Analysis of the community participation in solid waste management in Rwanda. A case study of Kanombe Sector - Kicukiro District

Abstract

The study “Analysis of the Community participation in Solid Waste management in Rwanda" was aimed at analysing the role of community participation in the management of solid waste in Kanombe Sector of Kicukiro District. It was guided by the following objectives; to establish the role of the community in management of solid waste in Kanombe Sector, examine the challenges that inhibit the Kanombe Sector community from participating in solid waste management, analyse the current legal and policy issues on solid waste management and make recommendations for improvement of community participation in solid waste. Two approaches were used to collect the data: qualitative and quantitative approach. Qualitative methods included focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with residents, resident representative and members of some prominent environmental groups. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires designed in such a way as to capture knowledge, attitudes and perceptions. In the course of the study it emerged that people were more concerned with the visual and sanitary impacts of poorly managed or uncollected waste as opposed to the environmental impact. Moreover very few residents were aware of the environmental impacts of inappropriately managed waste. The study revealed that there was a prevailing culture of dependence on municipal management of solid waste. The mentality that waste management is the sole responsibility of municipal authorities is one of the greatest challenges that are proving to be an obstacle in integrating the community in waste management. Based on the findings majority of the respondents (81) is collected by waste contractors and taken to designated sanitary landfills. The findings indicated they use this method of disposal because they have no other option and most 50% are tenants that do not have space and are restricted by the landlords not to accumulate waste in the backyards. Also this shows that irrespective of the resistance to pay for waste collection services, the community still use the services of the waste collector for disposal. The laws and policies are an important element of the management of solid waste management without which it is difficult to manage. The study revealed that 65.3% are concerned with lack of laws and policies that are related to waste management. This situation has encourage illegal dumping. The study noted that, no proper and consolidated regulation governing solid waste management in Rwanda, therefore, if effective solid waste management is to be achieved, the government should update and consolidate regulations.