Influence of socio-economic factors on scavenging in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed the socio-economic factors that influence scavenging in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC). The study examined the socio-economic characteristics of scavengers in MMC. Primary data was sourced using questionnaire; simple random sampling (lottery) and convenient sampling techniques were employed to select 320 respondents. The study made use of frequency, percentages, mean and correlation to analyse the data. The results on socio-economic characteristics indicated that an average respondent was 24 years old who only attended primary school. An average respondent in the area had been in the business of scavenging for nine years, where average hours worked was 8 with an average daily income of ₦1788. Result on correlation revealed a positive and significant correlation between age and scavenging experience, marital status and hours worked lastly hours worked and daily income of scavengers in MMC. Since most of the scavengers in the area where youth, the study recommends policies that will discourage children from venturing into the business.