The Role Of Social Media In Raising Awareness And Changing Behaviors Towards Solid Waste Management

The objective of this study was to examine the role of social media in raising awareness and influencing behaviors related to solid waste management in Cameroon, using Mbankomo, Yaoundé, as a case study. Specifically, the research evaluated the effectiveness of social media campaigns in promoting awareness of solid waste management, assessed the impact of social media platforms on public attitudes and waste disposal behaviors, and explored the influence of social media influencers in encouraging sustainable waste management practices in Cameroon. 

A survey research design was employed, with participants randomly selected for the study. A self-structured questionnaire was distributed to 343 participants, comprising residents and municipal waste management staff, of which 330 responses were returned and validated. Data collected from the field survey were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in frequencies, percentages, and tables. The questionnaire underwent face, content, and empirical validation to ensure its reliability. Hypotheses were tested using the Chi-Square statistical method in SPSS version 23.

The study found that social media serves as a crucial tool for raising awareness and shaping behaviors towards solid waste management in Cameroon. Social media campaigns were shown to effectively enhance public knowledge about proper waste management practices, emphasize the importance of appropriate waste disposal, and communicate the negative consequences of poor waste management to a wide audience. By delivering engaging content, social media platforms positively influenced public attitudes and encouraged participation in community clean-up efforts and other sustainable waste management activities.

Based on these findings, the study recommends that government agencies collaborate with social media platforms and influencers to develop and implement targeted campaigns that highlight the significance and long-term benefits of sustainable waste management. Additionally, environmental organizations should create engaging, educational content that aligns with the cultural and social context of Cameroon to ensure effective communication of messages about proper waste disposal practices.