Evaluating Family Survival Strategies amid Environmental Challenges in Lagos: A Sociological Approach

Resumen

This study investigates the environmental challenges and socio-economic factors influencing family survival strategies in Lagos, aiming to identify key challenges and assess the role of community networks. Four research questions guided the study, focusing on environmental issues, socio-economic influences, community resilience, and the impact of government policies. Employing a survey design, the study targeted families in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos: Lagos Island, Surulere, Ikorodu, Alimosho, and Apapa. A total sample size of 350 participants was selected using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques, with 70 families from each LGA. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire of 28 items, validated by experts and piloted with 50 participants, achieving a reliability coefficient of 0.88. The questionnaire was administered directly to ensure clarity and maximize response rates. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The findings revealed that flooding is the most significant environmental challenge, with socio-economic factors such as income level and education critically influencing family survival strategies. Community networks were shown to enhance resilience significantly. The study concludes that targeted interventions are necessary to address flooding and improve socio-economic conditions. Major recommendations include developing comprehensive flood management strategies and fostering community engagement in policy-making to create responsive support systems for families facing environmental challenges.