Low-Cost IoT Framework for Urban Slum Environmental Monitoring in Nigeria

Urban slums in Nigeria face significant environmental challenges due to inadequate waste management systems and poor air quality. IoT technologies could enhance monitoring of these conditions but are often cost-prohibitive. A mixed-method approach combining IoT sensor design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis was employed. Sensors were designed to operate with minimal power consumption and cost constraints. The low-cost sensors achieved a detection rate of 85% for waste accumulation in slum areas, indicating their effectiveness in monitoring waste management practices. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using IoT technology at a lower cost compared to existing solutions, enhancing environmental monitoring in urban slums. Future research should focus on expanding sensor networks and integrating data with local authorities for improved waste management strategies. Urban Slum, Environmental Monitoring, Internet of Things (IoT), Low-Cost Sensors, Waste Management Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.