A social approach to assessing the impact of urbanization on natural resources: A case study of Makurdi-Benue State, Nigeria

The environment is under more stress due to urbanization in Nigeria's Makurdi Metropolis, which raises questions regarding sustainable growth

The dynamics within the city of Makurdi are examined in this study. By combining survey data with previously released research, it also provides a comprehensive understanding of the effects of urbanization on Makurdi's environmental health, highlighting the implications for sustainable development and policy while evaluating the ecological implications of urban growth and offering solutions to lessen the detrimental effects on natural ecosystems.

The goal: to assess the social impacts of urbanization on natural resources in Makurdi and identify strategies for sustainable development.

To conduct a thorough assessment of the current environmental situation in Makurdi, focusing on natural resource degradation and urbanization impacts, and identify the social factors influencing the relationship between urbanization and natural resource degradation, while examining existing policies and practices related to urban planning and natural resource management, developing and proposing strategies for promoting sustainable urban development and environmental conservation, and engaging with local stakeholders to raise awareness and build support for sustainable urban development and environmental conservation in Makurdi.

Relevance: this study is pertinent due to its investigation of the nexus between urbanization and natural resource degradation in Makurdi, providing valuable insights for sustainable urban planning, environmental management, and policy development.

4.1. Description of The Study Area

The Makurdi Local Government Area lies between lat.70 00l N and 70 45l N and long 80 00l and 80 32l E in the northeastern part of Benue State. It is situated within a physiographic zone called the Benue trough with a mean elevation of 92 meters above sea level. Makurdi shared boundary with Gwer West Local Government Area to the west, Gwer East Local Government Area to the south, Guma to the North East and Doma to the North West. Politically, it falls within the Middle Belt region of Nigeria and has a radius of 16 kilometres from its centre. It is the capital of Benue State and headquarters of Makurdi Local Government Area. It serves as a major link between the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria. The town has several drainage channels. These channels include river Benue, which bisects the town into South and north banks, and its tributaries including Urudu, Demepe, Kereke and Mu and the smaller ones include Idye and Kpege 

Figure 1 - Map of Makurdi showing wards and vegetation 2017

Note: based on [9]

DOI:10.60797/IRJ.2025.156.82.1

Figure 2 - Map of makurdi showing wards and vegetation 2023

Note: based on [9]

DOI:10.60797/IRJ.2025.156.82.2

4.2. Study Design

The research employed a quantitative methodology, using structured surveys to gather data from 185 respondents in Makurdi. Stratified sampling ensured proportional representation across demographic variables such as gender, age, and occupation. Data collection focused on assessing demographic characteristics, urbanization drivers, environmental issues, and public opinions on sustainable urban management. Findings were tabulated to illustrate trends and population sentiments regarding urbanization's environmental impact. A descriptive design was selected to understand the extent of urbanization’s impact within the area. Python R was used to analyze the data for an effective and clear presentation of the information gathered. The design made it easier to record demographic information and investigate the connections between environmental effects and urban growth drivers. As shown in frequency and percentage statistics, the study examined the reasons behind urbanization, environmental issues associated with urbanization, and public perception of possible remedies. These tables were crucial for understanding how urbanization affected the environment. Alternative approaches to assessing urbanization's impact on natural resources include physical/environmental methods like remote sensing, ecological footprint analysis, and life cycle assessment; economic approaches such as cost-benefit analysis, economic valuation, and green accounting; integrated approaches like sustainability assessment, urban metabolism analysis, and resilience-based approaches; and participatory and collaborative methods involving stakeholder engagement, participatory rural appraisal, and collaborative governance.

6.1. Cross-tabulation of Data

Cross-tabulating demographic factors with perceptions of urbanization impacts is essential for understanding how different segments of the population view and are affected by urban growth. This analysis offers valuable insights into the variability of perceptions based on age, gender, and occupation, which can aid in designing targeted interventions and policies. First, it is crucial to structure the data to include both demographic details — such as age, gender, and occupation — as shown in Table 2 and responses to questions about urbanization. By analyzing how these demographic factors influence perceptions of urbanization's impacts, we can uncover patterns that reveal how different groups experience urban growth.

