www.idosr.

org Nour and Obaroh

©IDOSR PUBLICATIONS ISSN: 2550-794X

International Digital Organization for Scientific Research IDOSRJSR9.2.3348.100

IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 9(2) 33-48, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJSR/2024/9.2.3348.100

Evaluation of Solid Waste Produced in Garowe District

Somalia
Abdimudalib Jamma Nour and Obaroh Israel Olusegun
School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT
Historically, waste management in Garowe District was marked by traditional practices driven by necessity rather
than environmental consciousness, the aim of the study was to evaluate solid waste produced in the district while
the specific objectives were to identify the composition and quantity of biodegradable waste generated the Garowe
District, to assess the types and quantities of non-biodegradable waste produced in Garowe District and also To
evaluate the existing waste management practices in the district. The study employed mixed methods. Copies of
questionnaires were administered to 388 households and interviews conducted with 5 key informants to assess
solid waste composition, quantities, handling practices, and management gaps. The study found food scraps
constitute the majority of biodegradable waste generated in households, while plastics dominate the non-
biodegradable waste stream. On average, household waste generation exceeds 1 kg per day, and municipal
collection services only reach a portion of district residence. Existing waste management efforts focus primarily on
collection and disposal with minimal infrastructure for material recovery, recycling or composting. While most
residents express willingness to separate organic waste, few households implement home composting due to
knowledge gaps and space constraints. The findings reveal significant potential to improve waste management
sustainability by reducing disposal volumes and introducing programs to divert organics and recyclables from
dumping sites. Key recommendations include public education, expanding source segregation, constructing
composting and recycling facilities, and better integrating the informal recycling sector. The study provides
important baseline data to inform integrated municipal solid waste management planning aligned with local needs
while minimizing environmental and public health impacts.
KEY WORDS: Waste management, Garowe District, Municipal solid waste, Household waste, Somalia
INTRODUCTION
The study focuses on the historical, theoretical, and to the health of the people living in Garowe District,
conceptual perspectives of waste management in as exposure to open dumps and burning waste could
Garowe District. Historically, waste management in lead to various respiratory diseases and other health
Garowe District was marked by traditional practices issues. Urbanization and population growth
driven by necessity rather than environmental exacerbated these challenges. As the population
consciousness. Open dumping was a prevalent increased, so did the volume and diversity of waste
practice. This method, while convenient in the short [3]. With limited awareness and education about
term, led to the pollution of soil and water sources, proper waste management, the community
posing significant health risks to the community continued to dispose of waste without segregation,
[1]. Burning of waste, another common practice, resulting in mixed waste streams that were difficult
was undertaken to reduce the volume of waste. to handle and recycle [4]. Learning from these
However, this method released harmful toxins into historical challenges can inform the development of
the air, further deteriorating the air quality and new strategies, policies, and infrastructures that
overall environmental health [2]. These practices address the specific needs of Garowe District in
are not only hazardous to the environment but also managing both biodegradable and non-

