J. U. Don and V. C Braimoh

Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education,

University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the unwholesome practices as precursor of gully erosion and its impact on health and the environment in Iguobazuwa community. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 250,560 residents of Iquobazuwa.  The sample size for the study was 400 and the research instrument used was a questionnaire, its reliability was determined using split half method of which a reliability coefficient of 0.82 was obtained. Findings revealed that poor drainage system, construction of buildings along water channels, poor agricultural practices and dumping of waste into drainage system are the unwholesome practices that contribute to gully erosion formation in Iguobazuwa community. Gully erosion exposes residents to high rate of malaria and make the soil infertile. It was recommended among other that the ministry of education should integration a practical module on surface runoff management and proper waste disposal into local school curricula and community training to halt the unwholesome practices contributing to gully formation.