© Kamla-Raj 2004                                                                             J. Hum. Ecol., 16(4): 283-289 (2004)

Emerging Roles for Extension in Promoting Sustainable Rural Environment: Lessons from Food Processing Cottage Industries and Their Wastes in Rural Oyo State, Nigeria

Keywords Cottage Industry. Wastes. Environment. Sustainability

ABSTRACT This study identified rural based food processing cottage industries and categorized them on the basis of their raw materials and products. In addition the wastes generated were identified and quantified where applicable with environmental implications drawn for them. The data was collected from twelve rural communities in Oyo State using a checklist developed and standardized in the course of a reconnaissance survey. The instrument was exposed to validity and reliability tests. Data collected were analysed and presented in frequency table form. Result of the study showed that wastes being generated are in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. Most of the wastes are just disposed indiscriminately into the environment. This justifiably has environmental and health implications on the immediate and future generation. The study concluded that since extension relates with promotion of well being of rural dwellers who mostly are farmers and food processors, they should seek to understand the rural environmental problems emanating from wastes of food processing cottage industries, collect, process and keep relevant information on same. They should relate with researchers to proffer solutions using participatory approach and embark on public enlightenment of the rural dwellers on importance of sustainable environment.

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