Awareness of Circular Economy across the Demographic Strata of Yenagoa Local Government Area and the Implications for Sustainability

Abstract

Background: The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development through resource efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and reuse. However, public awareness of CE principles remains limited in many developing regions, including Nigeria, where rapid urbanisation and increasing waste generation continue to pose significant environmental challenges. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the challenge of low awareness of CE practices in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, where rapid population growth and urban expansion have intensified sustainability challenges, particularly in waste management. Study Design: A survey research design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between December 2024 and March 2025. Methodology: A total of 400 residents were selected from eight randomly sampled communities using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between CE awareness and demographic variables at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Overall CE awareness was moderate (61.3%), with younger respondents, individuals with higher formal education, and those in knowledge-intensive or urban occupations displaying higher awareness. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between CE awareness and age (χ² = 80.641, df = 12, P < .001), education (χ² = 77.222, df = 10, P < .001), and occupation (χ² = 123.440, df = 18, P < .001), while gender did not significantly influence awareness (χ² = 1.774, df = 2, P = .41). Conclusion: The study concluded that demographic factors strongly shape CE awareness, highlighting gaps among older populations, less-educated individuals, and primary sector workers. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted educational initiatives, community outreach, policy and regulatory interventions, integrated waste management planning, and investment in waste-to-energy and recycling technologies to improve understanding, adoption and practice of CE strategies across all demographic groups in Yenagoa LGA.