Community perceptions and practices towards waste management and effects on water quality in landing sites along lake Albert: a case of Kitebere landing site, Kagadi district

Abstract

This study sought to find out Kitebere residents‘ perceptions and practices towards waste management (WM) and investigates the effects of the practices on water quality. To achieve this aim, the study‘s main objective was to assess community perceptions and practices towards waste management and its effects on water quality in Kitebere landing site. The descriptive survey design and cross sectional research design was used with quantitative and qualitative research approaches. These were administered to the households to collect information about perceptions, waste management practices, wastes generated and attitudes, or behaviours. Focus group guides were used to collect data from both women and men. Two gendered FGDs were held among fishermen, fish mongers and boat owners. Information regarding waste collection and disposal practices in the market area and general community were collected. Semi structured questions were administered to key informants including District departments, local councils, health inspectors, traders and area councilors. Key data that were collected included existence of Environment Awareness (EA). Transect walks or guided community walks were conducted with the guide of the area councilor. The purpose of the transect walks was to observe waste management practices and types of wastes generated. Additionally, a handheld camera was used to capture the status of open defecation, waste in the drainage channels, makeshift toilets and urinals draining directly into the lake. The GPS was also used to capture locations of dumpsites, toilets and urinals including their distance from the open water. Secondary data from archival sources, books, articles, reports, internet, newspapers, journals among others were reviewed. The data reviewed was related to environmental health, public health and waste management in communities in regards to their perceptions and practices. A total of 95 participants participated in the study. Systematic and purposive sampling was used to select participants. Interview schedule was used to collect data from 95 residents and the interview guide was used to collect data from the district and sub county representatives. Observation guides and transect walk methods were used to ascertain some responses from participants. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), excel and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the raw data.