Picking Waste, Discarding Health? Awotan Waste Pick Effect of Interactive Materials' Intervention on Senior Secondary School Students' Academic Achievement in Set Theory in Oyo South Senatorial District, Oyo State
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Date
2023
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Publisher
Lead City University Ibadan
Abstract
Urban waste picking is assuming more visibility in the Nigerian informal economy with its waste to
wealth potential. Agrowing body of literature identifies this activity as a viable source of income which
leaves pickers vulnerable to health hazards inspite of little formal recognition by the state. Although
persistent forays into this as a livelihood activity continues, more research is needed to properly
understand the social dimensions of this issue. The study examined waste pickers risk perceptions,
safety practices and public attitudes at work at Awotan landfill in Ibadan. Primary data was collected
through questionnaires administered to 81 active pickers on site. Data was analyzed using inferential
statistics. Results indicate that most pickers had at least a primary school level of education. There were
twice as more males than females. More than 70% indicated the most prevalent health problem
encountered at work were serious punctures and injuries from sharp objects followed by diarrhoeal and
typhoid infections. 88% felt that their work type impacted on their health in hazardous ways such as
snake bites and stings, falls and slips and held strong perceptions about the work-health implications for
illnesses. Hospital waste was the most feared due to its association with probable blood infections from
used needles, blood/body waste. Public attitudes to pickers while working was often negative. There is
a very high risk of exposure to pathogens at work and study results may inform health policy on direct
points of intervention for workers amidst continued interaction with waste
Description
Keywords
Awotan landfill, Ibadan, Waste picker, health hazard, Perceptions