Metal Scavenging as a Means of Income Generation in Anambra State

Abstract

The study evaluated the contribution of metal scavenging to income generation in Anambra State. The study design was a field survey consisting of observation, interviews and daily recording of scrap metals recovered and sold by scavengers in the study area for 10 months. The population of the study consisted of 483 scavengers and 53 dumpsite managers identified in the study area, while the sample size comprised of 220 scavengers and 30 dumpsites/managers, randomly chosen. Others were 30 Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) officials and 300 people living around dumpsites. Four sets of structured questions and questionnaire were used to obtain information from the respondents. Data analysis was done using percentages and averages, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for testing the hypothesis formulated. The findings of the study were (1) A total of 4845.23 metric tonnes of scrap metals was salvaged for 10 months by 220 scavengers in the state earned the operators a whooping sum of N11,735,147.10 in 10 months (into the economy of Anambra State.) (2)The average monthly income of scavengers studied ranged from N39359.50 to N62,704.80. (3) the result of ANOVA applied to analyze the perception of the respondents on scavenging as a means of income generation is statistically significant at an F-ratio of 4.545> Table F-ratio of 2.62 at 0.05 level of significance. (4) Over 76% of the respondents were of the view that scavenging is a veritable means of income generation in Anambra State. (5) That the least average monthly income (N39,359.50) realized is more than the gross pay (N38,823.00 minimum wage) of a grade level 10 step 1 public servant in Anambra State. An inference drawn from the study is that metal scavenging provides income not only to scavengers but to many others who find livelihood in the occupation, thus helping to alleviate poverty in the State. Scavengers should be integrated into formal waste management system in Anambra State to tap from their wealth of experience in waste sorting and handling.