Plastic Footprints And Environmental Implications In Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria: Insights From Rwanda’S Policy Framework For Sustainable Solutions

Abstract

Despite extensive global research highlighting the risks of plastic waste, Nigeria’s localized data and contextually relevant insights remain insufficient, and this hinders effective policies and practices. To address this gap, the study examined plastic footprints and their environmental impacts in Awka, Anambra State, drawing insights from Rwanda’s successful plastic waste management strategies. A survey was conducted by randomly distributing 360 questionnaires and conducting key informant interviews. Findings showed that 77.5% of participants are youthful, single workers aged 18-30, who prefer consuming packaged foods and single-use plastics for convenience. Notably, 82.5% of participants have a tertiary certification, indicating an opportunity to improve awareness and participation in recycling efforts. Additionally, 42.5% of those surveyed are self-employed, reflecting a strong entrepreneurial culture in Anambra State that influences plastic use, especially in packaging. The findings revealed that packaging accounts for 95% of plastic waste, with improper waste management (95%) and inadequate infrastructure (90%) identified as major contributors to pollution. Weak government regulation (77.5%) and low public awareness (85%) also pose significant problems. The study highlights serious environmental impacts, including ecosystem degradation, soil and groundwater contamination, and human health risks due to pest attraction (95%) and toxic chemical release (90%). These issues disproportionately affect vulnerable groups (92.5%). To address these challenges, the study advocates for integrated waste management approaches, added to Rwanda's enhanced policy framework, environmental education initiatives focused on the youth, community-based recycling programs, and enforcement of environmental regulations.