ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BODIJA MARKET, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research was carried out to assess the management of solid wastes in Bodija market, Ibadan in southwest Nigeria, to provide insights into existing waste management approaches, so as to provide sustainable avenues for institutional policy improvement. This research examines overall functioning of solid waste management in Bodija market, Ibadan, Nigeria. The main objective of the research was to explore the role of public and private managers in the study area. This objective is pursued in four specific dimensions: identify the sources and composition of solid wastes; identify the roles and relationships between the public and private sectors in the management of solid waste; evaluate the existing solid waste management system, and assess traders’ willingness to pay for solid waste management. This study adopts both quantitative and qualitative approaches using multiple data gathering techniques (e.g.) semi-structured face-to-face interviews, direct field observation, focus group, and information sections; conversations with traders, transporters and customers in the market who are key informants, government officials and waste generators to gather different but relevant information and data. The secondary data includes data on waste management from Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OSSWMA). For the purpose of this study, 5% respondents representing 560 traders were chosen because of the heterogeneous nature of the population, comprising; 286 traders in lock ups, 108 traders in open stalls, 92 traders in open spaces, 68 traders in abattoir and 6 officials of waste management companies. Structured questionnaires and interview guide were used to carry out investigations that are relevant to this research. For the purpose of this research, traders in lock up shops, open stalls, open spaces, abattoirs and officials of waste management companies in the study area (Bodija market) represented the targeted populations. Major findings from the study include: food and vegetables are the dominant component of the solid wastes in the market due to the nature of the market being a designated food market. Empirical evidence suggests that to a great extent, waste managers are averagely effective in the market, and that most traders in the study area utilize waste dumps for disposal of their solid waste. The research described the effects of offensive odour from solid waste as being very serious on the market environment. It was discovered that this happened as a result of continuous dumping of solid wastes, this is not hygienic for the health condition of the users of the market and also contributed to the dinginess of the study area. This research discusses the need for adequate management of solid waste as a requisite to combat the damaging effects of solid waste in the market. After presenting a series of concepts and definitions related to sources, generation, and management of solid waste from the literature, we then discuss the data methods for the study. It is well noted that the result of the correlation indicates that the annual income of traders in the market is related to payment for solid waste disposal, affordability of fee payable for solid waste management, method of waste disposal, and type of market space in the study area in the market contribute to ability to pay for solid waste management in the market. The purpose of this research is for authorities and the users to be better informed on how to handle the issue of waste generation, waste handling which become the basis for the planning and organization of waste management operations in order to achieve a cleaner environment. It had been observed that activities of Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OSSWMA), Ibadan North Local Government (IBNLG) and Private Refuse Contractors (PRCs) in terms of technical know-how, financial capacity and waste equipment are not adequate to meet the tasks of proper management of solid waste in the market. This research suggested that state and local government should inculcate private-public participation in the management of solid waste through contributions by all the various groups involved in the study area.