We are pleased to announce the public release of the Baseline Report for the Plantain Residue as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Single-Use Plastic Packaging in Ondo Town Project. The report presents a comprehensive assessment of plastic waste management practices, environmental awareness, and climate change perceptions in Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The report provides a critical evidence base for understanding how plastic pollution affects urban communities and how community-led solutions can drive behaviour change, climate resilience, and green livelihoods. Conducted under the Plantain Residue as an Eco-Friendly Alternative for Single-Use Plastic Packaging in Ondo Town Project, tagged as Plastic Upcycling, Recovery, and Waste Innovation for Sustainability and Empowerment (PURE-WISE), the project was supported by the United Nations Development Programme Global Environment Facility – Small Grants Programme (UNDP GEF-SGP).
Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing Nigerian cities. In Ondo Town, the baseline findings reveal widespread indiscriminate waste disposal, limited waste segregation, and gaps in waste collection services, conditions that contribute to flooding, public health risks, and environmental degradation.
At the same time, the report highlights significant opportunities for transformation. A strong youth presence, growing climate awareness, and expressed willingness among residents to adopt more sustainable practices provide a solid foundation for impactful intervention.
From Evidence to Action
The Baseline Report does more than document environmental challenges; it establishes clear benchmarks and actionable targets to guide effective intervention. The findings provide an evidence-based framework for designing integrated waste management responses that prioritise behaviour change communication and community engagement, youth and school-based environmental leadership, plastic recycling and upcycling, and circular economy solutions, including the productive use of agricultural residues.
More so, the report emphasises the importance of monitoring and evaluation to track environmental improvements and behavioural outcomes over time. Collectively, these strategic focus areas are aimed at reducing plastic use, improving urban environmental quality, and supporting inclusive green livelihoods within Ondo Town and similar urban contexts.
Access the Report
The Baseline Assessment Report is now publicly available and can be accessed by researchers, policymakers, development partners, and community stakeholders interested in plastic waste reduction, climate action, and sustainable urban development.
Download the report using the following link: 10.6084/m9.figshare.31216201.
