Perception of Environmental Risks Associated with Scavenging Activities: Echoes from Around Landfills in Nigerian Megacity

This study examines the perceptions of residents living near the Olusosun and Solus II landfills in Lagos, Nigeria, where daily scavenging activities pose environmental and health risks. Utilizing a systematic sampling method, 161 respondents within a 900-meter radius of the landfills were surveyed, achieving a 90.7% response rate. The findings indicate that socio-economic attributes significantly influence residents’ concerns about scavenging activities. The perception of risks, including pollution, crime, and hazardous conditions, was consistent across different zones despite variations in age and educational status. Respondents expressed high concern regarding the unsanitary nature of scavenging activities, linking them to increased crime and environmental degradation. Spatial analysis revealed that residents’ proximity to the landfills did not significantly affect their perceived risk severity (F = 0.450; p = .642). However, the level of concern decreased with increased distance from the landfills. Socio-economic factors, including income and length of residence, were key determinants of risk perception. Notably, factors such as rootedness of place, sense of community, and place identity influenced residents’ decisions to remain in the area despite known hazards. Emotional bonds and economic dependencies contributed to a reluctance to relocate. The study underscores the need for policy interventions that incorporate bottom-up approaches, engaging both residents and scavengers in decision-making processes. This research highlights the complex interplay between socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors in shaping risk perception, providing insights for regulatory frameworks to manage urban landfills and mitigate associated risks.