Beyond policies: managing solid waste in developing countries through stakeholders perspective and infrastructural development

Abstract

Increased waste production, poor waste management infrastructures, and stakeholder’s participation has limited waste management in overseas and developing countries. Specifically, waste management infrastructures have been influenced by conflict (disagreements between stakeholders) over limited land and economic resources. This conflict is evident in both overseas and developing countries where public complaints prevent development of waste infrastructures. In this study, conflict in waste infrastructural development was investigated using workshops, interviews, and questionnaires to understand stakeholders’ views on waste management infrastructure.

The scientists used content analysis to identify priority themes that drive conflict and limit improved waste management in developing countries. Interactions were examined between stakeholders (households, scavengers, and government authorities) using the interviews and workshops, and drew conclusions. Findings suggest that, different stakeholders’ perception to waste management infrastructural development. While some stakeholders (percentage) are unwilling to release land for waste management infrastructure, others (percentage) are concerned about the economic loss associated with land ownership. We propose three steps to addressing stakeholders concerns, which include effective policies, alternative livelihood, and robust funding. Governments will need to take these pragmatic steps to address current waste management infrastructural concerns.