Governance, Policies, and Climate Change in the Circular Economy of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the intersection of governance and policy in changing climate through the circular economy in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A mixed method research design was employed, and data was collected from 400 participants across 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) from the three Senatorial Districts, including industrial and coastal LGAs of Eastern Obolo, Oron and Ikot Abasi. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and multiple regression were used to analyse the quantitative data, and qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews with local government officials. The study identified that the quality of governance and the enforcement of policies are determinative to the adoption of circular economy practices such as recycling, the reduction of waste, and the sustainable use of resources. Still, the lack of institutional capacity and the absence of community involvement are persistent challenges, especially in the climate vulnerable coastal areas. Using Ecological Modernization, Adaptive Governance, and Institutional Theories, the study concluded that responsive, inclusive, and adaptive governance improves the local climate mitigation and adaptation governance outcomes. The study is an addition to climate governance literature, particularly at the subnational level, with a multi- LGA perspective, and highlights the need to incorporate climate adaptive development planning and circular economy in the climate intersecting development planning in Akwa Ibom State.