Environmental Impact of Cassava Processing on Residents of Surulere Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

The paper assessed the impacts of cassava processing industry on the residents of Surulere Local Government Area. Random sampling was employed to administer two hundred and sixty two (262) copies of a structure questionnaire to both the operators (103) and residents (159) in the selected areas. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize nominal variables, while chi square was used to examine variations in the in the distribution socioeconomic characteristics of operators. The quantity of waste generated was determined using weighting scale and Likert scale rating was used to rate residents perception (RPI) on impacts of cassava processing on the environment. The findings showed that female is most dominant (81.6%) in the operation of cassava production than male. Majority of the cassava production is done in a medium scale (59.2%), (this increases generation of more waste (i.e. cassava peels) in the study area). It was observed from the measurement that cassava tuber with larger size generates more waste (10.50kg) compared to small sized cassava (8.00kg). The major types of pollution perceived by the residents is land pollution (RPI 2.69) and water pollution (RPI 2.48). This implies that waste generated particularly cassava peels and effluent have high negative effect on air environment. On the health impacts majority (33%) of the operators suffer from headache and sometimes ear and sight problems. The study recommended that Government should make adequate provision for facilities like waste packing vehicles to evacuate cassava peels from the immediate working environment. This will undoubtedly enhance effective and proper disposal of wastes. Government should also encourage employees to explore opportunity of turning waste to wealth by drying cassava peels and reselling it as livestock feeds. This will serve as additional income to operators and consequently improve their livelihood. By adopting these possible recommendations, a sanitary and sustainable environment will be achieved. DOI: 10.7176/CER/11-8-04 Publication date:September 30th 201