Investigating the impact of waste reduction measures for Jos, Nigeria

With a rising population, limited financial resources and lack of infrastructure, emerging countries like Nigeria face increasing challenges in managing waste. With Nigeria's population growing at 2.8% per annum, by 2025 it is estimated the population will reach 240 million. Often waste is dumped in communities or delivered to dumpsites having a significant impact on public health. The recent UN Sustainable Development Goals highlighted that urgent steps are needed to control the increasing rate of waste generation. This reseaech investigates the waste management challenges in Jos, Nigeria. Through primary data collection including observations, focus groups, waste analysis, and interviews, the study analyses current waste management practices. Results show conflicts in local roles and responsibilities leading to waste not being collected. There is lack of equipment and infrastructure for managing waste, and no waste education. High rates of reuse and recycling were observed due to economic drivers. The research concludes with an overvies of potential reduction initiatives and considers what role they may play in improving the management of waste in Jos.