Influence of Unwholesome Practices as Precursor of Gully Erosion and Its Impacts on Health and Environment in Iguobazuwa Community of Edo State

This study investigated unwholesome practices as precursors of gully erosion and their impact on health and the environment in Iguobazuwa community. Four research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population was 250,560 residents of Iguobazuwa, and the sample size was 400. A questionnaire was used, with reliability coefficient of 0.82 obtained through split-half method. Findings revealed that poor drainage systems, construction of buildings along water channels, poor agricultural practices and dumping waste into drainage systems contribute to gully erosion formation. Gully erosion exposes residents to high rates of malaria and makes soil infertile. The study recommended integrating practical modules on surface runoff management and proper waste disposal into local school curricula and community training.