GEOSPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND PATTERNS OF HUMAN SECURITY INDICATORS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the spatial distribution of human security indicators across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara State, Nigeria, utilizing geospatial techniques and ArcGIS Pro 3.4. It examines 24 variables across six dimensions: economic and food security, health, personal security, political security, educational security, and environmental security. Spatial analysis reveals significant disparities. Baruten demonstrated food security strengths linked to agricultural land and market access, while Kaiama and Moro faced health and environmental vulnerabilities, including high malaria prevalence and poor sanitation. Personal security issues, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, clustered in Irepodun, Ilorin South, and Ifelodun. Educational gaps were pronounced in Ekiti, Offa, and Patigi, and environmental insecurity, including fire, flooding, and waste mismanagement, was evident in Asa, Ilorin East, and Moro. The study concludes that human security challenges in Kwara State are deeply spatial and require location-specific policy responses. GIS tools provided valuable insights for identifying vulnerabilities and guiding targeted interventions. Recommendations include prioritizing health, education, and sanitation infrastructure in the most affected LGAs, institutionalizing GIS-based monitoring systems, and promoting participatory GIS for improved community engagement. This research demonstrates the importance of spatial analysis in informing strategic planning and fostering equitable development.