ASSESSMENT OF HOUSEHOLD FOOD WASTE AS A POTENTIAL FEEDSTOCK FOR DECENTRALISED BIOENERGY PRODUCTION IN OKUOKOKO, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Household food waste poses persistent environmental challenges in rapidly urbanising communities, yet its relevance to decentralised bioenergy systems is rarely integrated into environmental assessments. This study examined food waste generation patterns, handling practices, and infrastructural conditions in Okuokoko, Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 250 households and analysed using descriptive statistics and reliability testing. Results indicate that 77.2% of households generate food waste daily, reflecting a temporally stable organic waste stream. Food waste generation is driven mainly by preparation-related losses (48.4%), followed by over-preparation (22.4%), weather-related spoilage (16.0%), and over-buying (8.8%). Disposal practices are predominantly unsustainable, with 57.2% of households using open dumpsites and 30.8% practising open dumping, while only 47.6% utilise waste collection services. Infrastructure constraints are evident, as 48.8% lack access to approved dumpsites. Although 58.0% report general waste management awareness, only 49.2% recognise food waste recycling, indicating a significant awareness gap.