UEW Scholars Complete Municipal Solid Waste Source Separation and Compost Project
A team of scholars from the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has completed a pioneering project aimed at promoting municipal solid waste source separation and composting.
The project, titled "Communication and Community Engagement Strategy and Equity and Inclusion Studies for a Community-Based Municipal Solid Waste Source Separation and Compost in Accra," has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach towards addressing the city's mounting waste crisis.
The project's multifaceted strategy encompasses targeted community engagement initiatives, comprehensive equity and inclusion studies, and the implementation of practical solutions tailored to the diverse socio-economic landscape of Accra. Notably, the team embarked on a transformative transect walk through the vibrant streets of James Town, distributing informative stickers and engaging residents in insightful conversations about the importance of waste separation for efficient recycling.
Highlighting the pivotal role of community leadership and inclusive participation, the scholars orchestrated a thought-provoking dramatisation of their project findings at a vibrant durbar hosted at the James Town Community Centre. Through a captivating portrayal of communal values and equitable waste management practices, the performance underscored the significance of collective action and stakeholder engagement in fostering sustainable urban development.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu elucidated the project's empirical findings, derived from meticulous data analysis encompassing diverse socio-demographic backgrounds across Accra's municipalities. Startling statistics revealed widespread production of food waste, plastics, and other recyclable materials among respondents, with a significant portion failing to segregate their waste effectively. Despite reliance on informal waste collection services, satisfaction levels remained high, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote sustainable waste management practices.
The researchers identified key determinants influencing residents' intentions to engage in waste separation and composting, emphasising the pivotal role of subjective norms in shaping behavioural attitudes. Leveraging these insights, the scholars proffered a series of actionable recommendations aimed at bolstering the Accra Metropolitan Assembly's (AMA) waste management policies and public education initiatives.
Proposals encompassed the revision of bye-laws to accommodate demographic nuances, the expansion of multilingual educational campaigns, and the formal recognition and support of informal waste actors. Additionally, the scholars advocated for the implementation of robust infrastructure upgrades to enhance waste collection efficiency and mitigate environmental hazards posed by vermin and scavengers.
The visionary team behind this initiative includes esteemed academics such as Prof. Samuel K. Hayford, Prof. Christiana Hammond, Prof. Peter Akayuure, Dr. Bernard B. B. Bingab, Mr. Stephen Osei Akyiaw, and Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, whose collective expertise has catalysed a paradigm shift in urban waste management practices.
As Accra charts a course towards a greener, more sustainable future, the UEW scholars' pioneering efforts serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring communities worldwide to embrace inclusivity, innovation, and collective action in the fight against environmental degradation.
