichia coli counts (TECs) using a pour plate technique. E. coli were identified by uidA and whole-genome sequencing using Illumina technology, whereas virulence factors were predicted using VirulenceFinder. There was season-independent abundance of THC and TCC in the well and borehole with a significant recovery of E. coli in the wells during the wet season compared to the dry season (P = 0.0001). Virulence genes associated with pathogenic E. coli were identified in 13 (52%) strains with one E. coli each classified as extra-intestinal E. coli, avian pathogenic E. coli and enteroaggregative E. coli. High heterotrophic and coliform counts, with rainfall-driven E. coli contamination revealed that the water sources evaluated in this study are unfit for consumption.
Measles is a major cause of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Current immunization strategies achieve low coverage in areas where transmission drivers differ substantially from those in high-income countries. A better understanding of measles transmission in areas with measles persistence will increase vaccination coverage and reduce ongoing transmission. We analysed weekly reported measles cases at the district level in Niger from 1995 to 2004 to identify underlying transmission mechanisms. We identified dominant periodicities and the associated spatial clustering patterns. We also investigated associations between reported measles cases and environmental drivers associated with human activities, particularly rainfall. The annual and 2-3-year periodicities dominated the reporting data spectrum. The annual periodicity was strong with contiguous spatial clustering, consistent with the latitudinal gradient of population density, and stable over time. The 2-3-year periodicities were weaker, unstable over time and had spatially fragmented clustering. The rainy season was associated with a lower risk of measles case reporting. The annual periodicity likely reflects seasonal agricultural labour migration, whereas the 2-3-year periodicity potentially results from multiple mechanisms such as reintroductions and vaccine coverage heterogeneity. Our findings suggest that improving vaccine coverage in seasonally mobile populations could reduce strong measles seasonality in Niger and across similar settings.
