Background:
Globally, the transition toward circular economic systems is regarded as
essential for addressing resource depletion and climate change. Solid waste
management continues to pose major challenges in developing countries due to
rapid urbanisation and population growth. Although circular economy strategies
have been successfully implemented in many developed countries, smaller
municipalities like Garissa lack the necessary infrastructure, policy
frameworks, and institutional support to facilitate the transition to circular
waste management systems.
Aim: This study
examines determinants of circular-economy adoption and their collective
influence on sustainable solid-waste management in Garissa Township, Kenya.
Methodology: The
study was conducted in Garissa Township, Kenya, specifically across the four
administrative wards of Iftin, Township, Galbet, and Waberi. A descriptive
research design using a mixed-methods approach was adopted. Data collection was
carried out among households, private solid waste collectors, and officials
from the Department of Environment and Waste Management. The fieldwork took
place over a six-month period, between April and September 2019. The study
included a total of 330 respondents from the four wards, comprising adult
household heads, county waste management officials, and registered private
waste collectors. Individuals below 18 years, non-residents, and those not
directly involved in waste management were excluded. Quantitative data were
analysed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics such as frequencies and means,
and supplemented with inferential tests like chi-square to explore variable
relationships. Qualitative data from interviews and discussions were analysed
thematically to identify key patterns and insights.
Results: Results
show a largely female-headed household profile (60.3%) with low formal
education (28.9%), while private collectors were predominantly male, aged 31–40
and tertiary educated. Technology was seen to improve recycling efficiency
(50%), safety (25%) and cost reduction (25%), but adoption remains under 20%
due to financial and technical constraints. Critical service gaps include 49.8%
of households without dustbins, 40% of collection routes becoming impassable,
and one landfill serving ~80,000 residents. Perceived opportunities scored
highly for health (4.68) and employment (4.06), whereas major barriers were
inadequate infrastructure (4.42), limited funding (4.35) and weak policy
enforcement (2.18).
Conclusion: Garissa
has significant potential for circular-economy transition, but success requires
targeted infrastructure investment, stronger policy frameworks, technology
support and community education to convert attitudes into scalable practice.
Author(s)
Details :-
ADEN,
Ibrahim Mohamed
School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, United Kingdom.
Please see
the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v5/6801
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