Health impact of irrigation scheme on its immediate environment

Abstract

For the purpose of meeting the demand for energy and food, the construction of irrigation and dam system is undertaken. However, creation of water resources can have negative impacts on human health especially through the transmission of diseases from vectors such as Schistosomiasis and Malaria. To prevent this occurrence, it is important to incorporate the health impact assessment into the formulation of water resources development policies and into the planning and development of water resources which can be used to implement measures on environmental management for control of vectors. This research therefore attempts to assess the health impact of Kampe irrigation scheme on the people of Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi state. The study covers the health impact of Kampe Irrigation Scheme on its immediate environment which involves the people that are residents of Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi state. The study showed that diseases like malaria, diarrhea, Typhoid fever, Ascariasis and Bacterial dysentery are more prevalent in the recent years and that is how it has been since the initial point and the final installation of Kampe Irrigation Scheme. However, a combination of integrated control measures and effective water management is essential to reduce the current burden of water-related diseases in locations near irrigation or dam sites sustainably since Kampe (Omi) Dam Irrigation Project is intended to boost intensive agriculture for the community.