Socioeconomic Characteristics and Waste Management in Ugep Community, Yakurr Local Government, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research focused on examining the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and waste management in Ugep Community. Research deployed the administration of questionnaire to targeted 450 households in the community with emphasis on household size and their waste disposal options or methods as well as engaged focus group and conducted interviews to generate data. 420 responses were retrieved and results indicate larger households are disposed to generating more waste and face challenges in managing their waste properly leading to increased likelihood of open dumping and burning, while smaller households tend to adopt better waste management practices. The study therefore recommended sustainable waste management strategies which take into account household size and composition. The study emphasizes the need for awareness creation and education of the inhabitants on waste management as well as encourage relevant bodies like government at various levels to make concerted efforts at investing in waste management equipment and infrastructure all with the aim of engendering informed policy decisions at improving waste management practices that would in the end mitigate environmental and public health challenges in Ugep Community.