Evaluation of Solid Waste Management Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among the Urban Residents

Solid waste has been causing environmental and health problems over decades, and its management is not a priority for most under-developed countries. The study seeks to evaluate residents' level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards Solid waste management (SWM) in selected urban places of Maseru. A total of 140 residents participated in the study. Structured questionnaire were utilised for data collection. Data were analysed using statistical descriptive analysis and Pearson chi-square. A majority (82%) of respondents had correct knowledge on environmental problems caused by SW and 31% knew health problems associated with solid waste. At least 59% of the respondents showed acceptable attitudes. Nearly 24% had acceptable practises on SWM, and only 24% segregated SW prior to its disposal. There was an association between education level of respondents with SWM (p<0.05), and no association between age of respondents and SWM. Furthermore, communities lack education and awareness on SWM. The study concludes that residents lack acceptable SWM practices. Environmental and health education have to be provided. These findings lay a critical foundation towards enhanced sustainable development and effective SWM in underdeveloped countries. Policy makers and experts in environmental management should be informed in interdisciplinary approach that also employs scientific management systems. The study adds to literature by assessing KAPs of residents in the urban areas of Maseru Lesotho, and their KAPs' association with age and education levels. Following findings of this research, insights pertaining to probable causes of SW mismanagement will be provided to policymakers and decision makers in the field of environmental protection, in pursue to instil into communities country-wide, acceptable SWM.