Stakeholder Participation and Solid Waste Management in Lira City East Division

Abstract

Purpose: this study examined the contribution of stakeholder participation to SWM in Lira City East division. Specifically, the study determined the effect of stakeholder participation on solid waste reduction, solid waste recycling and on waste reuse. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design, which employed a mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of 195 respondents, which included political leaders and civil servants of Lira City East division and heads of household in Lira City East. Both the Simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were used to select a sample of 132 participants. The researcher adopted Self-Administered Questionnaires to collect quantitative data and an interview guide to collect qualitative data. Both descriptive statistics (mean, and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) were used to analyse numerical data. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings: The findings revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between stakeholder participation and SWM. Further, it was revealed that stakeholder participation yields a significant effect on waste reduction, waste recycling and waste reuse. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It is concluded that stakeholder participation affects SWM in Lira City East division. This study contributes an original and empirical-evidence of the contribution of stakeholder participation on SWM in Lira City East division. It is recommended that, for better management of solid waste in Lira City division, the authorities of Lira City east division should sensitise the residents on the possible mechanisms of reducing the amount of waste generated at homestead, how the waste generated can be recycled to other useful forms and how the waste generated can be reused. This study contributes to the reawakening of the urban stakeholders in Lira city and Uganda, as a whole, on the magnitude of the solid waste challenge and how this calls for instantons effort to achieve healthy and cleaner cities/urban centers.