The Impact of Awareness of Waste Management Practice on Waste Management Implementation in Delta State
Author
Douglas Terence Moneyman Ogrenye
Abstract
This study examined the impact of awareness of waste management practices on waste management implementation in Delta State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent challenges associated with poor waste disposal and ineffective waste management systems despite existing policies and institutional frameworks. Anchored on the Environmentally Responsible Behaviour theory, the study specifically investigated the extent to which awareness influences the implementation of waste management practices among residents. A descriptive survey research design was adopted to capture the perceptions and experiences of respondents across selected areas in Delta State. The population of the study comprised 4,098,291 residents of Delta State and 580 staff of the Delta State Waste Management Agency. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 290 respondents was determined, while a systematic sampling technique was employed in selecting households. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and averages were used to summarize the data, while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) was used to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between awareness of waste management practices and their implementation in Delta State. This supports earlier studies which identify poor environmental awareness as a major constraint to effective waste management in developing countries. The study concluded that inadequate awareness and environmental education among residents significantly contribute to poor waste management practices, resulting in environmental and health challenges such as indiscriminate waste disposal, drainage blockage, and flooding, particularly in urban centres. Based on the findings, the study recommended intensified public awareness campaigns and environmental education programmes across all local government areas in Delta State. It also emphasized the need for stronger government commitment through adequate funding, effective compliance strategies, and regular waste collection services. Residents are equally encouraged to take responsibility for their waste and comply with established waste management practices
Keywords
Waste management, Awareness, Waste disposal, Environmental education, Waste management implementation, Delta State, Environmental sustainability
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References
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