EFFECT OF REFUSE DISPOSAL ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

Improper refuse disposal causes diseases that threaten Economic development by affecting human respiratory health and well-being. In most African countries, it has resulted to deaths from cholera, malaria and diarrheal diseases that are higher than in any other region of the world This study examined the effect of Refuse disposal on Economic Development in Plateau State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The qualitative research design was employed and questionnaire method of data collection was used. Data obtained from a population of 2,399,500 and sample size of 400 was descriptively and quantitatively analyzed. Logistic regression model of analysis was employed to analyze the effect of Refuse disposal on Human health in the study area. Findings from the model revealed that the effect Open Burning and Incineration (OBI) on Respiratory Health (RH) has a negative effect. With respect to hypothesis 1, the coefficient of the effect of Open Burning and Incineration (OBI) on Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.64. Also, findings exposed Open Dumping and Drainage Dumping (ODD) on Respiratory Health (RH) has a positive effect. In line with hypothesis 2, the coefficient of the effect of Open Drainage Dumping (ODD) on Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.005. In addition, findings from logistic regression revealed that that the effect of Landfills (LDF) on Respiratory Health (RH) revealed it is insignificant. Looking at hypothesis 3, the coefficient of the effect of Landfills (LDF) on Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.309. This means that there is less likelihood for Landfills (LDF) to affect Respiratory Health (RH). Further findings revealed that Composting (CPT) on Respiratory Health (RH), results revealed that there is an insignificant effect. In view of hypothesis 4, the coefficient of the effect of Composting (CPT) on Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.365. This indicated that increase in Composting (CPT) will result to decreasing effect on Respiratory Health (RH). The study recommends Government develops and implement public awareness campaigns on the health risks associated with improper refuse disposal and the benefits of responsible waste management. Open burning be discouraged and Sustainable practices of controlled landfill will help minimize environmental pollution and reduce the impact on human respiratory health.