Climate change and rural households health in Ijebu North East area of Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out in Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, to determine the effects of climate change on health of rural households. One hundred and twenty respondents were selected using multistage and random sampling techniques. Primary and secondary data were collected. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. The results showed that 67% of respondents were males and the majority (54%) were above 40 years with a mean age of 43. The results also revealed that 60% of the respondents have been residing in the area for more than 6 years, which implied that a greater percentage of them witnessed the changes in the climatic pattern of the area. The major health problems reported included common cold, cough, malaria, and fever due to climate change. Many of the respondents patronized medicine hawkers (78%) and local chemists (46%) to treat the problematic changes in their health. Data analysis revealed that climatic change has significant effects on respondents’ health status (p < 0.05). The study concluded that there have been changes in the climatic pattern in the area and the health status of the people were affected. The study recommended that health, environment, and rural development agencies should coordinate efforts to assist rural households on preventing and mitigating the effects of climate change. Sustainable use of all resources, sustainable development, preventive health methods such as clean environment and proper hygiene, and reduction in activities contributing to the increase in climate change (deforestation, bush burning, environmental, and e-pollution) were advocated.