Environmental contamination, public hygiene, and human health concerns in the Third World - The case of Nigerian environmentalism

Environmental contamination is directly related to high morbidity and mortality rates in the Third World. This paper addresses environmental contamination exacerbated by environmental imperialism and international dumping of hazardous wastes in the Third World, specifically in Nigeria. Environmental hygiene, human health problems, and establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and its policy frameworks hitherto are presented. Furthermore, theoretical perspectives and implications for positive environmental change in the Third World are discussed. Using the Health of the Planet Survey (HOPS) that was recently administered to a random sample of Nigerian citizens, and 23 other nations, evidence shows that nonwestern people have environmental values, exhibit environmental concern, and participate in grass roots environmental organizations similar to their western counterparts. Questions pertaining to the traditional or cultural basis of environmental worldview of nonwestern societies are raised. The policy implication of empirical findings and future research imperatives are suggested.