Environmental and Social Impact of Sand Mining Activities Along the Odene-Aguleri River, Anambra State Nigeria

Sand mining along the Odene-Aguleri River in Anambra State, Nigeria, presents significant environmental and social challenges, exacerbated by unregulated extraction methods. This research aimed to evaluate the impacts of these activities, focusing on environmental degradation and the ensuing socio-economic effects on local communities. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews with both community members and stakeholders involved in sand mining. The results indicate severe environmental disruptions, depreciated water quality, riverbank erosion, loss of aquatic habitats, and increased river turbidity, which affect the river’s health and local biodiversity. Economically, while sand mining provides significant employment opportunities, it also results in land disputes and alters the socio-economic dynamics of the communities. The community of Odene-Aguleri reported higher incidents of erosion and habitat loss, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory oversight. The findings of this study suggest that despite its economic benefits, the current practice of sand mining along the Odene-Aguleri River is unsustainable and detrimental. It is recommended that strict environmental regulations be implemented to mitigate the negative impacts.