BARRIERS AND DRIVERS OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY ADOPTION IN OIL PALM PROCESSING COMMUNITIES N AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the barriers and drivers of circular economy adoption in oil palm processing communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, with emphasis on waste generation and management practices. A cross-sectional research design were adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 224 respondents selected through an Enhanced Multi-Stage Proportionate–Power Stratification Technique across six Local Government Areas. Data were obtained through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings revealed that empty fruit bunches (88.4%), palm press fibre (78.6%), palm kernel shells (63.0%), and palm oil mill effluent (53.1%) were the major waste streams generated. Open dumping (46.9%) was the dominant disposal method, followed by reuse on farms (24.6%). MANOVA results showed significant variations in waste generation across locations, mill categories, and processing capacities (p < 0.05). Findings indicated that poor waste management practices significantly contributed to environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges in the study area. The study concludes that circular economy adoption remains limited due to inadequate waste management systems, weak institutional support, and low technological capacity. It recommends stronger policy enforcement, investment in waste valorisation technologies, and capacity-building programmes to promote sustainable waste management.