Integrating Innovation and Community Engagement in Waste Management

Abstract

This research investigates the integration of innovation and community engagement into waste management practices in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, with a specific focus on Fajuyi Estate, Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti. The research focuses on exploring the potential of such integration, with a specific case study of Fajuyi Estate, Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti by assessing the current waste management practices, analyzing innovative solutions, and evaluating community engagement. This study aims to develop recommendations for improving waste management practices in the area. The objective will be to analyze current practices, compare such practice to global trends, recommend new trends and domesticate such where applicable. Employing a mixed-methods, the study appraises existing practices, global trends, and community attitudes. The population consists of 256 housing units, with a sample size of 153 determined using Krejcie and Morgan's sample-size table. Data was collected through a Likert-scaled structured questionnaire which highlighted challenges, opportunities, and preferences, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate a positive correlation between innovation integration and waste management practices (F (1, 243) = 64.387, p < 0.05). Additionally, combining technological innovations with community engagement showed a positive correlation with sustainable waste management (R = 0.626). The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing waste management infrastructure, promoting recycling initiatives, and fostering stakeholder collaboration.