Environmental Sanitation Practices: Residents’ Involvement in Ilesa, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined residents’ involvement in environmental sanitation in Ilesa, Nigeria. Using multistage sampling, six political wards were selected: three from the high-density area, two from the medium-density area, and one from the low-density area. In all 300 copies of the questionnaire were administered. Data obtained were analysed using percentages and the Pearson correlation. This was with a view to suggesting policy response capable of enhancing healthy environment in the city and others with similar background. Information on the kind of toilet available revealed that 50.9% used flush toilet, 30.1% used pit latrine while 19.0% had no toilet. Likewise, there is paucity of public toilet in the city as 5.0% of the residents claimed availability of public toilet in their neighbourhood while 95.0% said public toilet was not available in their neighbourhood. Furthermore, the agencies responsible for environmental management were found to be wanting in some key functions with implications for healthy living in the area. Based on the findings, policy recommendations are proffered to enhance environmental friendliness in the city.