Challenges of sustainable living environment in Damaturu town, Yobe state, Nigeria

Abstract

Urban development of the world in last three decades is phenomenal. It has risen from less than 20% to more than 54% and likely to cross 75% by 2030. Today, majority of urban research are focused on big metros of developed countries, ignoring the fact that vast urban population live in small and medium cities of developing countries. Globalization has accelerated urbanization in the developing world, but at the cost of their living environment facing numerous challenges of sustainability viz; lack of basic amenities and facilities, health, education, poverty, environmental degradation, etc. The present study attempts to find out major challenges towards sustainable living environment of Damaturu town in Yobe State, Nigeria. Total number of 122 respondents were selected by systematic random sampling for questionnaire based survey in three sample wards of the town representing 10% of the total 1200 housing units. Personal interviews with the civil servants, lawyers, academicians, politicians and NGOs were also conducted for identification of major problems and challenges. The research finding recommends shifting the policy approach from centralized to bottom up with common people's participation based on their needs and demands. Community based development projects should focus on major areas of water, electricity, housing, drainage & sewerage and waste management for ensuring a sustainable living environment.

Keywords: Urbanization, people's participation, sustainable development goals