Value Chain Actors and Recycled Polymer Products in Lagos Metropolis: Toward Ensuring Sustainable Development in Africa’s Megacity

• Main Authors: Olayinka Akanle, Olamide Shittu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-09-01
• Series: Resources
• Subjects: polymer recycling; sustainable development; Lagos megacity; value chain; waste-to-wealth
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/7/3/55

Polymer recycling is one of the major areas that need adequate intervention in any megacity’s effort toward sustainable development. However, megacities in Africa face various challenges in general waste management and also lag behind in developing efficient waste-to-wealth services. Therefore, this study examined the difficulties experienced by the actors involved in the value chain of polymer recycling in the Lagos megacity. Thirty in-depth interviews and four key informant interviews were conducted with value chain and supporting actors, while 400 questionnaires were administered among residents of Lagos metropolis. The study found that negative public perception, lack of adequate capital, poor health conditions, inefficient infrastructure, and technological difficulties are some of the problems in polymer recycling in the megacity. Therefore, social label redefinition, effective dissemination of recycling information, an efficient loan system, import duty relaxation, and stakeholder involvement are recommended.