Residents’ perception of solid waste disposal practices in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Proper waste disposal is a key to protecting public health. Thus poorly managed and disposed waste encourages breeding of insect vectors and exposed public to increase risk of infection. This study aimed at determining the residents’ perception about waste disposal in Sokoto metropolis. This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted in Sokoto metropolis. A two stage sampling technique was used to select the survey participants. A set of interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect field data. Ethical clearance was obtained from state research ethics committee and in addition, individual informed consent was obtained before questionnaires were administered. Average age of the respondents was 30 years with 50% aged between 25 and 44 years. Large proportion (47.4%) of the respondents had only Quranic education. Majority (94.1%) of the respondents expressed worries about the indiscriminate littering of the metropolis with waste and more than half (55%) reported that residents were responsible for the state of poor sanitation while 38% felt it was fault of government. Although, 91% of respondents said it is appropriate for residents to clean own surroundings, 41% felt residents alone should take sole responsibility for the cleaning; while 40% felt government and residents should take joint responsibility. Less than half (46%) of respondents reported that improper waste disposal have health related problems. Although, majority respondents were disturbed with the way refuse litters the state metropolis, many are unaware of its health related problems. There is need to create awareness among general public of consequences of poor refuse disposal.

Key words: Perception, solid waste, disposal, Sokoto.