LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION IN DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG RADIO LISTENERS IN DAR ES SALAAM CITY, TANZANIA

Abstract

Effective management of domestic solid waste (DSW) is vital for human health and environmental protection. This can be achieved by involving various stakeholders, especially the local people, where knowledge and awareness of the effective management of DSW are required. Also, a positive attitude towards the issue of management with a good perception of cleanliness is among the fundamental factors that influence effective participation in domestic solid waste management (DSWM). The main objective of this paper is to determine the level of radio usage, awareness, perception, attitude, and participation in DSWM among radio listeners in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania. This study tested the effectiveness of development communication theory (DevCom-theory) in disseminating DSWM information through radio programs. The study employed a quantitative research design, using the survey method with a questionnaire as the research instrument for data collection. A total of 392 respondents from Temeke Municipality participated in this study. The results show positive and significant levels of radio usage, awareness, perception, attitude, and participation in DSWM. Participation in DSWM was the highest-rated variable compared to the other variables. In addition, almost all items of the tested variables revealed insignificant differences by categories of gender, education, and household income.