Environmental Impacts of the Rural Access and Mobility Project Implementation in Osun State, Nigeria: A Mixed-Method Approach

Abstract

The study explored the environmental impacts of the Access and Mobility project implementation in Osun State, Nigeria using a mixed-method approach. The study was anchored on the Ecological Footprint Theory, while concurrent mixed-method design approach was employed. Four-hundred and fifty respondents residing within the RAMP-2 projects regions comprised Iwo, Ife and Ilesha were sampled using both probability and non-probability sampling procedures. A self-designed instrument was used to obtained information from the participants. Mean, standard deviation, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis, while the responses from the KII were thematically analysed. The findings revealed significant perceived environmental impacts of RAMP implementation, with main concerns comprised air and water pollution (2.94), noise and vibration pollution (2.84), soil and land degradation (2.83), and community health and safety (2.76) with the mean threshold of exceeding 2.50. Conversely, displacement of community members (2.25), increased traffic issues (1.24), and loss of agricultural land (1.14) were perceived as relatively less significant impacts. The findings revealed no statistically significant differences in perceived environmental impacts of RAMP-2 among residents based on sex (t = 0.305, p = 0.760 > 0.05), age (F = 11.625, p = 0.078 > 0.05), and primary occupation (F = 2.542, p = 0.081 > 0.05). This showcases that demographic characteristics do not significantly influence perceptions of environmental impacts of RAMP-2 among rural dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria. The Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) has had significant environmental impacts, with shared concerns among rural dwellers regardless of sex, age, or occupation. Therefore, rural dwellers should participate in environmental impact assessments and collaborate with project implementers to develop mitigation measures to minimize the environmental impacts of rural road projects. The RAMP-2 officials should implement robust environmental impact assessments, develop and enforce effective mitigation measures, and engage with local communities to address concerns and promote sustainable practices throughout the project lifecycle among others.