BARRIERS TO HOUSEHOLD WASTE SEGREGATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ABUJA AS A CASE STUDY

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Department of Public Health
2-Department of Environmental Health
3-Department of Environmental Management
4-Department of Urban and Regional Planning

TOPIC:  BARRIERS TO HOUSEHOLD WASTE SEGREGATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ABUJA AS A CASE STUDY

TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Validity of the Study
3.9 Reliability of the Study
3.10 Ethical Consideration
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis of Data
4.3 Answering Research Questions
4.4 Test of Hypotheses
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Introduction  
5.2 Summary .
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations  
5.5 Limitation of the Study
5.6 Suggestions for further studies
References
Appendix

ABSTRACT 
This study titled Barriers to Household Waste Segregation for Sustainable Development: Abuja as a Case Study investigated the types of waste commonly generated, the extent to which households practice segregation, the techniques employed, and the barriers hindering effective segregation practices. The specific objectives were to determine the common forms of household waste, evaluate the extent of segregation practices, assess segregation techniques, and identify existing barriers. The research adopted a descriptive survey design with a target population comprising residents of selected households in Abuja. A total sample size of 399 was determined using Cochran’s formula, and 380 valid responses were obtained and analyzed. A multi-stage sampling technique involving purposive and stratified random sampling was employed to ensure representativeness across districts. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on a 4-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were used to analyze the data. Results showed that food and plastic wastes were the most common (Mean = 3.21, SD = 0.84), while the extent of segregation was generally low, with most households neither separating waste regularly nor using structured methods (Mean = 2.31, SD = 1.01). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between household awareness and waste segregation practices (χ² = 18.27, df = 6, p = 0.005), as well as between perceived barriers and segregation behavior (χ² = 22.64, df = 6, p = 0.001). Based on the findings, it was recommended that government and municipal agencies should provide color-coded bins, enforce sorting regulations, and engage in sustained public sensitization. Additionally, incentives should be introduced to encourage compliance, and partnerships with the private sector and recycling firms should be formalized to support a circular economy model. The study contributes valuable insight to the discourse on urban waste governance in Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
All over the world, heightened municipal solid waste (MSW) generation has become a priority concern in the worldwide discussion on sustainable development and environmental sustainability. As urbanization intensifies and consumption patterns change, the quantity and sophistication of waste generated by households continue to expand. Fadhullah et al. (2022) state that a high proportion of MSW consists of household waste and is causing significant environmental and health concerns. Segregation of various types of wastes at the point of generation has been a universal solution to these issues, as a sustainable practice that has been adopted far and wide. With segregation being a valuable practice that maximizes resource recovery, recycling rates, and environmental protection (Nepal et al., 2022). As nations strive to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 of sustainable cities and Goal 12 of responsible consumption, waste separation has become a main stage among environmental management practices (Owusu-Ansah et al., 2022; Mohamed et al., 2023).
Following this global discussion, the significance of segregation of household waste in urban sustainability and environmental planning has been given greater attention in emerging economies. Within sub-Saharan Africa, where waste management at the formal level tends to be unorganized, households are the center of the initial part of the waste stream (Ndam et al., 2023). Research like that of Kalyanasundaram et al. (2023) observes that household waste in African cities will typically include organic waste, plastics, paper, and hazardous items such as batteries and e-waste. Consequently, household-level segregation practices become the key to effective waste management and pressure release from landfills. In this regard, Adeiza et al. (2024) note that an understanding of household waste generation composition and trends is key to the formulation of effective policy interventions. Additionally, Moeini et al. (2023) note that environmental education and community awareness are fundamental in influencing segregation practice at the household level within developing nations as a foundation for establishing sustainable waste management systems.
Besides, scholars have queried the connection between waste separation methods and their applications on a daily basis at the micro-level. Kaur and Kaur (2024) posit that though there is a general knowledge of the benefits of segregation of waste, the methods used are quite varied based on socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Some households use bin-based segregation, for example, whereas others use color-coded bags or hand-picking methods. This is echoed by Akbar et al. (2024) who note that the uptake of such practices is primarily a function of the availability of segregation infrastructure and institutional support. Sahoo et al. (2024) state further that informal systems, including the activities of scavengers and waste pickers, have a tendency to supplement household efforts, particularly where formal waste services are lacking. The development of waste separation behavior, therefore, is not uniform but is directed by a matrix of household practice, policy contexts, and infrastructural presence (Trushna et al., 2024; Mohamed et al., 2023).
These conversations naturally bring to the fore the structural and behavioral aspects of household waste management. Although awareness and knowledge are requisites for segregation, its practice is often tempered by access to services, incentives, and support structures from external sources (Kalyanasundaram et al., 2021). Dagadu et al. (2024), for instance, argue that although certain households may be aware of environmental responsibilities, the absence of segregated collection systems dissuades their effort. Similarly, Akbar et al. (2024) are of the opinion that families are more likely to segregate if municipalities offer good instructions and frequent pickup services. Furthermore, Kaur and Kaur (2024) emphasize that waste policy clarity and coherence significantly influence segregation behavior. These results confirm that although households provide the initial line of defense for sustainable waste management, their ability to perform that function is premised on wider systemic support and participation.
Within this intertwinement of practice, policy, and infrastructure, the enabling or constraining function of socio-cultural processes has also emerged prominently. For instance, Moeini et al. (2023) argue that gendered assumption and perception of waste as 'dirty work' dictates how segregation duties are distributed in a household. To add weight to such perception, Ndam et al. (2023) observe that waste segregation is usually viewed as a low-status domestic task, a factor which influences levels of participation, particularly in cities where daily schedules are tight. In addition, the frequency and nature of waste generation, which are in turn shaped by household size, consumption patterns, income level, and diet, are also commonly linked to the practice and success of segregation (Nepal et al., 2022; Mohamed et al., 2023). These social determinants form a cumulative network that impacts the practice and success of waste segregation at the household level in varying urban settings.In contrast to this multi-faceted discussion, it is necessary to situate the problem in a concrete urban context like Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory. A rapidly urbanizing and diverse city in residential typologies, Abuja offers a peculiar case for an exploration of waste segregation in households within the framework of sustainable development. As noted by Dagadu et al. (2024), the city produces high municipal solid waste on a daily basis due to its rising population and expanding consumption levels. Organic matter, plastics, papers, glass, and electronic waste are the common household wastes that are found in Abuja, reflecting worldwide patterns in waste composition. However, procedure and practice of segregation differ from district to district depending upon housing design, frequency of waste collection, and environmental consciousness (Trushna et al., 2024; Sahoo et al., 2024). Thus, an examination of the common forms of waste, the level and means of segregation, and the root causes of hindrances in Abuja households provides imperative information on how urban waste management policies can be mainstreamed into general sustainable development objectives.

1.2 Statement of the Problem 
Domestic waste segregation is a hugely underdeveloped practice in Abuja, even though the city continues to experience increased generation of wastes due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns. Although consumers in Abuja produce all manner of wastes—from plastics and organic wastes to paper and hazardous wastes—indications are that segregation at the point of generation is either poorly carried out or not carried out at all (Sahoo et al., 2024). In the best-case scenario, the waste would be separated in different categories by the households prior to collection for recycling and reducing environmental pollution. In reality, though, the majority of the waste is just discarded without discrimination, increasing pressure on landfills, causing environmental risk, and recovering resources inefficiently (Trushna et al., 2024). The practice is contrary to the sustainable development goals of encouraging responsible consumption and safeguarding the environment.
Moeini et al. (2023) note that Abuja is plagued by poor household participation, lack of regular enforcement of segregation policy, and presence of facilities for sorting—features that all conspire against sustainable waste management in the city. While there have been several studies of trends of household waste generation and overall waste management in Nigeria, there has been limited scholarly work that has examined the actual barriers to successful segregation of waste in Abuja. Most of the available works have a tendency of extrapolating findings from other cities in Nigeria or discussing urban waste management in general terms without delineating household-level behavioural and structural barriers in Abuja's socio-economic complexities (Mohamed et al., 2023; Kalyanasundaram et al., 2023). This leaves an essential knowledge gap in terms of wastes generated types, segregation practices in use, and contextual barriers for households in embracing sustainable practices. Moreover, the extent to which the residents are aware of or can practice segregation is not clearly known. Targeting Abuja households specifically, this study attempts to fill the void by providing evidence-based insight into what types of waste are generated, evaluating current levels of segregation, and establishing the factors undermining their efficacy. With that, the study will inform policy making and focused interventions towards promoting sustainable municipal waste management.
1.3 Objectives of the Study 
The overarching objective of this study is to examine the barriers to household waste segregation for sustainable development in Abuja. Specifically, the study seeks to:
1.Determine the common forms of waste generated among households in Abuja.
2.Evaluate the extent to which waste segregation is practiced among households in Abuja.
3.Assess the various techniques of waste segregation practiced by households in Abuja.
4.Identify the barriers affecting the effective practice of waste segregation among households in Abuja.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who have previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of household waste segregation, the concept of sustainable development, types of household waste, barriers to household waste segregation, factors influencing household waste segregation, and the role of household waste segregation in achieving sustainable development in Abuja. The chapter covers the following subheadings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises residents of selected residential areas within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 399 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as Chi-square, were used to test the hypotheses.

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made:

i. The study found that households in Abuja commonly generate food and organic waste, plastics and polythene bags, paper and carton materials, electronic waste, and glass and metal containers, as evidenced by mean scores of 3.18, 3.21, 2.94, 2.56, and 2.61 respectively, all of which are above the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. This indicates that food and organic waste and plastics are the most commonly generated household waste materials in Abuja.

ii. The study found that waste segregation is not adequately practiced among households in Abuja, as evidenced by mean scores of 2.42 for separating waste at home before disposal, 2.31 for reusing or repurposing household waste, 2.18 for awareness of proper waste separation, and 2.32 for separating organic and recyclable waste, which are below the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a Chi-square value (χ²) of 95.614, 3 degrees of freedom, and p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis and confirming that waste segregation is not adequately practiced among households in Abuja.

iii. The study found that households in Abuja demonstrate limited use of effective waste segregation techniques, as evidenced by mean scores of 2.32 for using colour-coded bins, 2.18 for composting organic waste, 2.39 for separating recyclable materials, and 2.32 for keeping sorted waste in different containers until collection, which are below the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. However, the separation of hazardous waste recorded a mean score of 2.52, which is above the acceptance benchmark, indicating that it is the only segregation technique accepted among the practices examined.

iv. The study found that several barriers hinder the effective practice of household waste segregation in Abuja, including lack of access to separate municipal bins, inadequate information and awareness, the mixing of sorted waste by waste collectors, and the perception that waste segregation is time-consuming or inconvenient, as evidenced by mean scores of 3.03, 2.79, 2.79, and 2.96 respectively, all above the acceptance benchmark of 2.50. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a Chi-square value (χ²) of 234.526, 3 degrees of freedom, and p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis and confirming that significant barriers affect the effective practice of household waste segregation in Abuja.

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Introduction 
5.2 Summary of the Study 
5.3 Conclusion 
5.4 Recommendations
5.5 Limitations of the Study 
5.6 Suggestions for Further Studies 

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