Wetland Management, Urban Planning, and Food-Related Livelihoods in Akure South, Nigeria: An Institutional Assessment

Abstract

Urban wetlands perform important ecological and livelihood functions in rapidly growing cities; however, their management is increasingly challenged by land-use conversion, weak enforcement, and competing urban development pressures. This study examined wetland management, urban planning, and food-related livelihood activities in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, with emphasis on institutional arrangements and implementation challenges. A qualitative research design was adopted. Primary data were collected through five key informant interviews with officials from relevant government institutions involved in agriculture, environmental management, physical planning, and local environmental health administration. Field observations were also conducted to document visible wetland uses, drainage conditions, waste disposal, sand filling, dredging, and development activities around wetland areas. Interview data were analysed thematically with the aid of NVivo version 20. The findings show that wetland use in the study area is guided by existing planning and environmental instruments, including urban and regional planning regulations, environmental assessment procedures, setback requirements, and development-control guidelines. However, implementation is constrained by limited staffing, inadequate funding, weak logistics, monitoring challenges, and the need for stronger inter-agency coordination. The study further shows that wetlands support farming, fish production, commercial activities, community uses, and other livelihood-related activities, while also facing pressure from sand filling, construction, waste disposal, and drainage modification. Although the study did not directly measure household food security, crop yields, food prices, or agricultural income, the findings indicate that wetland areas remain relevant to urban agriculture and food-related livelihoods. The study concludes that wetlands should be integrated more clearly into urban planning and environmental management frameworks to support balanced development, ecological protection, and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Akure South.