Abstract

The circular life cycle of waste management, designed for waste-to-energy, can substantially contribute to efficient waste management, a precursor for sustainable energy and food production. This study evaluates knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to waste management and identify its potential for improving energy and food production. Surveys, interviews, and data analysis were employed to investigate current waste management scenarios, socio-cultural perceptions, and policy frameworks in Oleh, Nigeria. Factor analysis was used to reduce the multitude of attitudinal variables collected during surveys and interviews. The results exposed gaps in waste management perception, principles, policy implementation, and waste-to-energy conversion. SWOT analysis was conducted to validate identified factors, highlighting significant strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with current waste management practices. To enhance energy generation and food security, a waste management model was proposed with recommendations for pathways promoting policy enhancements and community engagement strategies to foster a more efficient energy and food nexus.

Key words: Waste management, factor analysis, social attitudes, community engagement, public perception.