For instance, examining perceptions across various age groups can highlight whether younger or older respondents perceive urbanization differently. Table 2 Age of the Respondents illustrates these differences, showing how younger respondents might report higher levels of agreement with concerns about urbanization’s impacts, such as increased pollution or habitat loss. This suggests that younger individuals may be more affected by or more aware of these issues compared to older groups. Gender-based analysis can uncover if there are notable differences in how males and females perceive the effects of urbanization. If, for example, female respondents express greater concerns about pollution, this could indicate a need for gender-specific environmental policies that address these unique concerns. Understanding these gender-specific perceptions can help tailor more effective and inclusive policies. Occupation-based perceptions further reveal how different professional groups view urbanization's impacts. Individuals in "Trading" might experience and report economic impacts differently than those in "Civil Service". This differentiation highlights the need for targeted interventions that address the specific needs of various occupational groups, such as improving trade-related infrastructure or enhancing public services for civil employees. Overall, cross-tabulating demographic factors with perceptions of urbanization impacts provides a nuanced understanding of how urban growth affects different groups. Table 2 Age of the Respondents alongside the statistical analysis, presents a comprehensive view of these varying perceptions, which can guide more effective and inclusive urban planning and policy-making. This approach helps identify specific concerns of diverse demographic segments and informs targeted strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization.

6.2. Correlation of Data

To explore the correlations between perceived causes of urbanization and its effects on biodiversity, it is essential to analyze how different urbanization drivers are related to changes in biodiversity as show in (figure 3) below. This involves examining survey data that includes responses on both perceived causes of urbanization and observed effects on biodiversity. The data should be organized so that each respondent's perceptions and observations are captured in separate columns, with responses rated on a Likert scale or numerical scale. The analysis begins with calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient between perceived causes of urbanization and their effects on biodiversity. This coefficient, which ranges from -1 to 1, helps quantify the strength and direction of the relationship between these variables. A correlation of 1 indicates a perfect positive relationship, -1 signifies a perfect negative relationship, and 0 indicates no correlation. For instance, if there is a high positive correlation, such as 0.8, between the perception of natural increase as a driver of urbanization and its effect on biodiversity, it implies that respondents who view natural increase as a major factor also perceive it as significantly impacting biodiversity. Such a correlation suggests that these respondents believe the natural increase in population is closely linked to adverse effects on biodiversity.

Figure 3 - Correlation Matrix showing the respondents views

DOI:10.60797/IRJ.2025.156.82.9

6.3. Overall Analysis of Urbanization in Makurdi Metropolis

The analysis of urbanization in Makurdi, based on responses from data collected, offers a comprehensive view of the causes, problems, and effects of urban growth in the area. The data reveals significant insights into how urbanization impacts the environment and community, and highlights potential solutions. Natural increase and rural-urban migration are identified as the primary drivers of urbanization, with 92% and 92.7% of respondents, respectively, recognizing these factors as significant contributors to urban expansion. Additionally, 68% attribute urban growth to employment opportunities, 71.3% to migration due to conflict and environmental disasters, and 79.3% to the availability of social amenities. This consensus underscores the multifaceted nature of urban growth in Makurdi, driven by both demographic factors and the pursuit of better living conditions. A significant 80% of respondents view high population density as a major issue, while 84.6% are concerned about increased pollution. Deforestation and habitat loss are also prominent issues, with 82% and 87% of respondents, respectively, citing these as major problems. This agreed with 

In terms of solutions, tree planting is widely supported, with 80% of respondents strongly agreeing on its effectiveness. Rural area development (78%), proper waste disposal (79%), and green infrastructure (61%) also receive strong backing. However, there is notable dissatisfaction with current urban planning, with only 3% of respondents strongly agreeing on its effectiveness, indicating a significant gap in urban management strategies. Renewable energy integration (56%) and climate-resilient design (50%) are also endorsed, although community engagement (44.7%) is less emphasized. The data suggests a strong alignment between the perceived problems of urbanization and the proposed solutions. While tree planting and rural development are seen as effective measures, the community expresses a clear need for improved urban planning and enforcement. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing urban planning processes, increasing community engagement, and implementing practical solutions to address the negative impacts of urbanization. In summary, urbanization in Makurdi is associated with significant environmental and social challenges, including biodiversity loss, pollution, and habitat degradation. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving better urban planning, effective policy enforcement, and active community involvement to mitigate the adverse effects and promote sustainable urban development.

Figure 4 - Correlation Matrix of Urbanization Causes Effects on Biodiversity

DOI:10.60797/IRJ.2025.156.82.10

Urbanization in Makurdi has led to several pressing environmental issues, from resource overuse to pollution and habitat degradation. The city’s population growth, spurred by both natural increase and rural migration, is stretching Makurdi’s ecosystem to its limits. The data from this study reveal that pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion are significant concerns for residents, driven largely by unregulated urban expansion. Reforestation, improved waste management, climate resilience design, community involvement, and alternative energy solutions are all strongly favored by the community in spite of these obstacles. Together with thorough urban planning, these tactics can help Makurdi achieve sustainable growth that benefits the city's people and the environment. This strategy calls for legislative action that protects community ecosystems while attending to the particular requirements of urban centers, serving as a model for other expanding cities in comparable environmental circumstances.