Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Food Packaging Waste on the Environment in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Tauheeda Musa Sulaiman
Abubakar U. Y.
Dahiru A.
Abstract
This study assesses the environmental effects of food packaging waste by analyzing public perception and identifying the influence of gender and education on awareness levels in Kano Metropolis. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, administering 377 structured questionnaires through random sampling across three Local Government Areas. Data collected on a 5-point Likert scale were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including One-Sample T-tests, Independent Samples T-tests, and ANOVA. The study revealed a strong public consensus (Mean=4.13, p<0.001) on the negative environmental effects of food packaging waste, particularly regarding visible pollution. However, a significant knowledge gap was identified concerning its role in greenhouse gas emissions (Mean=2.11, p<0.001) and soil contamination (Mean=2.39, p<0.001). Furthermore, inferential analysis showed that awareness levels were significantly influenced by gender (p=0.045) and education level (p<0.005), with females and more highly educated respondents demonstrating greater awareness of systemic impacts. While there is high public recognition of the direct, visible impacts of food packaging waste, a substantial deficit exists in understanding its broader, systemic environmental consequences. This perception gap is not uniform and is significantly shaped by socio-demographic factors. We conclude that effective mitigation policies must therefore incorporate targeted public education campaigns that address these specific knowledge gaps and are tailored to different demographic segments.
References