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Evaluating the Impact of Geophysical Survey Activities on Local Communities in Jimeta

F M Sahabo

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of geophysical survey activities on local communities in Jimeta, Nigeria. Geophysical surveys, although crucial for mineral and resource exploration, often generate social and environmental concerns when not properly managed. The study employed a quantitative approach using an online questionnaire distributed among community members. A total of 150 responses were analyzed to understand the demographic distribution, awareness levels, perceived impacts, and sources of dissatisfaction related to geophysical activities. Findings revealed that 78% of respondents were aware of geophysical operations in their locality, while 70.7% perceived these activities as having negative impacts. Key concerns included noise and vibration disturbances (62%), lack of compensation (51.3%), and the absence of community consultation (58.7%). Statistical analyses revealed a significant association between awareness and perceived negative impact (?² = 15.27, p = 0.000), and a strong positive correlation (r = 0.61, p = 0.000) between noise disturbances and community dissatisfaction. The study concludes that insufficient community involvement and inadequate mitigation of environmental effects contribute to growing dissatisfaction among residents. It recommends improved stakeholder engagement, enforcement of regulatory oversight, and fair compensation mechanisms. By highlighting the voices of affected communities, this research contributes to the discourse on sustainable exploration practices and offers policy insights for minimizing the social cost of development activities.

Keywords

Geophysical surveyCommunity impactJimetaEnvironmental disturbance

References

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