Contemporary Issues in Environmental and Resources Management

Abstract

Urbanization is related to unemployment and food security issues in cities. Poultry farming is an important strategy for supplying urban inhabitants with the protein they need. However, the residents' perceptions and acceptance of urban farms are changing due to negative externalities with adverse effects on the environment and human health. This study investigates the environmental effects of urban poultry farms in Kuje suburbia, Abuja. Samples of water, soil and air were taken, and physico-chemical parameters were measured. The results showed concentrations of some heavy metals and particulate pollutants that exceeded permissible limits, and therefore, pose environmental concern. The study recommends, among others, the need for appropriate reinforcement of regulatory measures that specify timely environmental auditing by concerned authorities to mitigate the adverse effects of material pollutants on the environment and the risk of health hazards on the residents.