Knowledge Assessment of Local People on Solid Waste Management in Rwanda; A Case study, Nyamata City in Bugesera District

This study assessed the knowledge of local people in Nyamata City on solid waste management, with three specific objectives: to evaluate the level of knowledge on solid waste management among residents, to examine current practices, and to explore the relationship between knowledge and practices in waste management. The research employed a sample size of 393 respondents, selected using simple random sampling. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, and data analysis involved descriptive statistics and correlation coefficient methods. The first objective focused on the level of knowledge among local residents. Findings indicated a high level of education and awareness regarding solid waste management, with a mean score of 4.21 for household training on waste management and 4.10 for the recognition of its importance to urban health and well-being. The overall mean score of 4.20 suggests that most respondents acknowledge the increasing educational efforts on waste management and its contributions to social and environmental protection. Additionally, access to information through mass media was rated highly effective, with a mean score of 4.21, leading to an overall mean of 4.18 for the role of solid waste management in community sanitation. Capacity building also showed a significant contribution, with an overall mean score of 4.16. The second objective assessed existing practices. Results showed moderate to low levels of waste segregation, with mean scores of 2.87 for excluding solid from liquid wastes, 2.54 for having different bins for each waste type, 2.34 for segregating waste to facilitate collection, and 1.98 for separating biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste. These low scores resulted in a grand mean of 3.93, indicating moderate efficiency in waste collection practices, with a score of 3.74 suggesting inefficiency. Waste disposal practices were rated more positively, with a mean score of 3.89. Regarding waste recycling, the presence of sufficient facilities was rated high, with a mean score of 4.13, and the adequacy of the reuse and recycling system was also rated highly, with a mean score of 4.11. Transport of waste received a moderate rating, with a grand mean of 3.38. The third objective explored the relationship between knowledge and practices, revealing a high positive correlation (correlation coefficient of 0.713, p-value of 0.006), indicating that higher knowledge levels significantly contribute to better solid waste management practices. In conclusion, the study found that while there is a high level of knowledge and awareness about solid waste management among Nyamata City residents, practical implementation of waste segregation and collection practices needs improvement. There is a significant positive relationship between the level of knowledge and effective solid waste management practices, underscoring the importance of continuous education and capacity building in enhancing waste management practices.Top of Form Keywords: Bugesera District; Local People; Knowledge Assessment; Practices in Waste Management; Solid Waste management.