Role Of Radio Stations In Creating Awareness On Proper Solid Waste Management Practice In Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted between the months of January-March, 2018 to examine the role of Radio stations in creating awareness on proper solid waste management practice in Yobe state Nigeria. Radio programs can have a direct impact on the perception, attitudes and behaviors of individuals enhancing their understanding of an environmental related issue. This leads to a potential behavioral change in waste management practices. The radio stations program provided a platform for the community to obtained in-depth knowledge to discuss issues concerns their environment with local council's officials in a way forward. This efforts were followed up by the radio stations and resulted in many of the concerns being addressed with improved infrastructure , agriculture, education, sanitation, safe drinking water, open defecation, waste disposal and management among others. Radio campaigns are strong instrument in raising public awareness on environmental related issues however, the role played by most of the Radio stations seem to be very low. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the roles of these Radio stations. However, there is fundamental role that media should play in promoting public awareness on solid waste management practices. The study was based on agenda setting theory, propounded by Max McCombs and Donald show in 1973. Data were collected through questionnaire and were analyzed using tabulation in form of frequency counts and percentages. Finding indicates that the public in Yobe state were aware of sensitizing campaigns by the media on solid waste management practices. The study also revealed that they have knowledge and that their attitude of illegal dumping of waste or poor garbage disposal on roads, city square, football field, into drainage, house hold compound, market areas, has change positively as a result of media sensitization campaign. Based on these findings, it is highly recommended that, since positive attitude toward proper solid waste management practices depended on regular radio enlightenment campaigns, frequent campaigns by the media were highly recommended.