Determinants of electronic waste management practices among information and communication technology artisans in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) has been seen to be holding a central place in the development of our society. Several countries have invested in its use over the years and as a result, much of electronic wastes have been generated, especially in developing countries. There is therefore a need to manage these waste using good practices. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of electronic waste management practices among information and communication technology artisans in Ibadan, Nigeria. The identified determinants are – government regulations, peer pressure, an organisation’s reputation, client requirements, organisation’s culture, and availability of relevant technology. The study adopted a survey research design. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to 235 respondents, while interviews were conducted with 11 key informants using the convenience sampling method. Friedman’s related sample test, and linear regression analyses were carried out on questionnaire data, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview responses. The study provided answers to seven (7) research questions. Findings from the study revealed that most artisans manage their e-wastes by re-using parts of non-functioning electronic devices, repairing old devices, and selling e-wastes to scavengers. The study also revealed that government regulations, peer pressure, an organisation’s culture, and an organisation’s reputation have predictive relationships with the e-waste management practices that information and communication technology artisans adopt. The study recommended the development of an explicit e-waste management policy and regular delivery of orientation and reorientation programmes by the government on electronic waste management practices.

Keywords: artisans, e-waste management, Ibadan, information and communication technology, Nigeria