Abstract

This study examines economic benefits and the health implications associated with the scavenging in Ekiti and Osun States, Nigeria. The research is based on data collected through multistage sampling procedures from 120 waste scavengers drawn equally from the four solid waste dumpsites in the study areas using interview schedule and focus group discussion. These interview elicited information about scavenger?s activities, experiences, opinions and feelings concerning their operations, economic benefits and health challenges. The data used for the study were generated from primary and secondary sources. The Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics on SPSS software. The mean age of the research participants was 27years and majority did not attended school or stopped at primary school level. Waste scavenging was dominated by males (77%). The research also revealed that most of the scavengers were youths from the community and migrants from surrounding villages. The reasons for their involvement in waste scavenging business such as picking of recyclable products like plastics, metals and glass bottles include joblessness and economic consideration. The study further reveals that majority of scavengers are exposed daily to a numerous life threatening health problems which might result to death as they sort through the waste for recyclable products. The paper concluded that most of the scavengers were exposed to environmental hazards which could lead to health problems in the cause of their daily activities.Given the health hazards that scavengers were been exposed to in this enterprise, policy measures that would enhance the health status of the scavengers need to be adopted by Government and Non-Governmental Organisation.

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