Landfilling as an Alternative Solid Waste Management Method in Lira City, Uganda

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between solid waste management methods and land degradation in Lira City West Division, where unregulated landfilling has led to severe environmental consequences, including soil contamination, vegetation loss, clogged drainage, flooding, and public health hazards. We evaluated the impact of landfilling in land degradation. Using Methodology: The research took a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, data were gathered from 156 residents and municipal stakeholders through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and regression models, while qualitative responses were thematically coded. Findings: Findings revealed that mismanaged landfilling was detrimental: Regression analysis with an F of 70.375, p < 0.001) confirmed that the predictors collectively explain a significant portion of the variation in land degradation; and the adjusted R-squared value of 0.610 indicated that approximately 61% of the variance in land degradation was explained by the three waste management variables included in the model, which represent a strong explanatory power. These outcomes confirmed that properly managed landfilling substantially reduce land degradation, with the model explaining 61% of the variance. Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study contributes to effective waste management solutions whose implementation is hindered by weak institutions, insufficient funding, and limited public awareness. It recommends strengthening regulatory enforcement, increasing investment in waste infrastructure, scaling community-based education to promote composting, and foster multi-sectoral collaboration to support decentralized, context-appropriate innovations essential for reversing land degradation and advancing sustainable urban development in Lira city.