Contributions of irrigation activities in vegetable farms to cases of Malaria infections in Lagos, Nigeria
Keywords:
Irrigation Management Strategy, Vegetable Production, Malaria InfectionsAbstract
This study seeks to examine the contributions of irrigation activities in vegetable farms to cases of malaria infections in two communities in Lagos. This is with the view that malaria has become one of the greatest menaces that causes high morbidity and mortality in most cities in Nigeria. The paper focused on strategy for irrigation management for vegetable cultivation, irrigation water quality, and sociocultural perception of community members and reported cases of malaria among farmers and non farmers. The concept of Ecosystem Approach to Human Health (ecohealth) which argues that human activities influence the state of human health and well being was adopted. 150 questionnaires were use to obtain information from farm community household. Information on irrigation management and incidences of malaria were further obtained from farmers and neighborhood clinics. In addition wells were observed and water samples were collected to determine presence of mosquito larva. Household survey was also carried out to determine malaria intervention and control strategies, and experts’ knowledge was sought on the link between irrigation and mosquitoes’ activities and malaria infections. Water observations and analysis shows non- presence of mosquito larva in the well water used for vegetable cultivation. The study shows that socio-cultural and behavioral factors play a key role in determing the extent of malaria infection among residents of the same community. Estimations of the proportion of variance accounted for by all variables is 3.2% in Tejuoso and -5.6% in Alapere and size of land holding was found to have the greatest influence on irrigation activities in Alapere (r = .155) and in Tejuoso (r = .231).