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Perceptions on Noise Pollution among the Residents of a Medium-Size Settlement in Southwestern Nigeria A Preliminary Study

Oyenike Mary Eludoyin

This study examines perception on the sources, effect and the mitigating strategies of neighborhood noise in Ile- Ife. Objectives of the study are; to examine the sources of noise pollution; assess the awareness of residents on noise and concerns for noise pollution; examine the perception of residents on effects of noise pollution; and investigate the coping strategies of residents to noise pollution. This was with the view to assessing the perception of residents in different land uses across Ile-Ife on noise pollution and mitigating measures. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data source was a set of questionnaire used to extract information from adult (18 years and above) settlers in purposively selected land use areas (commercial/high density areas, low-medium density areas and institutional areas). The secondary data was the 1:25000 land use map from which sampling areas were delineated. Responses to questionnaire were coded and analyzed using SPSS (version 17) software. Results showed that the main sources of noise pollution in the study area were domestic pets, transport and religious activities, and their ranks vary significantly with land use (p ≤ 0.05). Awareness of neighborhood noise was greater in the institutional and commercial areas than in the low-medium density areas. Majority (>90%) of the residents across the land use perceived that noise pollution disturbs them from relaxing and sleeping and at least 80% perceived that noise disturbs them from studying. Coping strategies to noise pollution were limited to turning away from the noise and creating another noise for distraction. The study concluded that although the people of Ile-Ife are very much aware of noise pollution and its effects, their coping strategies are inadequate and unhealthy.