Impact of Waste Management Practices on the Green Economy, Obio- Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State

Granville; Napoleon Melford; Iyama; William Azuka; Abere; Sodienye Augustine

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.12.no8.2026.pg28.42

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Impact of Waste Management Practices on the Green Economy, Obio- Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State

Granville, Napoleon Melford, Iyama, William Azuka, Abere, Sodienye Augustine

Abstract

The study examined the impact of waste management practices on the green economy in Obio- Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The research was guided by three objectives: to assess the influence of waste management practices on the conservation of natural resources, to determine the potential of such practices in creating greener jobs, and to establish the relationship between waste pickers’ activities and eco-friendly waste management. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and 360 questionnaires were distributed, of which 271 were correctly completed and returned for analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ2) tests. Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between waste management practices and the conservation of natural resources (χ2 = 237.41, p = 0.005). Respondents agreed that poor waste handling practices such as open burning and indiscriminate dumping-have contributed to soil pollution, air quality deterioration, and contamination of water bodies, thus highlighting the importance of proper waste management in resource conservation. The study also found a significant relationship between waste management practices and the creation of greener jobs in the area (χ2 = 207.43, p = 0.004). Improved waste handling, recycling, composting, and reuse were identified as potential drivers of sustainable employment, with many residents’ expressing willingness to support green job initiatives. Additionally, the activities of waste pickers were found to significantly influence eco-friendly waste management practices (χ2 = 278.64, p = 0.002). Waste pickers played a vital role in recycling, waste recovery, and reducing street waste despite facing challenges such as inadequate tools, health risks, and low income. Their contributions reflect the principles of a circular and green economy. Overall, the study concludes that effective waste management practices are critical to environmental sustainability, natural resource conservation, and green job creation in Obio-Akpor. It recommended an improved waste management infrastructure, policy support for green employment, integration of waste pickers into formal waste systems, and enhanced public awareness to advance the green economy within the region. Keyword: Impact, Waste Management, Practices, Green Economy, Natural Resources, Waste Pickers.

References

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Impact of Waste Management Practices on the Green Economy, Obio- Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

References

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