Assessment of the So...

Despite the benefits surrounding the activities and operations of an abattoir, several challenges are associated with the operations of abattoir facilities. The study assessed the socio-economic impact of abattoir activities on Choba-Aluu residents in Rivers State, Nigeria. A perception study based on survey research and purposive sampling was conducted among residents (respondents) within 250m (Category A = 94) and 500m (Category B = 109) of the abattoir facility. Copies of questionnaires were served on the target study population to obtained data which were then analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count and mean value. The findings revealed that infrastructure and facilities in the abattoir are obsolete and inadequate to provide for hygienic slaughtering, handling and storage of meat (Category A: 51.1%, Mean = 3.48; Category B: 67.4%, Mean = 3.72 ) and the abattoir environment is unsightly, and odour from its operations attracts flies, mosquitoes, rodents and other disease vectors which cause nuisance in the neighbourhood (Category A: 62.8%, Mean = 3.60; Category B: 688%, Mean = 3.86). The overall mean on the perception of the socio-economic impact of abattoir activities among Category A and B respondents were 3.08 (agreed) and 2.91 (disagreed), which is influenced by their distance away from the facility. The study concluded that the operation and activities of the abattoir have attracted flies, mosquitoes, rodents, and other disease vectors, which are nuisance to the nearby community. Therefore, the study advocate for the siting of abattoirs remote away from the living environment, while environmentally sustainable practices should be considered during their establishment as well as in the maintenance of those sites already caught up by rapid urbanization.