Environmental Sustainability and Home Management Practices in the Niger Delta: An Empirical Study of Waste Management and Recycling

Abstract

This study examined Home Management Practices that promote Environmental Sustainability in the Niger Delta region, with a particular focus on waste management and recycling behaviours. It adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design involving a cross-sectional survey of 500 households across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities, complemented by interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and multilevel regression, while qualitative data were thematically examined. Findings revealed that although environmental awareness was widespread, consistent household waste segregation and participation in formal recycling were limited. Factors such as education, income, and proximity to recycling points significantly influenced sustainable behaviour, while poor infrastructure and irregular waste collection hindered progress. The study concluded that effective municipal systems, market incentives for recyclables, and community-driven initiatives were essential for strengthening household contributions to environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta.