ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH RISKS OF BUSH BURNING: INVESTIGATING THE STRATEGIC CONTROL MEASURES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE

This research looks at the environmental and health risks of bush burning, investigating the strategic control measures in rural communities in Akwa Ibom State. The study noted that many pollutants are emitted when burning bushes, including ozone, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, all of which contribute to air pollution and negative health effects. The research highlights the need for immediate action and the detrimental effects of bush fires on ecological balance and human wellbeing. The proposed strategies for reducing these risks include public education campaigns, strengthened regulations, neighborhood-based fire safety programs, encouragement of alternative livelihoods, and the deployment of preventative alarm systems. These strategies have the potential to address the underlying causes of bushfires and promote long-term development in rural areas. This investigation provides policymakers, stakeholders, and community stewards in Akwa Ibom State and beyond with crucial insights by clarifying the health and environmental consequences of bush burning and offering workable alternatives. It emphasizes how important it is to work together to protect the environment, maintain public health, and spread sustainable land management techniques throughout rural areas. The study covers a number of noteworthy topics, including bush burning, the dynamics of rural communities, types of environmental hazards caused by bush burning, solutions for common bush burning incidents, methods for reducing health risks associated with bush burning, and strategies for reducing risks to the environment associated with bush burning. The study concluded that bush burning has significant consequences for the health of humans and the integrity of ecosystems. Therefore, understanding the extent of these risks and defining effective strategies to mitigate them become essential requirements for promoting long-term development in rural communities. One of the recommendations of the study was that Akwa Ibom State should make sure that laws against random bush burning are strictly enforced, strengthening public health and environmental protection.