Scavengers’ Participation in Solid Waste Management in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1015-5994Keywords:
Management, Health, Participation, Scavengers, Solid wasteAbstract
This study assessed scavengers’ participation in solid waste management in Suleja Local Government Area (LGA), Niger State, Nigeria, with emphasis on their roles, determinants of participation, and contributions to waste management. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, with 349 scavengers selected from a population of 615. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews (KII). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, STATA version 15.0, and Taguette version 1.4.1. Findings revealed a substantial gender disparity, with males constituting 87.5% of respondents, reflecting the physically demanding nature and cultural association of scavenging with men. The largest age group was 21–30 years (41.9%), indicating considerable participation of young people in the informal waste sector. Educational attainment was generally low, as 37.3% had no formal education, while only 5.2% possessed tertiary qualifications, suggesting limited opportunities for formal employment. Furthermore, 55.7% of respondents were single, potentially associated with the unstable income and precarious working conditions of scavenging. Education (β=2.585, p=0.017) and waste volume (β=0.022, p=0.037) significantly influenced scavengers’ participation, contributing to an estimated 1.512 tons of recyclable materials per scavenger (R²=0.980). Major challenges included social stigma (66.1%), poor working conditions (39.1%), and inadequate formal recognition. The study recommends establishing designated collection centres, standardising recyclable buy-back rates, providing vocational training and microfinance opportunities, formally integrating scavengers into waste management systems, and strengthening occupational health and safety support to promote sustainable waste management and improve livelihoods.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Buba Adamu Ndawayo, Idris Musa, Muktar Ibrahim, Habila Sunday Kazahshi
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