A STUDY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPOSTING AS AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL IN SHASHA SETTLEMENT-OYO STATE

Abstract

The study examined the knowledge, attitude and practices of the people of Shasha in relation to solid waste disposal. It also examines the pattern of generation, storage collection and final disposal of solid waste in the community. It assessed the people’s willingness to participate in finding a solution to the perennial problems of solid waste. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the components of waste generated in the community were undertaken. This helped in finding out the feasibility of composting in the community. Educational intervention approaches included stratification of the settlement into eleven units: and the formation of health committees at the control and unit level; the involvement of the community in a compost demonstration exercise using its waste. Dissemination of information relating to the cause and prevention of the identified disease and the dispelling of unscientific beliefs through health talks, discussions and the showing of film slides were undertaken. This intervention resulted in the utilization of the compost thus produced by the community representatives in the planting of selected crops. The growth pattern of crops to different compost was compared to those grown without compost. Thus health education was effectively used in mobilising the community to adopt composting as a means of hygienic disposal of solid waste with resource recycling on their own farms.