Assessing the Level of Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Sampou Community
Abstract
The rapid growth of solid waste and its improper management pose severe health, environmental, and economic risks, especially in rural Nigerian communities such as Sampou, where data on public awareness and practices are lacking. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of solid waste management (SWM) methods and their environmental impacts among Sampou residents, examine the influence of demographic factors on this awareness, and identify barriers to adopting proper waste-management practices. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Sampou Community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between April 2024 and June 2025. A total of 382 household heads or their representatives were selected through systematic random sampling and surveyed using an interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 30.0, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The results revealed that only 44% of respondents had heard of SWM, with 34.8% showing good awareness, 60.5% fair awareness, and 4.7% poor awareness. Disposal practices were dominated by dumping in water bodies (70.4%) and open spaces (27.2%), while 72.8% were aware of the dangers of improper SWM. Education (p = 0.0048) and income level (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with awareness. Key barriers included the absence of proper dumpsites (23.8%), lack of waste bins (16.8%), and inadequate knowledge (13.1%). Awareness and proper waste-management practices remain low despite high perceived risk, with education and income influencing awareness levels. However, where proper infrastructure is absent, appropriate waste-management methods cannot be practised, irrespective of awareness. To improve outcomes, the study recommends implementing community-based SWM education programmes, providing affordable waste bins and accessible disposal facilities, enforcing regulations on waste practices, and increasing government-community partnerships to promote sustainable waste management in Sampou.