Development impact of advocacy initiatives in solid waste management in Nigeria |
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Authors: | Thaddeus Chidi Nzeadibe Chukwuedozie K Ajaero |
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Institution: | (1) Waste Management and Recycling Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria;(2) Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria |
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Abstract: | Solid waste management (SWM) in many low- and middle-income countries is sometimes driven by the informal sector. Unfortunately,
contributions of the sector to SWM are not acknowledged in many developing countries. This situation often arises from inadequate
awareness and lack of advocacy for these development contributions. This article reports on the impact of a study conducted
by final-year geography undergraduates on the informal waste management sector in Nsukka urban area, Nigeria. The purposes
of this exercise were to stimulate development intervention on behalf of the sector to improve perceptions, attitudes and
performance, to impart a range of development research skills and to expose the students to the business opportunities provided
by SWM and recycling. Informal waste sector workers and government officials responsible for SWM were interviewed, and some
commercial data on recycling operations were collected. Findings of this study indicate that such advocacy initiatives were
effective in increasing students’ awareness of opportunities and interest in working in the informal waste sector to promote
better SWM and development in Nigeria. Lessons from this university case study are also drawn for other developing countries
struggling to achieve the poverty reduction and job creation Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). |
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