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Nigeria’s Waste-to-Wealth Model

Nigeria’s Waste-to-Wealth Model:

Nigeria’s plastic bottle collectors are transforming waste into economic opportunities, addressing both pollution and unemployment.

Informal Waste Collection as a Business:

  • Plastic bottle collectors turn waste into economic value, creating employment and income opportunities.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Model:

  • Education: Higher education improves business approach towards waste collection.
  • Family Size: Larger families view it as a means to sustain livelihood.
  • Religion & Culture: Islamic teachings on resource management (Israf & Zakat) and African traditional values encourage waste collection.
  • Gender Dynamics: Women face barriers to entry, requiring microfinance and support programs.

Policy Measures to Improve Waste Management:

  • Government-backed education programs to improve waste collectors’ business knowledge.
  • Formalization of waste collection through cooperatives, microfinance, and inclusion in urban policies.
  • Community engagement programs leveraging cultural and religious values to encourage sustainable waste collection.