ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN KATSINA-ALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

Abstract

This study investigated solid waste management in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated for the study. The study adopted descriptive and perceptual research design. The population was all the inhabitants in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State among whom a sample of 300 respondents was drawn through multistage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled ‘Solid Waste Management Questionnaire, SWMQ’. The study found out that economic factors significantly influenced solid waste management in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and developmental policies significantly influenced solid waste management in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Based on the findings above, it can be concluded that the presence of improperly managed solid waste across the length and breadth of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State is as a result of many intervening variables such as economic factors as well as developmental challenges. The researchers recommended that there should be general awareness campaigns in order to influence people’s behaviour there needs to be a carefully planned engagement strategy and that there should be adequate town planning and developmental policies that facilitate effective solid waste management.