1.1 Introduction
Solid waste management refers to the systematic control of the generation, storage, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid materials in a manner that minimizes their adverse effects on human health and the environment (World Health Organization, 2021). Knowledge in the context of solid waste management refers to the level of understanding individuals possess regarding proper waste handling practices, environmental sanitation principles, and the health implications of poor waste disposal. In many developing urban areas, including Uyo, solid waste generation has increased significantly due to population growth, urban expansion, and changing consumption patterns. However, waste management systems have not expanded at a corresponding rate, leading to inadequate collection services, improper disposal methods, and widespread environmental pollution.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Solid waste management has become one of the most important environmental and public health concerns across the world due to rapid urbanization, population growth, industrialization, and changing consumption patterns. According to the World Health Organization, solid waste consists of unwanted materials generated from residential, commercial, institutional, agricultural, and industrial activities that require proper collection, treatment, and disposal to prevent adverse effects on human health and the environment. WHO (2021) reported that ineffective waste management contributes significantly to environmental pollution, disease transmission, and deterioration of living conditions, particularly in developing countries where waste management infrastructure is often inadequate (WHO, 2021).
According to Tchobanoglous and Kreith (2002), solid waste management encompasses all activities associated with waste generation, storage, collection, transportation, processing, recycling, recovery, and final disposal. They stated that an effective waste management system is necessary for maintaining environmental quality and protecting public health. Similarly, Wilson (2007) asserted that modern waste management extends beyond waste disposal to include resource conservation, recycling, and environmental sustainability.
World Bank (2018) reported that more than two billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated annually worldwide, with developing countries facing the greatest challenges in managing this waste effectively. In the same vein, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, 2022) stated that waste generation is projected to rise substantially in the coming decades, placing increasing pressure on existing waste management systems. UNEP affirmed that inadequate waste management practices continue to threaten environmental sustainability and public health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
According to Zurbrügg (2003), urban centres in developing countries often struggle with inefficient waste collection and disposal systems due to financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional capacity. Likewise, Johannessen and Boyer (1999) reported that many municipalities lack the resources required to provide comprehensive waste management services, resulting in widespread environmental pollution. Furthermore, Marshall and Farahbakhsh (2013) asserted that ineffective governance structures and poor stakeholder coordination frequently undermine efforts aimed at achieving sustainable waste management.
Knowledge and perception have been identified as important factors influencing environmental behaviour. Bandara et al. (2007) reported that environmental awareness and educational attainment significantly influence waste management behaviour among urban residents. Bandara et al. contended that people who understand the environmental and health implications of poor waste disposal are more likely to adopt responsible waste management practices.
Henry, Yongsheng, and Jun (2006) reported that, poor waste management practices constitute a major environmental challenge in many developing countries. Indiscriminate dumping of waste contributes to land degradation, water contamination, and air pollution. In the same vein, Cointreau (2006) stated that poorly managed waste sites expose communities to hazardous substances and disease-causing organisms. According to WHO (2021), improper waste disposal creates favourable breeding conditions for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, and rodents, thereby increasing the incidence of malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, and other communicable diseases. Supporting this position, UNEP (2022) reported that unmanaged waste can contaminate surface and groundwater resources, resulting in serious health consequences for nearby communities. Correspondingly, United Nations Statistics Division (2021) stated that inadequate waste management remains one of the major environmental health challenges confronting urban settlements in developing regions.
Nigeria continues to experience rapid urban growth, which has contributed significantly to increasing waste generation. According to Ogwueleka (2009), municipal solid waste generation in Nigerian cities has increased steadily due to population expansion and changing lifestyles. Ogwueleka reported that waste management infrastructure has not expanded at a corresponding rate, resulting in waste accumulation and environmental degradation. Similarly, Afon (2007) asserted that poor waste collection services and indiscriminate disposal practices remain common in many Nigerian urban centres.
This study is set against the backdrop of increasing solid waste generation, inadequate waste collection services, poor disposal practices, environmental pollution, and the growing public health hazards associated with ineffective solid waste management in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that solid waste management has become a major environmental and public health concern in many urban areas of Nigeria due to increasing population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. The accumulation of improperly managed waste in residential areas, markets, drainage channels, and public spaces has contributed to environmental pollution and sanitation challenges. According to the WHO (2021), inadequate waste management practices expose communities to various health risks, including waterborne and vector-borne diseases, respiratory infections, and environmental degradation.
In Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the volume of solid waste generated daily continues to increase as a result of expanding commercial activities, household consumption, and population growth. Reports from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment (2023) indicate that indiscriminate waste disposal, open dumping, and waste burning remain common practices in some parts of the metropolis.
Furthermore, previous studies have concentrated mainly on waste collection systems, disposal methods, and environmental impacts, with limited attention given to the combined influence of knowledge, perception, and practices on public health outcomes within specific local contexts. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess the knowledge, perception, and practices regarding solid waste management and associated public health hazards in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the knowledge, perception, and practices of solid waste management and its associated public health hazards in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the level of knowledge of residents on solid waste management practices in Uyo LGA.
- To examine the perception of residents regarding the public health hazards associated with improper waste disposal.
- To evaluate the waste disposal practices adopted by households and businesses in Uyo LGA.
- To identify the challenges affecting effective solid waste management in Uyo LGA.
- To determine the relationship between knowledge, perception, and waste management practices among residents.
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