Population Dynamics and Environmental Degradation in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines population dynamics and environmental degradation in AkwaIbom State. The study aimed at investigate the impact of population dynamics on environmental degradation in AkwaIbom State. The population of the study consist of the total population of AkwaIbom State. With the aid of Taro Yamane formulae, a sample size of 400 were generated. 400 questionnaires were strategically distributed to two local government area from each of the three (3) senatorial districts that made up AkwaIbom State. The research questions of the study were analyzed using statistical tools of mean and standard deviation in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) with a mean criterion of 3.0. The findings reveal that the impact of population dynamics on environmental degradations in AkwaIbom State are: loss of biodiversity, congestion, land pollution, increase in greenhouse emission, deforestation in AkwaIbom State etc. The study concluded that environmental degradation problems is not caused only by population dynamics, but by the absence of effective public policy design to reduce these problems. That as long as policies are in place that control the rate of child birth and the environmental impacts of the products and services we make and use, environmental sustainability can and will permeate everyday decision-making of residents, indigene, non-indigene and government of AkwaIbom State thereby leading to sustainable environment.