SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION OF THE RED/BROWN EARTH (LATERITE) IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was specifically conducted in Akwa Ibom State located at the Southeastern corner of Nigeria. The aim of the study was to highlight red/brown earth otherwise known as laterite as an important natural resource that many communities in the study area are blessed with. The study revealed that the laterite is available in industrial quantity in Obot Akara, Ibesikpo Asutan, Uruan, Itu, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ikono, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Etinan, Abak, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ubium, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, Essien Udim, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Okobo Local Government Areas of the State. The paper has exposed the various uses of laterite. It also discussed how lateritecould be harnessed, developed and utilized without serious damage to the naturalecosystem for the socio-economic advancement of the region.