Socio-Economic Influences and Geographical Differences in Waste Production and Management Methods among Economically Disadvantaged Households in Rivers State, Nigeria

Takerhi; Q.; Ayotamuno; Dollah; O. C

doi:10.56201/wjimt.v10.no9.2026.pg240.256

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Socio-Economic Influences and Geographical Differences in Waste Production and Management Methods among Economically Disadvantaged Households in Rivers State, Nigeria

Takerhi, Q., Ayotamuno, A , Dollah, O. C

Abstract

This research explored the social and economic factors as well as the geographical differences in the generation and handling of household waste among urban low-income households in Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey method was utilized, with a sample size of 400 participants calculated using Taro Yamane’s formula, based on an estimated urban poor population of 3,080,000. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Walli’s test, and Spearman’s rank correlation. The results indicated that 57.0% of the participants were female, while 65% belonged to the economically active age range of 21–50 years. Most participants were married (50.0%) and participated in informal economic roles such as trading (33.0%). The income distribution revealed that 48.3% of participants fell within the lowest income bracket. Household sizes were mainly moderate, with 51.5% consisting of 4–6 members. The study identified that the primary waste generated in the area was organic (Mean = 4.03) and plastic (Mean = 3.94), accompanied by poor waste segregation practices (Mean = 4.13). There were significant variations in waste generation across different senatorial districts (H = 18.742, p = 0.002), highlighting geographical disparities in waste management. Socio-economic elements were found to have a substantial effect on waste management practices (Grand Mean = 3.53), with poverty contributing to informal disposal methods like open dumping, burning, and burial. Nevertheless, some adaptive methods such as reuse (Mean = 3.85) and recycling for income (Mean = 3.78) were also noted. The study concludes that waste management practices among low-income households tend to be unsustainable due to financial limitations, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of awareness. It suggests the need for enhanced waste management systems, environmental education, and economic empowerment initiatives to encourage sustainable waste practices in urban settings.

Keywords

Socio-EconomicInfluencesGeographicDifferencesWasteProductionManagement & Methods

References

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Socio-Economic Influences and Geographical Differences in Waste Production and Management Methods among Economically Disadvantaged Households in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

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