In its intention to be more normative in terms of who, what and when urban planning is carried out, the use of the term has caused more qualitative and ambiguous connotations. There is increasing concern among an increasing number of people regarding the abuse of the practice of urban planning in reality, despite a gradual increase in the coverage of urban planning in the literature of scholarly publications. The scholars in urban planning and management are not familiar with the daily language and vernacular, though they are crucial to their practice. The misuse of the information resources which are vital in the day-to-day administration of the field is done by the people, even some urban planners who make assumptions about their various audiences because they assume that these audiences are well informed. As even the experienced urban planners do not pay it any attention it merits in their scientific articles, class debates and applications. The article satisfies a gap in the literature because it presents a concise and persuasive description of some of the most important concepts in reference to urban land-use management and change. Consequently, this page is aimed at providing a corpus of information that relates to urban planning and management: what it is, what it says, what it does, how, and terminology and definitions. In this colossal project, quality control is the best. The paper appreciates that the area of knowledge that it devoted its attention to is not exhaustive and requires additional research. However, still it contributed to the creation of the path for the urban planners by illustrating the ideas within the context of knowledge resources and illustrating many associations to the urban planning, management and other spheres. Read more

This study investigates the relationship between rural and urban population growth and domestic food availability in Nigeria using annual data from 1961 to 2022. Food availability is proxied by the food production index (FPI), while demographic variables are described by rural population growth (RPG) and urban population growth (UPG). Both short- and long-run dynamics are examined by employing unit root tests, Johansen’s cointegration, and the vector error correction model (VECM). Results show that FPI, RPG, and UPG are integrated of order one and cointegrated, confirming a long-run equilibrium. Cointegration estimates reveal that both RPG and UPG undermine food production, indicating that demographic expansion places an irrepressible pressure on domestic food availability. The VECM demonstrates a rapid speed of adjustment, while impulse-response analysis shows RPG and UPG shocks have negative but transitory effects on food availability, with the impact fading with time. These findings underscore the significance of productivity-enhancing agricultural investments, improved distribution systems, and income growth in mitigating population-induced pressure on food availability. Read more

The operation of abattoirs in urban ecosystem such as Port-Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria, presents significant threat to public space and environmental quality. This risk assessment study applied fuzzy logic to determine operational risks across 30 sampled abattoir locations within Port- Harcourt Metropolis consisting of the core Obio-Akpor, Port-Harcourt City and its peripheral towns. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires (administered to workers and nearby residents), direct measurement/observation and geo-spatial analysis in addition to secondary sources. The key risk criteria analysed includes Aesthetics, Hygiene and Facility deficiency risk factors and the results are presented in two folds. 1. Bayesian information criterion (BIC) two-steps cluster analysis which indicates clustering patterns and risk rating of the selected risk criteria in the entire study area with cluster 1 for major risk and cluster 2 for minor risk and the results revealed, Aesthetics sum (66.5%,33.5%), Hygiene sum (76.7%,23.3%) and Facility deficiency sum (70%,30%). 2 Fuzzy aggregated final risk classification results which provided clear pattern of the risk severity of each individual abattoir location. The findings indicate significant disparities between worse condition and good condition which shows poor operational conditions within the study area. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve infrastructure and abattoir operation in the study area. This research contributes vital information to scientific community, institutions and policy makers challenged with abattoir operation impact in the third world environment or any other scientific puzzle similar to this type. Read more

This study assesses organic and nutrient pollution within the Urban Nature Reserve of the Grande Niaye of Pikine and Dependence (UNRGNPD), an urban wetland located in Dakar, Senegal. The findings reveal pronounced spatial heterogeneity: the Dependence exhibit elevated concentrations of ammonium and phosphates, reflecting the influence of domestic and agricultural discharges, whereas sulphates dominate in Technopole, associated with effluents from the wastewater treatment plant. Significant correlations between ammonium-phosphate and nitrate-sulphate concentrations confirm the multiple anthropogenic sources of pollution. The Organic Pollution Index (OPI) classifies all lakes as being subject to very high levels of pollution, with a mean Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) of 23.36 mg/L, indicating a substantial risk of eutrophication. These pressures undermine fish biodiversity and threaten socio-economic activities such as fishing and market gardening. Seasonal and interannual variations further highlight the influence of climatic conditions on pollution dynamics. An integrated management approach combining discharge regulation, control of invasive species, and the implementation of nature-based solutions is essential to safeguard the ecosystem services of the UNRGNPD. Read more

