Daniel Raphael Ita
Title: TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ADOPTION OF SMART URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: A CASE STUDY OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA
Supervisor: Luiza Schuch de Azambuja, MSc
Opponent: Nikiforos Tsiouris, MA
Defense: 4 June 2021
Abstract: Smart waste management is a collection of technology, process, and people towards efficient waste management throughout the waste lifecycle. While solid waste management is a global concern, it is a precious asset if appropriately managed. The overall success in its management could entail progress and signify a level of a city's maturity. Therefore, different nations are making efforts toward digitisation for efficient waste management. This research was motivated by the growing challenge of solid waste management in Abuja. The main research question that guided this study was 'How to improve the Abuja waste management system using smart waste management system?'. The methodology undertaken was a case study of Abuja aimed to suggest a framework for smart waste management. With specific objectives clearly stated, a thorough analysis of waste management practices prevalent in Abuja was conducted through interviews with residents and waste management administrators. A set of semi-structured guided questions were developed. Findings revealed three common waste management practices: burning of waste, illegal dumpsites, and approved dumpsites. Other issues identified include administrative bureaucracy that characterises the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), inadequate funding, and lack of compliance due to weak regulatory enforcement. However, most of the stakeholders identified in this study were concerned about the current waste management practices. They support a system that could not only improve waste management processes but could create a cleaner environment. As identified by interviewees, this process should involve residents as co-creators from the planning to the implementation stage. At the end of the research, the author formulated a framework for the adoption of smart waste management system in Abuja, which is the main contribution of this study.
Keywords: Smart city, Smart waste management, Urban management
