Abstract

Solid waste management has become great concern for governments and cities due to its effects on health, environment and climate change. The aim of sustainable solid waste management (SSWM) is to achieve circular economy and realize sustainable development goals. Communication plays a significant role in empowering communities with knowledge, influencing behaviour and promoting collaboration on waste management between governments and communities. Past research shows indiscriminate dumping of waste and inadequate knowledge on how to manage solid waste including reduce, reuse and recycle waste among communities in Africa. However, there is limited focus in research on messages communicated for SSWM. This study sought to assess strategic messages communicated for SSWM and media used in the communication. The study conducted in Migori county Kenya, using a mixed methods approach involved a total of 399 town residents sampled using purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. The study found lack of focus on strategic messages for SSWM in the communication by Migori county government. Communication is uncoordinated, conducted in public meetings, local radio, and by waste management supervisors. Most community members lack knowledge on SSWM practices. The study recommends communication of strategic messages for SSWM to improve community knowledge of SSWM; communication using participatory media accessible to the community; and inclusion of community knowledge in the construction of strategic messages for SSWM. Keywords: Strategic, Message, Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Community, Participatory Communication. DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/97-02 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

Highlights

  • Sustainable solid waste management refers to the use of material resources to cut down on the amount of waste generated and where waste is generated it should be dealt with to contribute to economic, social and environmental goals of sustainable development (NEMA, 2014)

  • 4.0 Findings 4.1 Strategic messages communicated for sustainable solid waste management The study found that key message communicated by Migori county government to the community was proper waste disposal using dustbins and designated dumpsites

  • 5.0 Discussions Findings from this study showed that Migori county government give limited focus on strategic messages for Sustainable solid waste management (SSWM) in the communication for waste management

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Summary

Introduction

Sustainable solid waste management refers to the use of material resources to cut down on the amount of waste generated and where waste is generated it should be dealt with to contribute to economic, social and environmental goals of sustainable development (NEMA, 2014). It is defined as a management process that involves the integration of economic, environmental and social perspectives (Solani et al, 2015 cited by Tsai, Bui, Tseng, Lim & Tan, 2020). Waste reduction and re-use, composting and recycling of products reduce cost of production, promotes circular economy, and reduces effects of waste on the environment thereby contributing to achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number eleven on sustainable cities and communities and twelve on responsible consumption and production

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