WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
The study investigated waste management practices among poultry farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure, and purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents for the study. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean scores and standard deviation. Results show that the poultry waste management practices of the farmers include use poultry wastes as manure for improving plant growth (93.3%) and pit disposal of dead birds (75.8%). Data also show that the effects of poultry waste on farmers include skin irritation ( = 2.10; SD = 0.99) and loss of appetite ( =2.07; SD = 0.89. Results show that the uses of poultry waste products were increase the nutrient content of the crop ( = 2.85; SD = 0.44) and source of income ( = 2.78; SD = 0.59). Data show that the environmental effects of poultry wastes revealed by the respondents include: soil toxicity ( = 1.93; SD = 1.05) and air pollution through emission of dust, microorganism and organic compounds ( = 1.92. Also, result show that strategies for improving poultry waste management include: timely provision of efficient waste management information practices by NGOs and government agencies ( = 2.63; SD = 0.56), and recycling poultry wastes ( = 2.59; SD = 0.63). While poultry farmers in Enugu State use waste for manure and income generation, challenges such as health effects and environmental pollution persist. Non-governmental agencies and government agencies should enhance waste management education and recycling initiatives aimed at improving sustainable practices.
Keywords: Poultry Framers; Waste Management Practices
