ACCESS, USE AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON WASTE DISPOSAL BY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORKERS FOR HYGIENIC LIFESTYE A STUDY OF MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid urbanisation in major cities in the developing countries of Africa, has brought a serious environmental degradation. The Management of solid waste is an enormous challenge in developing countries all over the world due to factors like: poverty, population explosion and urbanisation. Studies have shown that information has helped to promote environmental behaviour. Relevant information can help individuals to understand the interaction between resources (natural) and the environment. It is observed that greater knowledge of environmental principles, attitudes and theories of waste reduction through access and use of information can enhance individual’s ability to participate in solid waste management. This research seeks to find answers to the following; to determine the level of awareness of environmental information by environmental health workers on waste disposal and the use of information for the hygienic lifestyle of populace. It is from this basis that the research has been embarked on to investigate into the access, use and dissemination of information on solid waste management evident in Minna metropolis for hygienic lifestyle of dwellers in communities (near and far) surrounding solid waste disposal sites in Minna, Niger State. Municipal waste collection, disposal and management of waste and information dissemination and use of proper waste disposal practices were the main focus of this research. Survey and content analysis research method will be adopted for this study. It is pertinent to conclude as follows: the access, use and dissemination of environmental information by health workers for hygienic lifestyle of the populace has great impact on the overall wellbeing of the people. However, there is still more work to be done by the environmental health workers. It was observed in the study there were inadequate and insufficient information dissemination by the environmental health workers on environmental issues in general and solid waste in particular. There is, therefore, the need for intensive enlightment campaigns on solid waste management by environmental health workers for public behavioural change.