Pattern of Environmental Degradation and Associated Health Implications in Osun State, Nigeria

Environmental degradation poses significant challenges to sustainable development, particularly in Osun State, Nigeria, where mining activities, improper waste disposal, and land deformation have increased ecological and public health crises. This study investigates the spatial patterns of environmental degradation and the resulting health implications in Osun State. Employing an integrated methodological framework, the study utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) for spatial mapping, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for monitoring vegetation changes, field observation for physical assessment, and questionnaire administration for collecting residents' perspectives. Four Local Government Areas were selected in each of the three Senatorial Districts in Osun State making a total of twelve (12) Local Government Areas (LGAs). One hundred adult subjects in each of the LGAs were selected and interviewed. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools to identify trends, relationships, and the significance of observed phenomena. Results indicate that artisanal mining, prevalent in areas like Ilesa and Ife, has resulted in land scarring, water contamination, and air pollution, leading to respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, and other health challenges. Improper waste disposal in urban centers such as Osogbo contributes to soil degradation and the proliferation of vector-borne diseases. Furthermore, land deformation, including gully erosion in areas like Ede and Ilesa, has led to habitat loss, displacement of residents, and further environmental instability. NDVI analysis revealed significant vegetation loss over the past decade, corresponding to intensified mining and urban expansion activities. Also, river channels across the study area are more degraded as revealed during field observation conducted across the study area. Implication of mining, waste disposal, pollution and deforestation is obvious on the health of people in Osun State. Residents acknowledge occurrence of environmental-related health issues like Cholera, Dysentery, Malaria, Cough. More than Seventy percentage (70.2%) survey responses revealed limited access to healthcare and inadequate policy enforcement as major barriers to mitigation. The study concludes that the pattern of environmental degradation in Osun State is driven by human activities and exacerbated by insufficient regulatory frameworks. It recommends the implementation of stricter environmental policies, community sensitization, and sustainable practices to mitigate environmental degradation and its associated health risks. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on environmental management and public health in developing regions, providing a foundation for evidence-based interventions.