The Effect of Waste Literacy on Fabrics and Textile Sustainability in Small-Scale Tailoring Businesses: A Case of Chililabombwe District, Zambia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of waste literacy on fabrics and textile sustainability among small-scale tailoring businesses in Chililabombwe District. The study employed a descriptive survey design with a mixed-methods approach, sampling 120 respondents through simple random sampling. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS and Excel, and qualitative data through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that businesses with higher waste literacy demonstrated a significant understanding of sustainability practices (p = 0.03). While the use of recycling and up cycling techniques was moderate, it showed a clear positive association with sustainability efforts. Stakeholders emphasized waste literacy's critical role in driving sustainable practices. To support sustainability in the tailoring sector, recommendations included financial incentives, robust regulations, targeted training, and enhanced infrastructure, with significant evidence linking these mechanisms to improved sustainability outcomes.