Problems Associated With Solid Waste Management Among Peri-Urban Households In Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The problem of solid waste management in Nigeria has been an important issue for discussion among scientists and researchers in recent times. This study evaluates the
problems associated with effective solid waste management among peri-urban households in southeastern Nigeria. Data were collected from 94 randomly selected respondents from two states of southeastern Nigeria with the aid of questionnaire and interview schedule. Data collected were analyzed through frequencies, percentages and chi square statistic. Findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents involved in the study were in the middle age category (66%), attained tertiary education (73.4%), had family size of between less than 4 and up to 7. Findings also revealed that most of the respondents (74.5%) were males and earned N21, 000 and above N40, 000 per month. The study revealed that most respondents (59%) perceived the problems associated with solid waste management as moderate, with the following findings: space (mean score =2.09), excess debris (mean score =2.17), poor drainage (mean score =2.49), lack of drainage (mean score =2.57), unavailable dustbin (mean score =2.29), improper town planning (mean score
=2.11), habit (mean score =2.39), poor location of buildings (mean score =2.15).
Respondents\' attitude towards waste management was favourable. Significant
relationships were found between education (X2 = 16.046; p<0.05), family size (X2 =
29.643; p<0.05), attitude to waste management (X2= 2.310; p<0.05) and perceived
problems associated with solid waste management. Useful recommendations were
therefore made.

Keywords: solid waste management, peri-urban households, Southeastern Nigeria

Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 58-66