ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FOSTERING WASTE MANAGEMENT SKILLS: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND EDUCATION IN SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Abstract The growing environmental crisis, exacerbated by the increasing volume of food waste, presents a critical challenge for sustainable waste management globally. In countries like Malaysia, where food waste accounts for nearly 50% of household waste, the mismanagement of waste leads to environmental degradation, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite efforts by governments and organizations to address the issue, the success of sustainable waste management programs often falls short without active community participation. The core problem addressed in this study is the lack of practical waste management skills among community members and inconsistent levels of community involvement in waste management initiatives. While many communities are aware of the environmental consequences of waste mismanagement, the translation of this knowledge into consistent, everyday action remains limited. Understanding the impact of community participation on sustainable waste management is crucial for designing effective interventions. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of community participation on sustainable waste management practices, particularly focusing on the role of education and involvement in adopting skills such as composting and waste reduction. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A sample of 200 participants was surveyed pre- and post-intervention to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to waste management. Additionally, focus group discussions with 30 participants were conducted to explore the social influences, challenges, and perceived benefits of the program. Results from the quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in knowledge (mean score increase from 45.2 to 75.6), attitudes (from 40.3 to 80.1), and practices (from 35.8 to 70.4) following community-based educational programs. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between participation levels and composting frequency (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). The study concludes that community participation, combined with education, significantly enhances sustainable waste management outcomes, though challenges such as resource constraints must be addressed for long-term success.