Determinants of household choices on solid waste management practices in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
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Date
2024
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Effective solid waste management is a critical global challenge,
impacting human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the
ongoing climate crisis. This study delves into the complex relationship
between household-level waste management and socioeconomic
factors in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. As urbanization and
consumption patterns evolve, understanding the dynamics shaping
waste practices becomes paramount. Using a descriptive cross-
sectional design, the study engaged 70 households across diverse
wards: Mji mkuu, Mazimbu and Mji mpya. Structured interviews,
complemented by insights from key informants, were conducted using
the robust Kobo Collect survey tool. Descriptive statistics and
Multivariate Probit Model were employed to examine waste
management associations within and across wards. Key findings
indicate that household waste management in Morogoro Municipality
is intricately tied to socioeconomic factors. The majority of
respondents were female (65.7%), aged 46 to 60 (34.3%), married
(67.1%), and with primary education (55.7%). Self-employed
individuals (65.7%) actively participated in waste management
Multivariate Probit Model revealed intricate relationships between
socioeconomic characteristics and waste practices. Chi-Square Tests
illuminated associations between waste practices across wards,
highlighting nuanced challenges. The study revealed inadequate solid
waste management practices, with 68% of households resorting to
dumping. Noteworthy waste categories included food remains and
vegetables (38.6%), leaves/grass (28.6%), plastic (20%), and a mix of
solid waste (12.9%). Community perception played a crucial role in
shaping the success and effectiveness of solid waste management
efforts. While the community perceived a positive stance on solid
waste management, factors hindering effectiveness included
collection fees and infrastructure. Multivariate Probit Model explored
the association between socioeconomic characteristics and solid
waste management practices. Significant predictors included
education, income, infrastructure, land size, household size, time
living in the area, waste storage facilities, fee for waste collection, and
community awareness. The study’s significance lies in its potential to
drive policy adjustments. Urgent steps are recommended, including grassroots environmental education and comprehensive policy
enhancements to foster progress in waste management practices.
The results underscore the need for tailored waste management
strategies across different wards, considering specific challenges and
promoting sustainable waste disposal practices. This research
contributes to the global discourse on effective waste management,
emphasizing the importance of context-specific interventions to
address the intricacies of socioeconomic factors influencing
household waste management practices.
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Keywords
Solid waste management practices, Solid waste management, socioeconomic factors, community perception, waste disposal practices