STRATEGIES, CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF PROMOTING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The paper assesses the factors constraining community participation in solid waste management
and provides a way for enhancing participatory management of solid waste. The paper leverage on findings
from empirical data of key stakeholders in solid waste management in Lwengo Town Council, Uganda.
Methodologically, the study adopted a case study design with a mic of qualitative and quantitative data. The
analysis first utilized descriptive statistics to describe the public participation practices as well as solid waste
management. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings indicated that community
mobilization, sensitization and information dissemination were inadequately or inappropriately done. The
community members lacked a sense of responsibility for waste management among community members and
lacked clarity on the roles and responsibilities. The town council staff lacked skills for effective mobilization,
sensitization and information dissemination. The town council had limited funding among other challenges.
The study recommends management and leadership of urban authorities strengthen awareness and knowledge
about solid waste management through intensive mobilization, sensitization and information dissemination to
the communities. In addition, the community should be trained on sustainable management of solid waste
management strategies such as recycling waste for use to pull interest of the community in waste management
due to associated economic gains.