Impacts of Urban Poultry Farm Activities on Water Quality in Kuje Suburbia, Abuja

Abstract

The rapid rate of urbanisation is associated with unemployment and urban food security challenges. To address the food security challenges in cities, urban residents have embraced the practice of urban agriculture, a practice which involves the production of animals and crops in urban and peril-urban areas. Poultry farming is a vital approach toward providing urban residents with the required protein intake in form of eggs and meat. This study examines the impacts of urban poultry farms activities on water quality in Kuje suburbia. The parameters measured for water sample was carried out in a laboratory test to assess the physicochemical parameters of the water. The results show high concentration of TA, Mn, Ph, NO, and BOD above the WHO/ NESREA recommended standard in surface water, borehole, and well water sampled. In conclusion, the poultry farms activities impact the environment of the vicinity they operate by causing water pollution. The study recommends among others the need for appropriate distance between poultry farms and residences to be determined and enforced by regulatory authority. This will help to mitigate the effects of environmental pollution /health hazards on the residents.