SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTICS IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA: A REVIEW OF BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS AND THEIR POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Author(s): Nnanguma Kingsley Ahamefula
Institute(s): National Centre for technology management (nacetem) north-east zone (Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology) Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Volume 5 / Issue 1
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses a significant environmental threat in Northeast Nigeria, especially in urban centers such as Maiduguri, Yola, and Bauchi, where inadequate waste management systems and the widespread use of single-use plastics exacerbate ecological degradation.This research evaluates sustainable substitutes for traditional plastics through an in-depth review of biodegradable materials and assessing their possible uses within the region. The study identifies viable biodegradable substitutes derived from locally available resources, evaluates their environmental, economic, and social benefits, and explores practical strategies for policy formulation, stakeholders engagement, and encouraging public adoption. Employing a qualitative systematic review methodology, the study analyzed 47 peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and governmental publications spanning from 2015 to 2024. Data were thematically categorized based on the type of biodegradable material, production methods, resource availability, and potential applications. Supplementary data were collected through interviews with 15 local manufacturers and surveys of 180 respondents across Maiduguri, Yola, and Bauchi, offering grounded insights into consumer awareness, adoption willingness, and market readiness. Findings indicate that biodegradable materials such as cassava starch-based films, sorghum husk composites, sugarcane bagasse, and Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) exhibit significant potential for replacing plastics in packaging, food containers, and agricultural applications. Locally cultivated crops like cassava and sorghum, particularly abundant in Adamawa and Taraba states, present scalable raw material sources, while maize-derived PLA holds promise for industrial-scale production. Nevertheless, the study reveals considerable barriers, including low public awareness (with 67 per cent of respondents unaware of biodegradable alternatives), high production costs (30–45 per cent higher than conventional plastics), and insufficient policy enforcement. In conclusion, the transition toward biodegradable materials in Northeast Nigeria is environmentally imperative and economically viable, provided there is investment in local production capacity, robust public education campaigns, and well-structured policy incentives. A region-specific approach that harnesses agro-industrial waste and promotes eco-innovation could significantly reduce plastic dependency and enhance environmental resilience across the Sahel.
Number of Pages: 11
Number of Words: 5127
First Page: 20
Last Page: 31