Modeling the Socioeconomic Determinants of Scavenging Business in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Scavenging from dumpsites and dustbins allows resource recovery of valuables from discarded waste materials that could be reused or recycled. This study models the socio-economic determinants of scavenging business in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Borno state, Nigeria. The Primary data was obtained through the administration of questionnaire to 320 randomly sampled scavengers in the study area. Subsequently, regression analysis based on ordinary least square estimators was used to analyse the data collected. The results showed that age, educational level, hours worked and scavenging experience were positive and significantly determinants of scavenging business activities in MMC. The coefficients of determinant revealed that the estimated model captured about 59% of the variation in scavenging business. Since age was found to influence scavenging activities, among others, in MMC, the study recommends the implementation of policies discouraging under aged scavenging.