Malaria remains a critical public health concern globally because it is linked to human practices and their living conditions. Malaria is a threat to more than 40% of the world's population. The role of household residents and communities cannot be overemphasized. Hence, the study examined the knowledge and practice of malaria prevention measures among selected peri-urban communities in Abuja. This study adopted cross-sectional survey research using quantitative methods of data collection. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select 414 households in Abaji and Kuje peri-urban communities in Abuja, of which 385 household residents participated in the study. Research questions were formulated, and data were analysed using SPSS version 27 to compute descriptive statistics. The majority of respondents (47.5%) are above the age of 36years with the mean age of 47.1± 19.8. Findings revealed that knowledge of malaria prevention among the participants was moderate, with participants having correct responses ranging from 59.2%-79.3% across important items for knowledge, like preventive measures, awareness of environmental risk factors, and barriers to malaria prevention and control. Also, practices of malaria prevention were generally high, since many participants reported using malaria prevention and treatment actions such as indoor spraying (32.6%), house cleaning (29.2%), and use of mosquito repellent devices (21.5%). However, the use of insecticide-treated nets was reportedly low (5.6%), and treatment practices such as antimalarial monotherapy and antimalarial combination therapy were varied across the study population. In conclusion, while malaria prevention practices were considerably high, specific gaps in knowledge still exist. The researchers recommend that health education and community-based intervention be strengthened to improve knowledge and sustain the malaria prevention practices in peri-urban communities in Abuja. Read more

Introduction: Water-related diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity among underfive children in low-income urban settings, driven by inadequate access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. In Sierra Leone, rapid urbanisation has intensified these risks, particularly in secondary cities such as Kenema, where WASH infrastructure remains limited. Aim: This study assessed the prevalence, determinants, and impacts of water-related diseases among underfive children in selected communities in Kenema city, with an emphasis on water access, sanitation, hygiene practices, and prevention strategies. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 households with underfive children. Quantitative data were collected via structured household questionnaires that captured sociodemographic characteristics, water sources, sanitation facilities, hygiene practices, and childhood illness episodes. The data were analysed via SPSS version 28 via descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression at the 5% significance level. Qualitative data were obtained through five focus group discussions with caregivers and 15 key informant interviews with community leaders, health workers, and local officials. Thematic analysis was conducted via NVivo to contextualise the quantitative findings. Results: Overall, 83.0% of households reported at least one episode of water-related disease among underfive children in the preceding 12 months, with diarrhea (31%), cholera (29%), and typhoid fever (26%) most frequently reported. The use of unimproved water sources (χ², p < 0.001), shared sanitation facilities (p = 0.002), the absence of handwashing with soap (p < 0.001), and walking ≥ 1 km to water sources (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with disease occurrence. In the multivariate analysis, a lack of household water treatment (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5–3.9) and poor hand hygiene (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9–5.0) were independently associated with elevated health risk. Recurrent illness episodes were linked to reported weight loss, reduced appetite, and delayed care seeking. Conclusion: Water-related diseases, driven by structural WASH deficits and constrained hygiene practices, remain highly prevalent among children under five years of age in Kenema city. Integrated investments in safely managed water, sanitation, and community-centred hygiene interventions are essential to reduce recurrent childhood illness and associated nutritional and economic impacts. Read more

This study presents a pioneering hybrid optimization framework designed to enhance urban transportation efficiency in Sokoto City, leveraging a synergistic combination of population-based algorithms and mathematical refinement techniques. By integrating Metaheuristic approaches (Genetic Algorithm and Ant Colony Optimization) with Mathheuristic methods (Mixed Integer Linear Programming with GurobiPy), the model optimizes bus terminal placement, bus stop allocation, and vehicle routing, utilizing a graph-based road network and real-time traffic data. The results reveal significant improvements, including a 33% reduction in travel time, a 25% decrease in congestion delays, and an 18% fuel cost saving. These findings demonstrate the hybrid model's superiority over traditional routing methods and standalone heuristic techniques, positioning it as a valuable tool for transportation planning in similar urban environments. This research contributes to the advancement of intelligent urban mobility and provides actionable insights for policymakers, transportation authorities, and urban planners in emerging economies. Read more

This study adopts the concept of stepwise regression analysis with the aim of generating a model to examine the influence of basket of commodities on consumer price index (CPI) in both rural and urban areas in Nigeria. Data used is gotten from the CBN data bank. The result of analysis shows that (housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel), (food and non alcoholic beverages), (alcoholic beverage, tobacco and kola) (clothing and foot wear), (health), (furnishing and household equipment maintenance), (restaurant and hotels) and (education) are the variables that mostly affect the urban area. Also, for the Rural area, it is observed that (housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel), (food and non alcoholic beverages), (alcoholic beverage, tobacco and kola), (clothing and foot wear), (health), (furnishing and household equipment maintenance), (miscellaneous goods and services), and (transport) are the variables that contributes significantly. Therefore, the independent variables that have contributed significantly and common to both urban and rural areas are , , , , , and . However, it was noticed that, among the indicators in the basket of commodities, (restaurant and hotels) and (education) have effect only on the urban area while (miscellaneous goods and services) and (transport) were significant in the rural areas only. On this note, the choice of stepwise regression model has really paid off by distinguishing the cause and effect of basket of commodities on CPI for rural and urban areas. Read more

The global adoption and recognition of eco-friendly black soldier fly larvae frass as a sustainable substitute for inorganic fertiliser is increasing rapidly, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing its innovation. This study aimed to assess the economic feasibility of substituting synthetic fertiliser with black soldier fly larvae frass, as well as to examine the attitudes of urban farmers towards the usage of BSFL frass. The economic data was collected through doing a cost benefit ratio analysis and a return on investment research. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed to selected urban farmers in the central region of Cameroon in order to collect social data. The findings revealed that the utilisation of black soldier fly larvae frass yielded the greatest Return on Investment, profit margin, and Cost-Benefit ratio in comparison to commonly used inorganic fertilisers such as NPK, Urea, Yara, and surface fertilisers. The idea of using frass as a replacement was considered acceptable, while there are some worries that can be gradually eliminated via awareness and further investigation into the ability of crops grown on frass to transmit plant diseases. This study confirms the effectiveness of using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable method for managing waste. The products derived from BSFL, such as protein, biodiesel, and manure, are environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and socially acceptable for use in Cameroon and Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. Read more

This study investigates the impact of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) on property values in 17 priority project sites across Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Urban flooding has been a long-standing challenge in Ibadan, causing substantial damage to property and infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone areas, which has led to declining property values. In response to the 2011 floods, the Oyo State government, with World Bank support, initiated the IUFMP to mitigate flood risks through drainage construction, river channelization, and early warning systems. A survey research design was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary data was gathered from 383 respondents, including homeowners, tenants, estate surveyors, and key project officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while key informant interviews provided insights into project sustainability and management. The study found that 54.8% of respondents strongly disagreed that the IUFMP led to an increase in capital property values, with a mean score of 1.82, and 53% strongly disagreed that rental values increased, with a mean score of 1.89. Although 27.4% of respondents perceived a reduction in capital values, the majority disagreed. Mixed responses were recorded on rental value reduction (mean: 2.66) and property vacancy reduction (mean: 2.39). Furthermore, 66.8% of respondents disagreed that property purchases had increased (mean: 1.48), and 74.4% disagreed that the filthiness in the areas had reduced (mean: 1.26). Thematic insights from key informant interviews revealed positive project outcomes, including improved flood resilience and enhanced livelihoods. However, significant challenges in fostering community engagement and ensuring sustainable environmental benefits were identified. The study concludes that while the IUFMP has successfully reduced flooding and improved infrastructure, its impact on property value appreciation remains limited. It recommends sustainable strategies, including enhanced community involvement, to maximize the long-term benefits of the project. Read more