Analysis of solid waste management practices in rural settings of Tanzania

This study explores the causes of ineffective solid waste management services in Tanzania’s rural settings which are made up of district councils. It is inspired by the fact that only 7.6% of the generated waste in the district councils which makes up 74% of the total local government authorities in the country is collected. The study variables include data availability, waste minimization initiatives, financial reliability, service reliability, technological flexibility, convenient waste collection systems, responsive market, supportive legal framework, and stakeholder inclusivity.

Literature review, direct observation, interviews, and questionnaires constitute part of the data collection methods. Questionnaires were distributed to 137 (100%) district councils with over 95% responses. Zonal consultative meetings were conducted in six (6) zones representing 26 regions of Tanzania’s Mainland and attended by 26(100%) Regional Environmental Experts; and 56 (30%) District Environmental Management Officers (DEMOs).

The findings show inadequacy in data availability, waste minimization initiatives, financing, stakeholders’ inclusiveness, waste management options, technological flexibility, and service reliability. The findings also show the presence of a supportive legal framework and a responsive market for the provision of waste management services.

The study recommends; Improvement of waste management infrastructure; promotion of waste minimization initiatives, enhancement of waste management financing, and formalization of informal waste collection service providers.