Socio Economic Factors Affecting the Use of Solid Waste Compost Produced in Kurunegala and Kundasale Municipalities.

Abstract

Municipal Solid Waste Compost (MSWC) is popular with organic agriculture in the world. Nearly 100 authorities in Sri Lanka are involved in producing MSWC. Its timely needed to identify the factors affecting the use of MSWC. The Kurunegala and Kundasale municipalities were selected to identify the socio economic factors affecting the use of MSWC. The users (45) and non-users (35) of MSWC were selected using simple random sampling method. Data were collected using questionnaire and key informant interviews. Majority (51%) of the MSWC users were 36-50 years age category and 60% were high income category. Accordingly, 47% MSWC users were vegetable cultivators. Majority (84%) had a higher knowledge on soil fertility nutrient supply and knowledge on method of production and application was at a moderate level. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression resulted monthly income, cultivated land extent, farming experience and knowledge on method of production and application showed significant relationship with the amount of MSWC use. Discriminant function analysis resulted knowledge on soil fertility, productivity , nutrient supply and attitude on advantage of using MSWC lead to discriminate the MSWC users and non users. Conducting interactive drama, multimedia and promotional videos to promote MSWC among farming community are recommended.