Abstract
It is widely accepted that solid waste management is a global problem. This problem is even more pronounced in developing countries such as Nigeria where solid waste management is a major concern. In recent times, however, there has been a concerted effort towards engaging members of the public in solving the waste management crisis. This effort is centred on public participation in sustainable waste management practice across the country. Nevertheless, in Abuja there seems to be low public participation in sustainable wastes and environmental management practice. This paper therefore seeks to investigate the rate of participation in sustainable waste and environmental management activities in Abuja. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the paper relied on a sample of 57 participants to obtain some primary data. The paper employed a mixed method approach with the aid of a questionnaire. The questions were designed to gather data on demographics of the participants, their awareness and attitude to sustainable waste management, the barriers preventing public participation in a sustainable solid waste management and measures that can encourage public participation in sustainable waste management in Abuja. The study revealed that increase funding, provision of recycling collection points, enforcement of laws and policies, the development of effective policies and regulatory framework amongst others are some of the measures that can encourage public participation in sustainable waste management programs in Abuja.
Highlights
It is widely accepted that the management of solid waste is a global problem
This effort is centred on public participation in sustainable waste management practice across the country
Section one was aimed at collecting data on participants demographics; section two collected information on the awareness and attitude to sustainable waste management amongst the participants; section three of the questionnaire contains questions on the barriers preventing public participation in a sustainable solid waste management
Summary
It is widely accepted that the management of solid waste is a global problem. This problem is even more pronounced in developing countries such as Nigeria where solid waste management is a major concern(Butu and Mshelia, 2014).Adeyemi et al, (2001) observed that solid waste constitute a major problem in most developing countries. Omuta, (1987) noted that one notable flaws in waste management administration in developing countries is the unavailability of a proper waste management policy His view is that for waste management to work, various aspects of Government services such as engineering, urban planning, Geography, economics, public health and law among others must be brought together under a proper policy to deliver an effective waste management system. Ogwueleka (2009) argues that some of the approaches used in tackling the waste problems in Nigeria have recorded very little success He observed that, the approaches do not distinguish the different needs and diversities of the different cities in the country. Bridging the information gap and understanding the challenges of the Nigerian public involvement in sustainable waste management practice will be helpful in developing appropriate measures including behaviour-modifying measures (Imam et al, 2008; Adewole 2009) This approach may strengthen and complement the current sustainable waste management strategy in the country
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