Vendor’s knowledge and practices of solid waste management in Nakasero Market, Kampala

Abstract

Introduction: Solid Waste Management in markets is one of the biggest challenges facing city authorities due to exponential rise in volumes generated exceeding the technical and financial capacity for collection and disposal. Uganda is one of the developing countries which has not been spared with issues of solid waste management (SWM). It is estimated that the generation of solid waste per day in Kampala, the capital city is 1kg per capita thus with approximately 1.5 million people, around 1500 tons of solid waste is generated per day per capita Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and practices of solid waste management among vendors in Nakasero market so as to inform future interventions promoting proper waste management among vendors in the market. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design among 213 vendors of Nakasero market aged 18 years and above. A Semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on knowledge and practices of solid waste management among the vendors. Data was analysed descriptively to obtain frequencies, proportions and means. Results: More than half 59.62% (127/213) of the vendors knew what solid waste is, describing it as an unwanted useless material. Less than half, 32.86% (70/213) of the vendors self-reported segregating solid waste at their stalls, 37% (78/213) did not re-use, reduce solid waste 64% (137/213) and the greatest number 83% (176/213) did not recycle solid waste. Overall, 62.44% (133/213) of the vendors had fair knowledge and 41.78% (89/213) had good practice. Support from the market leadership and availability of resources (waste collection bins/ sacks) were mentioned as a key enablers to proper solid waste management in the market. Congestion in the market and limited time were the hindrances to proper waste management. Conclusion: The findings from the study revealed that the vendors in Nakasero market had fair knowledge and poor practice on the management of solid waste in the market. From, the study, it was found out that, there are some issues/factors hindering solid waste management in Nakasero market such as congestion, limited time etc. and need to be addressed by the concerned parties.