CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The market plays a dynamic role in the lives of both individuals and communities, contributing significantly to both their social and economic well-being. Its significance extends beyond mere commodity distribution, as it also facilitates the exchange of information and fosters social interactions (Owoeye & Adedeji, 2013). Markets aren't just economic entities; they also function as social hubs. They serve as bridges connecting people from different ethnic backgrounds, races, and cultural backgrounds, while also serving as gathering places for various social, cultural, religious, and political activities. The author also suggests that markets provide a physical environment where urban and rural cultures can interact, representing one of the many diverse systems, institutions, procedures, information-sharing channels, social connections, and infrastructures through which parties engage in trade.
Environmental sanitation remains an enduring challenge in Nigeria, with severe implications for public health. To tackle the extensive issues related to environmental sanitation in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMOE) identified market and abattoir sanitation as particularly critical areas of concern through the National Environmental Sanitation Policy. This decision was prompted by the significant sanitation problems in markets and abattoirs, which encompass improper waste disposal, inadequate water supply, and a serious lack of sanitary facilities, leading to open defecation and urination. These conditions also result in overcrowding and expose food and meat to contamination by flies, rodents, and other contaminants (FMOE, 2005). These problems are attributed to the improper planning of markets and abattoirs, the emergence of illegal markets and abattoirs (including slaughter areas), the absence of sufficient provisions for clean water, inadequate road networks, insufficient institutional regulations, enforcement, and monitoring, and most notably, corrupt and unethical practices by those overseeing markets and abattoirs (FMOE, 2005).
Markets hold a crucial place in the lives of Nigerians, and the activities associated with buying and selling generate substantial amounts of solid waste, including decomposing plant and animal matter (Parks, 2007). Markets draw in large crowds of buyers, sellers, and particularly young children who accompany their mothers. The congregation of people in markets creates an environment conducive to the spread of communicable diseases, which can potentially reach epidemic proportions.
It is not uncommon to witness piles of refuse in marketplaces. These refuse heaps serve as ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors such as rodents and insects, significantly increasing the risk of infectious disease transmission (Nigerian Observer, 2012). It is also recognized that many of the diseases affecting Nigerians, including malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrhea, can be attributed to unhealthy environmental conditions (Nigerian National Planning Commission, 2004). In addition to health concerns, these refuse piles can pose fire hazards, are unsightly, and emit unpleasant odors. Often, refuse is indiscriminately dumped in drainage systems, canals, and along watercourses, further contributing to environmental degradation.
Furthermore, markets in Nigeria frequently suffer from a severe lack of sanitary facilities, including clean water sources, toilets, bathrooms, and waste disposal areas. Open urination and defecation are common, and the resulting contamination of the environment further worsens environmental degradation (Enahoro, 1983). Additionally, inadequate supervision of markets by ill-trained, ill-equipped, and corrupt officials has led to issues such as overcrowding and unauthorized trading on access roads both within and outside market boundaries. These problems add to the risks faced by traders.
The blockage of access roads within markets and their surroundings can sometimes result in unnecessary loss of life and property during emergency evacuations, particularly in the case of fire incidents (Nigerian Observer, 2012).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Various factors impact sanitation practices, and these include insufficient resources and negative attitudes toward sanitation (Moyo & Moyo, 2017). Among the sociodemographic factors influencing sanitation practices, gender was the focus of this study. It is frequently observed that females tend to exhibit a greater environmental awareness and engage in more environmentally conscious behaviors than males. This discrepancy is often due to the fact that women are more frequently tasked with household and market maintenance responsibilities. Raudsepp (2001) discovered that women were notably more concerned about environmental issues compared to men. This research has the potential to provide significant advantages to individual traders, local market authorities, and public health educators. Individual traders can benefit by gaining an understanding of practices that may be detrimental to their health and subsequently adopting behavior changes. Local market authorities can benefit by becoming informed about the factors influencing good sanitation practices among traders and how to address them. Public health educators, through this study, can acquire insights on advising traders about sound sanitation practices that contribute to the well-being of both the traders and their customers.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to assess the level of awareness and compliance with environmental sanitation among traders of Ladipo market, Lagos state. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To examine the level of awareness on environmental sanitation among traders in Ladipo Market.
- To examine the level of compliance with environmental sanitation among traders in Ladipo Market.
- To proffer solutions to enhancing better sanitary practices and co mpliance among traders in Ladipo Market.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What is the level of awareness on environmental sanitation among traders in Ladipo Market?
- What is the level of compliance with environmental sanitation among traders in Ladipo Market?
- What is the solutions to enhancing better sanitary practices and co mpliance among traders in Ladipo Market?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: Sanitary Practices in Ladipo Market poor.
Hi: Sanitary Practices in Ladipo Market Good.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the health and environment sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Ladipo Market, Lagos State, Nigeria. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
- Assessment: In the context of this study, assessment refers to the systematic evaluation and measurement of the level of awareness and compliance with environmental sanitation practices among traders in Ladipo Market.
- Level of Awareness: This term pertains to the degree to which traders in Ladipo Market are informed and knowledgeable about environmental sanitation, including the understanding of its importance and associated practices.
- Compliance: Compliance in this context signifies the extent to which traders adhere to, and follow, environmental sanitation guidelines and regulations, including the adoption of recommended hygiene practices and waste management procedures.
- Environmental Sanitation: Environmental sanitation encompasses various practices and measures aimed at maintaining and improving the cleanliness and hygiene of an area, including waste disposal, pest control, water quality, and general cleanliness.
- Traders: In this study, traders refer to individuals engaged in buying and selling goods or services within Ladipo Market, including but not limited to shop owners, street vendors, and stall operators.
- Ladipo Market: Ladipo Market is a specific market location in Nigeria, known for its diverse commercial activities, including the sale of auto spare parts, and is the focus of this study.
- Awareness Campaigns: Awareness campaigns are educational initiatives, often conducted by government agencies or non-governmental organizations, to inform and educate individuals about the importance of environmental sanitation and best practices in this regard.
- Hygiene Practices: These are the behaviors and actions related to personal and environmental cleanliness, such as handwashing, food handling, and waste disposal, which are essential for promoting sanitation.
- Waste Management: Waste management involves the collection, transportation, recycling, and proper disposal of waste materials to prevent environmental pollution and health hazards.
- Regulations and Guidelines: Regulations and guidelines refer to rules and recommendations set by relevant authorities, such as government agencies or local authorities, to govern and promote environmental sanitation practices.
