Perceived impact of quarry activities on the environment and residents of Akamkpa local government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

The study investigated the perceived impact of quarrying activities among residents of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, two research question were posed and two null hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives of the study and tested at the 0.05 level of significance. A detailed review of related literature was carried out based on the major variables of the study, namely quarrying activities and their impacts on air pollution and noise pollution. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study, as it enabled the researcher to assess existing conditions and residents’ perceptions of the environmental and livelihood impacts of quarrying activities. The population of the study comprised 3,003 literate adult residents drawn from three industrial communities Mfamosing, Old Netim, and Nsan—in Akamkpa Local Government Area. A sample of 300 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Perceived Impact of Quarrying Activities among Residents (PIQAAR), complemented with focus group discussions and interview methods. The instrument was validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation and Environmental Education, while its reliability was established using the Cronbach alpha method. Data collected were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques, including simple regression analysis. The findings revealed that quarrying activities have significant impacts on air pollution and noise pollution in Akamkpa Local Government Area. The study concluded that while quarrying contributes to economic activities in the area, its environmental and agricultural consequences pose serious challenges to residents’ wellbeing and sustainable development. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that government and regulatory agencies should enforce strict environmental regulations, quarry operators should adopt environmentally friendly technologies, and regular environmental monitoring and community health interventions should be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of quarrying activities.