CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Environmental degradation is a significant challenge faced by both developed and developing nations, primarily driven by global warming. The shift from primitive tools to advanced machinery during the industrial revolution led to accelerated economic growth and development. Scientists have established that the industrial revolution contributed to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Notably, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, one of the major GHGs, increased from approximately 278.1 parts per million (ppm) before the industrial revolution to around 403.3 ppm in 2016, marking a 145% rise in atmospheric concentrations since that time (WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, 2017). CO2 emissions account for over 60% of GHGs, posing a significant challenge for environmental degradation mitigation despite international efforts like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement to curb GHG emissions.
In metropolitan areas, waste management has emerged as a pressing concern. Daily activities lead to the generation of a wide variety of waste, including food waste, paper, leather, glass, bones, vegetables, fruits, wastewater, and clothing, among others. Managing this diverse waste has become increasingly complex and challenging. It is common to witness open spaces in major markets in Lagos Metropolis overwhelmed by various types of waste. Ogwueleka (2016) defines solid waste as encompassing refuse from households, non-hazardous solid waste from industrial, commercial, and institutional establishments, including hospital waste, market waste, yard waste, and street sweepings. With the growing human population, the volume of waste generated has also surged, placing a considerable burden on waste management agencies. The substantial volume of waste often makes it difficult for both individuals and waste management agencies to dispose of it effectively.
In many cases, solid waste disposal is outsourced, with contractors responsible for determining the best disposal methods. Typically, waste is deposited in designated bins throughout urban areas and regularly collected by lorries and tippers. These solid wastes are then transported to specified waste disposal sites where they undergo various management processes conducted by trained personnel. These processes may include open dumping, composting, sanitary landfilling, and waste incineration. The chosen method of waste management significantly affects its impact on human health and the environment in the disposal area. The management of waste, particularly solid waste, has become a matter of great concern for the well-being of individuals and other living organisms in the affected environment.
Open dumping is the most commonly employed waste disposal method among traders in markets across Lagos Metropolis. Unfortunately, this approach promotes indiscriminate waste disposal, resulting in dirty and foul-smelling marketplaces. The unpleasant odor attracts flies and poses a potential health hazard. This situation leaves much to be desired and calls for a thorough investigation. The researcher questions whether substantial positive changes can be introduced. To enact meaningful change, it is imperative to scrutinize contributing factors that influence the waste generation and management practices in markets. These factors may include educational level, attitudes, market management, location, and market size, among others.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The disposal of waste in marketplaces has garnered increasing attention from various environmental stakeholders. The necessity for traders to adopt more positive attitudes towards waste management has become crucial due to the persistent problem of littering and the deteriorating sanitary conditions of markets in recent years. Despite the government's and waste management agencies' efforts to remove waste from markets and commercial areas, the scale of waste generation and the methods of its disposal continue to be sources of concern.
To address this issue, waste managers have taken measures such as providing additional refuse bins and imposing strict penalties for those who litter the environment. However, these efforts have produced only limited positive results. This ongoing situation has impeded progress in maintaining a clean and safe environment. Many of the traders believe that waste management is not their responsibility and view it as solely the duty of waste management agencies, distancing themselves from active participation in waste management.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the causes of environmental degradation and strategies for the development of sustainable waste management plan in Ladipo Market, Lagos State. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To examine the causes of environmental in Ladipo Market.
- To examine waste management practices of traders in Ladipo Market.
- To proffer solutions to enhancing better waste management practices and compliance 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 causes of environmental degradation in Ladipo Market?
- What are the various waste management practices among traders in Ladipo Market?
- What are the solutions to enhancing a sustainable waste management plan in Ladipo Market?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: Sanitary Practices in Ladipo Market good.
Hi: Sanitary Practices in Ladipo Market poor.
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
- Investigation: The systematic process of gathering, analyzing, and evaluating information or data to uncover the underlying reasons and factors contributing to a specific issue, in this case, environmental degradation and waste management challenges in Ladipo Market.
- Causes of Environmental Degradation: The factors, activities, or conditions that lead to the deterioration of the natural environment, including pollution, deforestation, over-exploitation of resources, and other human-induced or natural processes that harm the ecosystem and its components.
- Environmental Degradation: The deterioration of the environment, which can encompass various forms of damage, including soil erosion, air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and the depletion of natural resources, resulting in a decline in environmental quality.
- Sustainable Waste Management: The practice of efficiently and responsibly handling waste materials to minimize environmental harm, conserve resources, and promote long-term environmental sustainability. This typically involves waste reduction, recycling, and safe disposal methods.
- Waste Management Plan: A comprehensive and organized strategy or set of actions designed to effectively manage waste in a specific area, outlining methods for collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal, as well as strategies for waste reduction and recycling.
- Ladipo Market: A specific marketplace located in a defined geographical area, serving as the focal point of this investigation, where various commercial activities take place and generate waste, potentially contributing to environmental degradation.
- Sustainable Development: A holistic approach to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the context of this topic, sustainable development aims to address waste management issues while ensuring long-term environmental health and well-being.
- Environmental Sustainability: The concept of maintaining and preserving the quality of the environment over time by balancing resource use, waste generation, and ecosystem health, ensuring that the environment remains viable for current and future generations.
- Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, such as air, water, or soil, leading to adverse effects on living organisms, natural resources, and ecosystems.
- Ecosystem: A community of living organisms (biotic components) interacting with their physical and chemical environment (abiotic components) in a specific geographical area, forming a complex web of relationships.
