Abstract
The Zimbabwean government has for a while been reeling under pressure from inadequate resources for waste management mainly due to the expansion of its cities. The study explored household waste management in Hatcliffe Extension, a high-density suburb in Harare, and sought to identify dominant household solid waste management disposal systems by women. The study aim was to explore women’s experiences of solid waste management in the face of poor service delivery in refuse collection. Qualitative research methodology was employed to collect data in the study from conveniently sampled participants. In-depth interviews and observations were the instruments utilised for data collection. The study draws from the Rational Choice Theory to understand human behaviour in relation to people’s choices on suitable and sustainable practices in solid waste management and the environment. The study reveals lack of education and knowledge and poor refuse collection by responsible authorities as driving the disposal of diverse waste materials such as paper, diapers and plastic packages, which have heightened solid waste generation in the area. Dominant household solid waste management disposal systems in Hartcliffe Extension include illegal dumping, open burning, and burying of the waste materials. Overall, Hartcliffe Extension residents practise improper solid waste disposal systems due to lack of collection services from the Harare city council, which is the authority responsible for solid waste management. The study also established various ways in which poorly managed solid waste poses a threat to the environment. The study recommends the education of residents on eco-friendly waste disposal measures that do not pose a threat either to both human beings or the environment.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: African Journal of Gender, Society and Development (formerly Journal of Gender, Information and Development in Africa)
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.