Local Networks

Indigenous open-air markets in Ghana’s urban areas generate significant quantities of market waste, which the present “collect and dispose” system is unable to handle. Waste accumulates in markets, which degrades the market environment and creates health hazards. Waste management planners in Ghana have failed to adopt a participatory and an inclusive approach to managing waste in open air markets in Ghanaian cities by overlooking the potential role of indigenous institutions and networks in the management of waste. This research found that networks of market stakeholders can effectively manage market waste when empowered to do so.