ASSESSMENT OF NEGATIVE EXTERNALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH PLASTIC WASTE IN FISHING COMMUNITIES ALONG OSUN RIVER IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Although there are existing studies on the effects of mismanaged plastic waste products on the general environment in Nigeria, there is scarce information on the effects of these ubiquitous products on the aquatic areas in the country, hence this study. This study assessed negative externalities associated with plastic waste in fishing communities along the Osun River in Osun State, Nigeria. In effect, the study sought to examine types of plastic waste in the study area, assess negative externalities associated with plastic wastes, evaluate the effects of water pollution, a negative externality, on artisanal fishing and the environment, and examine methods used by the communities in mitigating the negative effects of plastic wastes. Data were generated from primary sources. Two-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 240 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 37.6 years, men dominated the population of fishers, 83.3% of them were married, and 85.8% were literate. Plastic water sachets, plastic bottles, and single-use nylon were common plastic wastes in the study area, but pure water sachets were most prevalent. Water and environmental pollution were the reported negative externalities associated with mismanaged plastic waste in the area. 91.2% of the respondents reported that water pollution had negative effects on fishing enterprise, and 87.1% reported that environmental pollution had negative effects on the fishing community and environment. 62.1% of the respondents used the incineration method, 30.4% pushed the wastes further into waterbodies and 7.5% landfilled the wastes. The use of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) principle is recommended to obligate industries in the wider life cycle of plastic materials to bear financial responsibility for plastic waste management.