Balancing industrial growth and environmental sustainability: Land use implications of cement factory operations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61511/spms.v2i2.2025.2166Keywords:
cement factory, industrial pollution, land use, mitigation, sustainable developmentAbstract
Background: Accelerated industrialisation and urbanisation have reshaped rural and urban spaces, catalysing socio-spatial transformations that put a strain on agricultural land and amplify spatial and income inequalities. Cement production, being a significant driver of industrial and socio-economic transformation, is resource- and energy-demanding for the environment. This paper examines the land-use impact of cement production on sustainable development in Ewekoro, Nigeria, and offers recommendations to mitigate adverse effects while promoting sustainable livelihoods. Methods: Included was the use of multi-stage sampling and systematic sampling of 240 households for surveying, which involved dividing the population into clusters, with four settlements: Jagunna, Papalanto, Lapeleke, and Itori; chosen based on residential development and proximity to the cement factory. 233 of which completed questionnaires (response rate 97.1%). The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to quantify socio-economic and environmental effects, supplemented by qualitative views on perceived community perceptions. Findings: Job opportunities (RII = 0.914) and social provision of facilities (RII = 0.870) were reported as the most significant socio-economic gains in Ewekoro. Health impacts arising from chronic exposure to factory effluent were highly indicated. Lafarge Cement's product technology improvements (RII = 0.7648) were claimed to enhance environmental sustainability, despite unresolved land use conflicts. Conclusion: The research provides policy guidelines that prioritize green practices and technologies to align cement production with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating socio-economic and environmental concerns, cement factories can promote sustainable development within resource-based communities. Originality/Novelty: The study presents a localized adaptation of the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework for analysing cement production, land use, and sustainable development in Ewekoro. It provides a new understanding of the reconciliation between industry growth and human welfare, as well as ecological sustainability, and contributes to global discourses on sustainable industrial practices in developing world settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Oluwatoyin Olawoye Akinrogunde, Chukuma Chidi Famous, Rasheed Olawale Adegbindin, Olusola Opeoluwa Akinola, Rafiat Adesewa Ajibode, Faleti Oluyemi Oladeji
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