ASSESMENT OF HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN PLATEAU STATE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN URBAN AND RURAL

Abstract

Introduction: Solid waste management has been recognized as one of the biggest challenges facing municipal authorities across the world as a result of population growth, urbanization, rising standard of living. Objective: To assess the knowledge of solid waste management among households, determine the practice of solid waste management, identify the factors militating against proper solid waste management in selected Local Government areas in Plateau state. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study of 350 households was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Quantitative data was collected by interview pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 23. Qualitative data was obtained using an In-depth Interview guide. Chi-square was used to compare demographic and socio-demographic variables in urban and rural areas of Plateau state. A p-value of <0.05 a test of statistical significance was carried out using a post-hoc analysis (with multiple comparison Bonferoni test). Result: On household waste collection and handling, the result shows that there is significantly difference between urban than rural setting X² = 229.28, p<0.05. Majority of the urban household collect and handle waste by storing it on refuse bins 143 (20.4) and transported to distant dumpsites by residents 121 (17.2%). Whereas, majority of rural residence dump refuse on dumpsites around 172(25.5%), 83(11.9%) dump around house and transport to distant dumpsite 84 (12.0%), while few of the respondents store in refuse bin 11 (1.6). on number of respondents that had refuse bin, the result shows that there is significantly difference between urban than rural setting X² = 229.28, p<0.05. as urban residents all accepted to own a refuse bin 350 (100%), while rural residence had 91 (13.0%) who had refuse bin and majority 259 (37.0%) had no refuse bin. There are no state owned collection points. Conclusion: The study revealed poor waste management practices. The study recommends that the state government implements very comprehensive policies, sanitary inspection, infrastructure and community participation that will take into consideration municipal solid waste needs in the urban and rural areas of the state.