Evaluation of Peoples Responses to Solid Waste Management in Rwanda: A Case of Urban Sectors of Musanze District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2570Abstract
Urbanization and changing consumption patterns have increased Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation, creating environmental and public health challenges in developing countries. In Rwanda, despite strengthened policies and institutional frameworks, implementation gaps remain, particularly in Musanze City. This study assessed people’s responses to solid waste management (SWM), evaluated SWM practices, and examined their relationship in Cyuve, Muhoza, and Musanze sectors. Using a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected from 399 households through structured questionnaires, complemented by key informant interviews. Findings showed high levels of awareness (mean = 4.14–4.20), positive attitudes (4.24–4.28), favorable perceptions (3.98–4.31), strong behavioral intentions (4.19–4.26), and participation (4.13–4.25). SWM practices were high in waste storage (4.11–4.18), disposal (4.17–4.23), participation (4.13–4.19), and environmental cleanliness (4.13–4.20). Waste segregation was moderate (3.94–3.98), while recycling and reuse were low (2.48–2.61). Strong positive correlations were found between people’s responses and SWM practices (r = 0.63–0.89), with responses significantly predicting SWM practices (R² = 0.79). Strengthening awareness, recycling, and community participation is recommended.
Keywords: Community Participation, Municipal Solid Waste, Public Perception, Solid Waste Management, and Urban Sustainability. Top of Form
References
Ajzen, I. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(4), 314324. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.195
Iraguha, A., Ramelan, A., & Setyono, P. (2022). Solid waste management practices and environmental implications in Rwanda. International Journal of Environmental Science, 11(2), 101115.
Kabera, T. (2019). Assessment of solid waste generation and management in Kigali City. Journal of Urban Environmental Studies, 7(2), 89102.
Kaza, S., Yao, L., Bhada-Tata, P., & Van Woerden, F. (2018). What a waste 2.0: A global snapshot of solid waste management to 2050. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/30317
Musanze District. (2025). Musanze district development strategy (DDS) report. https://www.musanze.gov.rw
National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). (2022). Fifth Rwanda population and housing census. https://www.statistics.gov.rw
Nguyen, T., Tran, H., & Le, Q. (2021). The impact of environmental awareness on waste separation behavior in urban Vietnam. Sustainability, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052700
Nkurunziza, J. (2019). Household waste management practices in Kigali City. Rwanda Environmental Review, 5(1), 3347.
Ogwueleka, T. (2016). Municipal solid waste characteristics and management in Nigeria. Iranian Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40201-016-0231-0
Rajashekar, B., & Bowers, J. (2020). Waste management systems in developing countries: A case study of Rwanda. Waste Management, 102, 421430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2019.10.012
REMA. (2022). State of environment report Rwanda. https://www.rema.gov.rw
Si, H., Shi, J., Tang, D., Wu, G., & Lan, J. (2019). Understanding intention and behaviour toward sustainable waste management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 217, 375384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.123
Tadesse, T., Ruijs, A., & Hagos, F. (2018). Household waste disposal in urban Ethiopia. Waste Management, 77, 476484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.04.035
Uwizeyimana, J., Nsabimana, A., & Mukamana, C. (2021). Community participation in environmental sanitation in Rwanda. African Journal of Environmental Science, 15(4), 210220.
Yusliza, M. Y., Amirudin, A., Rahadi, R. A., Nik Sarah Athirah, N. A., Ramayah, T., Muhammad, Z., & Dal Mas, F. (2020). An investigation of pro-environmental behaviour and sustainable development. Sustainability, 12(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187301
Zhang, D., Huang, G., Yin, X., & Gong, Q. (2018). Residents waste separation behaviors at the source. Waste Management, 69, 223232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.024
