Scavenging as a Means of Environmental Management: A Case Study of Nsugbe Solid Waste Dumpsite, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Scavenging is a tool for environmental management as it aids in the conservation of natural resources. The objective of this study is to assess scavenging at Nsugbe solid waste dumpsite as a means of environmental management. The instruments used for data collection are observation, questionnaire, interview and physical weighing of scraps recovered and sold by 95 scavengers for a period of 5 months from January- May, 2019 at the waste dumpsite. Data analysis was done using percentages, charts and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis, while Students T-test was made use of in testing the hypothesis. The major outcomes of the study are: (1) A total of 601.196 metric tons of scraps which would have been thrown into the environment to constitute a hazard were recovered, thereby improving environmental quality; (2) the T-test analysis on quantity of scraps recovered produced the calculated t of 24.396 greater than the tabulated t of 2.09. thus confirming that the quantity of scraps recovered by scavengers at the Nsugbe solid waste dumpsite is significant to the quantity collected and disposed by ASWAMA; and (3) materials scavenged which are either reused or recycled help in the reduction of exploitation of virgin materials for production by industries. The recommendations of the study include: (1) creation of awareness among youths to explore scavenging as a big business; (2) setting up of recycling industries close to the dumpsite or in any part of Anambra State for the scavenged materials as there in none for now; and (3) creation of awareness amongst the scavengers on the occupational health hazards associated with the scavenging business.