A Study of the Role Communities and Relevant Stakeholders Play in the Management of Unofficial Waste Sites in Developing Countries - A Case Study of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Within low-middle income countries (LMIC), a common feature of urban centres is the prevalence of unofficial waste disposal sites (UWDSs). Such sites present challenges to both state and local authorities. As these sites are commonly situated in low-income communities, the control and management are particularly difficult. The waste disposal sites are often within residential areas which pose both a health and environmental risk.

This research was undertaken to determine how roles of the local community play in association with other external stakeholders in managing the development of these sites using a case study of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The research sought to utilize the concept of integrated sustainable waste management (ISWM) to analyse and model intervention strategies to diversify waste from the existing UWDSs and prevent development of future sites.

The research employed a mixed method research approach which encompassed (i) geospatial mapping of (29) UWDSs across the study area (ii) a resident survey (n=225 respondents), (iii) interviews with key stakeholders (n=10), (iv) focus group discussions with the community and (v) field observations. Geospatial analysis of the UWDSs showed that these sites were located predominantly along the road near residential areas. It was found that this was independent of socioeconomic classes being in low, medium and high-income areas.

Despite the efforts of the local authority to provide waste collection service across all of the three income areas through house-to-house waste collection, the majority of the waste went uncollected. The survey results showed that waste collection was irregular (37%) or rarely provided (35%) which attested to both an ineffective and inefficient waste management service. This was a major driver in the development of UWDSs. It was found that to improve the situation a framework of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management was required which identified and engaged all of the relevant stakeholders.

Findings of the waste compositional analysis showed that waste streams in UWDSs consisted of organic wastes such as fruit (12.5%), food (9.5%) and tuberous peels (8.4%) and recyclables such as polythene products (12.7%) and glass and ceramics (9.7%) that can be diverted through reuse, community composting, and recycling schemes as source-reduction and waste-diversifying interventions for the management of UWDSs in the study area.

SWOT analysis of intervention strategies associated with the waste profile of the UWDSs aided the development of a model to encourage waste diversion away from UWDSs. According to the waste diversion model, the governance structure identified the significant influence made by Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA) and community groups (such as the landlord-tenant association, youth community development association) as well as non-governmental organizations in the diversion of waste from the UWDSs. This model connected directly with the existing waste management system to ensure efficient material flow through waste segregation, community composting and recycling schemes.

The adoption of the model relied on the adequate education of both the participatory and non-engaging community members. In order to keep members motivated and encourage others to join the provision of incentives was deemed necessary. This would be in the form of discounts on waste fees, vouchers, or compost. This would ensure the diversion of wastes from the UWDSs and thereby reduce the community reliance on these for disposal.

The research has demonstrated that a bottom-up approach to waste management in LMIC is required to deal with the challenges associated with infrastructure and engagement that drives the development of UWDSs. Effective collaboration of all stakeholders is required to promote diversion of wastes from the UWDSs such that their risks are mitigated, and further development is prevented.