Assessing the Implications of Scavengers ’ Activities on the Security of Kwara State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18485/fb_ijcss.2025.1.2.5Keywords:
security, implication, human security, scavenger, Kwara stateAbstract
This study assessed the implications of scavengers’ activities on the security of Kwara State. The scavengers (baban bola), classified into two groups- itinerant and middlemen, have both been perceived as causing insecurity in the state. This study uncovered the veracity of this perception. The research adopted the theory of structural violence and employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Data were collected from Kwara residents through 204 questionnaires administered to residents of Ilorin, Offa, and Jebba; interviews with 2 KWEPA staff; interviews with 14 police officers; and FGDs with 20 scavengers. The data were systematically analysed to establish how scavenging affects scavengers’ livelihoods; whether scavenging affects the security of lives and property; and the relationship between scavenging and environmental security. The research’s findings revealed that scavenging negatively affects scavengers’ livelihoods, as their daily earnings of $1.68 fall below the poverty line of $2.15; 80.39% of the respondents also believe that scavengers are exposed to danger, while the police confirmed receiving security complaints from scavengers. 93.24% of respondents believe that scavengers pose a security threat to them, while 78.43% affirm that they have evidence to support this belief. KWEPA corroborated the finding that 62.75% of respondents think scavenging has environmental benefits during the interview. The study concluded that scavengers’ activities in the state cause more harm than good. To ameliorate the challenges, some recommendations include: regulation of scavengers’ activities by the government; implementation of a sound waste management system by residents; and introduction of communal security measures.
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