Socio-Economic Characteristics of Wetland Residents in Akure, Nigeria: Implications for Urban Food Security and Sustainable Wetland Management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51459/jostir.2026.2.2.0263Abstract
Abstract
Wetlands in urban areas play a vital role in supporting livelihoods and food production in rapidly growing cities. However, the socio-economic characteristics of people living in areas where there are wetland ecosystems determine their use and management. This paper examined the socio-economic characteristics of people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria. Primary data for this paper were obtained from 716 people using questionnaires. From the data obtained, descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data. From the results obtained, 53.35% of the people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, were males, while 46.65% were females. Most people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, (43.99%) were between 31 and 45 years. More than half (53.21%) of people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, had tertiary education. From the results obtained, 4.3% of people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, were farmers. Most people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, earned less than ₦60,000 monthly. Most people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, had four or six people in their homes. From the results obtained, most people living in areas with wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, were not engaged in any form of wetland agriculture. This is due to their socio-economic and occupation status. This paper recommends that urban agriculture and wetland ecosystems in Akure, Nigeria, be included in urban planning policies.
Keywords: Wetlands, Socio-economic characteristics, Urban food security, Urban agriculture, Akure, Nigeria
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