Knowledge, attitudes and practices of market users on solid waste management at Dzaleka in Dowa

Abstract

Globally solid waste management is a challenge due to rapid population growth and urbanization. Markets highly generate solid waste, its management has been a problem in Malawi. A cross-sectional study was conducted, aimed at assessing market users' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on solid waste management at Dzaleka in Dowa. Using mixed methods data was collected from respondents (n = 138), using questionnaires, key informant interviews (n = 12), focus group discussions (n = 16) and observations of solid waste management practices. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis. Majority (77.54%) showed good knowledge, (77.46%) had positive attitudes and (69.80%) showed poor practices of solid waste management. Majority (94.20%, n=130) of respondents reported not doing solid waste separation and (52.17%, n=72) practised open dumping. Majority (78.99%, n=109) of respondents reported disposing of solid waste in drains and gutters, as a risk to the environment and public health. Observational results showed solid waste accumulation within the Dzaleka market. The study found that (47.62%, n =66) of respondents reported composting and (42.86%, n = 59) reported metal recycling. Chi-squared test of independence at ≤ 0.05, showed the statistical significance of knowledge, practices and solid waste as a resource, against the level of education and age of respondents. Thematic analysis highlighted issues of awareness, lack of sanitation infrastructure, accumulation of solid waste, and commercialization of solid waste. Financial constraints and poor stakeholder coordination affected solid management. In conclusion, market users reported good knowledge, positive attitudes and poor practices of solid waste management. It is recommended to promote hygiene behavioural change educational programs, at Dzaleka market and strengthen institutional capacity, for sustainable solid waste management. Keywords: Knowledge; Attitudes; Practices; Hygiene Behaviour change; Environment; Public Health; Sustainable Solid Waste Management.