Dynamics of Green Entrepreneurship in Waste Management Cooperatives: A SWOT Analysis and Empirical Approach in the Marrakech-Safi Region

Faced with growing environmental challenges, green entrepreneurship has emerged as a key solution for promoting sustainable waste management. In the Marrakech-Safi region, recycling cooperatives play a crucial role in structuring the circular economy, reducing ecological impact, and creating socio-economic opportunities for local populations. However, their development is hindered by economic, institutional, and technical constraints. This study aims to identify the factors that facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices by recycling cooperatives, as well as the obstacles they encounter. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining questionnaires administered to 15 cooperatives across different provinces in the region and in-depth interviews with their leaders and members. The data analysis involved validity and reliability tests, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Relative Importance Index (RII) method. A SWOT analysis was also conducted to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The findings reveal that while cooperatives have generally integrated waste sorting practices, they struggle to implement advanced recycling techniques. The main challenges identified include a lack of funding, the absence of an incentive regulatory framework, and insufficient training. Leaders also highlight internal management difficulties, while members point to a lack of resources and technical support. Based on these insights, strategies are proposed, such as the implementation of tailored financing mechanisms, regulatory improvements, and citizen awareness initiatives. These findings provide strategic recommendations to strengthen the role of recycling cooperatives in the transition towards a sustainable circular economy.