Urban Slum Settlement Pattern: Implication for Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated urban slum settlement pattern and it’s implications for sustainable solid waste management in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two null hypotheses were formulated to guide and direct the study. Literature was reviewed based on the variables of the study. The ex-post factor research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised of adult male and female from 20 years and above in the study area. A sample of 573 urban slum dwellers from six urban centres was selected from the population of 270,187 using multi stage sampling techniques comprising of purposive, simple random and accidental sampling techniques. A four point modified likert type scale questionnaire titled “Urban Slum Settlement Pattern: Implication for Sustainable Waste Management in Cross River State, Nigeria” (USSPISWMCRSN) was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two expert in Test Measurement and Evaluation in the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The instrument was personally administered by the researchers with the help of three trained research assistants. The Cronbach Alpha reliability method was employed to ascertain the reliability estimate of the instrument. The data obtained was analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result of the analyses revealed that indiscriminate disposal of waste by urban slum residents as well as disregards for environmental laws, rules and regulations significantly influence sustainable solid waste management in Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that the government should provide adequate refuse dump and sewages systems for urban slum dwellers and awareness should be created to residents in slum areas on the consequences of improper solid waste disposal and management.