Towards Energy Recovery from Waste in Developing Countries An Analysis of the Challenges, Barriers and Prospects of Waste Management in Abuja, Nigeria

Ojiji, Eta

Abstract

Waste management is a pressing global concern with far-reaching environmental,
social, and economic implications. Proper waste management is crucial for
sustainable development and achieving a cleaner environment. Studies have
projected that the amount of waste generated, especially in most developing countries,
is expected to increase by more than three times by 2050. While developing countries
still struggle with open dumping and other poor waste practices, developed countries
driven by strict policy frameworks use advanced technology waste treatment options
and achieve high landfill diversion rates.
Despite its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Nigeria, like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, is faced with the problem of
effective management of municipal solid waste (MSW). Growing concerns about
dwindling natural resources and the need for energy security have triggered the
interest of governments in waste-to-energy technologies. However, in more advanced
economies, these technologies are supported by efficient waste management
systems, knowledge of waste characteristics and comprehensive legal frameworks,
which are deficient in the country.
Using Abuja, the nation‘s capital, as a case study, this research synthesises evidence
by exploring current trends in waste management to determine the prospects of
implementing WtE technologies in Nigeria. Guided by a pragmatic approach, an
explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed using surveys and focus
group discussions to gain various stakeholder perspectives.
The findings show that due to social, regulatory, financial, and natural barriers like
inadequate environmental budgets, a lack of environmental education programmes,
and an unregulated informal sector, Abuja’s waste management system struggles with
inefficient waste collection, a lack of recycling and segregation practices, and open
dumping.
Using an Ordinal Logistic Regression (OLR) model, this study found that employment
status and income significantly influence participation levels, with low overall
participation. After adjusting for all variables, the analysis showed that unemployed
individuals and civil servants were less likely to participate, and participation declined
significantly as income levels increased. Furthermore, the waste composition study
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revealed a current per capita generation rate of 0.66kg/capita/day, amounting to about
1,568 tonnes of MSW generated daily in the metropolis.
A synthesis of the findings showed that while the waste composition and quantities
point to the potential for energy recovery from MSW using conversion methods like
anaerobic digestion and incineration, adequate steps must be taken by the
government by implementing Integrated Solid Waste Management strategies,
strengthening policies and making financial commitments aimed at creating the
enabling environment for the implementation of these technologies. Additionally,
adequate assessments are recommended for technology selection using a
comprehensive decision-making analysis tool like MCDA.

Citation

Ojiji, E. (2024). Towards Energy Recovery from Waste in Developing Countries An Analysis of the Challenges, Barriers and Prospects of Waste Management in Abuja, Nigeria. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 25, 2024
• Award Date: Oct 24, 2024