Factors Driving Solid Waste Management Payments in African Markets: Understanding Determinants and Overcoming Challenges

Abstract

Waste management has become an issue of interest across global today due to its impact on the public health and efforts to achieve the global sustainable development goals. Despite the influence and necessity of the waste management practices yet there is little understanding in the factors influencing households’ willingness to comply and hence pay for such services mostly in developing countries including Tanzania. Therefore, the current study explores determinants of solid waste management in Arusha region by studying behaviors of the vendors in three markets places of Kilomebro, Tengeru, and Samunge using cross-sectional research design of which as sample of 150 vendors were included in the study. The results of the study reveal that socioeconomic factors such as age (p<0.01), working experience (p<0.01), and income (p<0.01) are significant determinants enhancing vendors’ decision to pay for the waste management. On the other hand, amount of waste generated by vendors, and their awareness on the waste management practices also influence vendors willingness and decision to pay for the waste management across all three markets in Arusha region at 0.013 (p<0.01) and 1.894 (p<0.01) . Additionally, quality of waste management services offered are also important component affecting vendors decision to be willing to pay for the waste management practices. The study recommends that in order to cultivate the waste management practices across communities it is important to prioritize in establishing educational programs that aimed at enhancing vendors' awareness and understanding of the importance of solid waste management, as well as developing income diversification strategies which will help to explore and address the significant role income plays in determining vendors' willingness to pay for solid waste management.