International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Effective waste management is a critical environmental challenge in Nigeria, with significant implications for public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Radio environmental programmes have been recognised as a valuable tool for promoting good waste management practices, yet their effectiveness in Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria remains understudied.
Objective: The study evaluated the effectiveness of radio environmental programmes in promoting good waste management practices in Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria.
Method: Using the descriptive survey research design, data was collected through structured questionnaire distributed to 377 respondents via cluster and purposive sampling techniques. Results: The findings revealed that whilst broadcast media campaigns significantly enhance public awareness of proper waste disposal methods (77.7% acknowledged improved knowledge), their effectiveness in fostering sustained behavioural change remains limited. Only 32.3% of respondents adopted waste segregation practices, and 68.4% did not participate in community sanitation exercises. The study identifies key barriers including negative community culture, poor government enforcement, and inadequate infrastructure. The research highlights the need for strategic enhancements including increased campaign frequency, targeted messaging, cultural sensitivity, and integration with infrastructure development.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the media is pivotal to creating education and sensitization on the matter of sanitizing the environment for improved healthcare system in the society. Unique contribution: The study contributes to environmental communication literature by providing insights into the effectiveness of broadcast media in promoting sustainable waste management practices in developing country contexts. The study's findings therefore, have implications for environmental communication, waste management policy, and practice. Recommendations: The study recommends sustained broadcast media sensitisation and stakeholders’ engagement in educating the populace on the need to keep the environment clean.