The state of solid waste management in cities of most developing countries is fast
assuming the scale of a major social and environmental challenge. In Sub-Saharan
Africa in particular, the combined influence of poverty, population growth and rapid
urbanization has tended to worsen the situation. The gravity of this problem is perhaps
best reflected in the level of attention given to it in the United Nations (UN)
Millennium Declaration. Three of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
outlined in the declaration have waste or resource efficiency implications. In response
to the waste challenge many developed countries have embarked upon ambitious
environmental reforms, recording remarkable advances in best practises and
sustainable management of their Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). However, many
developing countries such as Nigeria have fared less well in this regard as a result of
several barriers militating against sustainable management of MSW. The principal
aim of this research is therefore to carry out a critical analysis of the various barriers
as well as success factors that affect the sustainable management of MSW using
Abuja, Nigeria, as a case study. The study adopts a largely quantitative
methodological approach, employing waste composition analysis of samples from the
case study area, questionnaire survey and focus group interviews of stakeholders in
MSW management as key methods for generation of data.
Results from analysis of data, using the Statistical Programme for the Social Sciences
(SPSS), indicate that between 65-70% of MSW samples from Abuja is biodegradable,
mostly comprising of high wet weight and high moisture content kitchen wastes. On
the other hand between 11%-30% of MSW samples from the City comprises mostly
of non-degradable but recyclable materials such as glass, metals and cans, non-ferrous
metals and waste electrical and electronic equipment. The implication of the high
levels of moisture content in the biodegradable components is that samples are not
suitable for incineration but are ideal for composting and other mechanical and
biological management options. Data analysis also reveals that the main barriers to
sustainable MSW management in the City include low public awareness/education on
MSW management, obsolete and insufficient equipment and funding limitations.
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On the other hand, the most important success factor affecting sustainable MSW
management in Abuja was found to be the bourgeoning City population which has a
huge potential for uptake of recycled products.
In summary, this research concludes that the factors affecting MSW management in
Abuja are typical of many tropical urban environments. Fundamental shifts in current
practises towards waste prevention; driven by a structured public education
programme in MSW management is recommended, so as to bring about a more
sustainable management regime. As a result of resource and time limitations, it was
not possible to complete several potential lines of investigation related to this study.
To fully understand the character of the Abuja waste stream however, further
chemical characterization including proximate and ultimate analysis is required.
Future research in this genre must endeavour to collect data from a larger sample to
increase the precision of the analysis and to enable firmer conclusions to be drawn.