The Challenges and Barriers Faced in Implementing Circular Economy Practices in Waste Management in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The transition to a circular economy (CE) in waste management faces diverse challenges, particularly in Karu Local Government Area. This study investigates the barriers impeding the effective implementation of CE principles, drawing on survey data, comparative and descriptive analysis. The study adopted quantitative data collection and analysis methods. The sources of data used in this research work are primary, and secondary data. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data while secondary data included reviews of existing literature, policy documents, and reports. An estimated number of 400 questionnaire respondents were gathered. The results indicate that low public awareness (44%) constitutes the most significant barrier to effective waste management, followed by inadequate infrastructure (29.8%), insufficient funding (15.5%), and certain government policies (10.8%). Additionally, a substantial proportion of respondents reported encountering misinformation or misunderstandings regarding waste management practices, with 73.5% experiencing such issues occasionally or more frequently. In terms of community receptiveness to CE principles, 49.8% of respondents expressed a moderate willingness to adopt new waste management practices, suggesting cautious optimism for behavioral change. Notably, public resistance to change (32.3%) emerged as the predominant challenge in transitioning to a CE framework, alongside technological limitations (32%) and funding shortages (21.3%). The successful implementation of circular economy principles in Karu LGA is currently hindered by factors including low public awareness, infrastructural deficits, misinformation, resistance to behavioral change, inadequate funding, and lack of enabling policies and technologies. This reinforces the need for targeted policy measures towards increased public education, investment in infrastructure and technology, and the development and strengthening policy implementation towards facilitating the sustainable transition to a circular economy in Karu, Nasarawa State.