33
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
biodegradable waste [5]. Globally, municipal solid unwanted solid or semi-solid materials resulting
waste generation is rapidly increasing, posing from human and animal activities. It is any garbage,
challenges for sustainable management. refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant,
Biodegradable waste like food and yard waste and water supply treatment plant, or air pollution
non-biodegradable waste like plastics and electronics control facility and other discarded material,
require different handling methods to minimize including solid, liquid, semi-solid, or contained
environmental and health impacts [3]. The theory gaseous material resulting from industrial,
of reuse, pioneered by Martin Medina, offers a commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and
decentralized, community-based model to extract from community activities [16]. Any waste that is
maximum value from discards through labour- capable of undergoing anaerobic or aerobic
intensive successive reuse, repair, and decomposition, such as food and garden waste, paper
remanufacturing before final recycling or disposal and paperboard. Biodegradable waste typically
[6]. In Somalia, protracted conflict has severely includes materials such as food scraps, yard
disrupted waste management systems and trimmings, paper, and certain types of textiles.
infrastructure, necessitating accessible localized These materials can decompose naturally in the
solutions [1]. Applying principles of the theory of environment, often within a relatively short period
reuse such as decentralized collection networks, under suitable conditions. On the other hand, waste
integration of informal waste pickers, and which cannot be transformed through biological
community composting can help build resilience processes is called non-biodegradable waste [17].
through livelihood generation and waste diversion in Non-biodegradable waste includes materials such as
the Somali context [7]. Specifically, in Garowe plastics, metals, glass, and certain synthetic textiles.
District, increasing municipal waste generation These materials persist in the environment for
coupled with inadequate solid waste management extended periods, often hundreds or thousands of
poses pressing challenges [4]. The theory of reuse years, without significant degradation. The
suggests community-based waste management management of non-biodegradable waste poses
cantered on source separation, collection, and significant environmental challenges due to its long-
successive reuse of biodegradable waste through lasting nature and potential to accumulate in
composting and non-biodegradable waste through ecosystems. The escalating production of both
repair and remanufacturing at the local level [8]. biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste poses a
This creates value, livelihoods, and environmental pressing challenge in Garowe District. Current
sustainability. The theory of reuse was developed by waste management practices are inadequate,
scholar Martin Medina in the late 1990s based on resulting in improper disposal, environmental
research on informal recycling systems in degradation, and health risks for the residents. The
developing countries. It provides an alternative to indiscriminate disposal of waste, particularly non-
centralized, capital-intensive recycling models biodegradable materials like plastics, can lead to
common in industrialized nations [9].A key environmental degradation, contaminate soil, water
principle is integrating marginalized informal waste bodies, and natural habitats, harming ecosystems
workers into authorized recycling and reuse systems and biodiversity. Improper waste management can
[10] The theory also complements recycling by also create breeding grounds for disease-carrying
prioritizing prolonged reuse and refurbishment to vectors, release toxic substances and pollutants into
extract optimal value before materials are finally the environment, posing health risks to the local
recycled [11]. It aligns with circular economy population. Lack of efficient waste segregation,
principles of retaining materials locally through limited recycling infrastructure, and insufficient
repeated reuse, remanufacturing, and open material public awareness exacerbate the issue. Conducting a
cycles [12]. Major benefits of the theory of reuse systematic evaluation will help understand the scale
include livelihood generation through labour- of the problem and identify priority areas for
intensive handling, improved resource efficiency and intervention. The findings can guide policies and
waste reduction through prolonged product lifetimes programs to improve segregation, optimize, promote
[13], environmental protection by diverting recycling and safe disposal, and build sustainable
materials from landfills [14], social inclusion of waste management capacity in the district. The
waste pickers [15] and building local economic study aimed to evaluate solid waste produced in
resilience by maintaining the value of discarded Garowe District.
materials [5]. Solid waste refers to any discarded or

34
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
Geographical scope of the study
The study was conducted in the Garowe district, the (15.3 nm), north LibaaxSeexay (2.5 nm), northwest
administrative capital of Puntland, Somalia's Nugal GeidaDebabo (12.2), west Bixin (5.9 nm), southwest
region. The district is situated in the Nugal Valley, Lugo (6.0 nm), south Salaxley (5.3 nm), and
surrounded by high plateaus that can reach southeast War Weytan (9.7 nm) are some of the
elevations of 500 to 1,000 meters. Located in the nearby settlements. Nearest major cities to Garowe
center of Puntland, in north-eastern Somalia, is are Qardho (205 km), Erigavo (275 km), and
Garowe. East Gillab (4.8 nm), northeast Qalqalooc Galkayo (216 km). (Maps by Google, 2023)
Content scope of the study
The economy is based on cattle raising, with wild Garowe District, focusing on biodegradable and
trees harvested for myrrh and frankincense. The non-biodegradable waste. The study will evaluate
study aims to assess the types, quantity, and solid waste produced in the Garowe district.
management practices of solid waste produced in the
Time scope
The study was conducted over a period of 3 months of intensive data collection and analysis.
approximately 6 months, from January 2024 to June The final month was devoted to report writing,
2024. It included 2 months for background research, validation, and dissemination of findings.
tool development, and field preparation, followed by
Area and Location
The study was conducted in Garowe district, Garowe, as an urban centre, faces various
Somalia.The capital city of Puntland, a semi- environmental challenges, including solid waste
autonomous region in north-eastern Somalia. management.

Figure: 1 map showing the study area

Source: google maps (2024)
Research Design
The study employed a descriptive research design, quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect
which is not cost effective and does not require a lot data from the different respondents of the study
of time. The researcher also adopted both [18].
35
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
Study Population
The study population was comprised residents, local volume and types of waste generated in Garowe
authorities, and waste management service providers district. Garowe has a total population of 187,000
in Garowe District. These groups were purposefully residents [19].
chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of
Sample Size
A subset of this population was selected for this local authorities and waste management service
research out of the total target population 187,000 providers. This number was arrived at empirically
[19], only 400 respondents were considered for the by use of the Slovene's Formula.
study. These include residents of Garowe district

Table 1: Population and Sample size

Category Population Sample

Local Residents 186,950 370

Local authorities 25 15

Waste management service providers 25 15

Total 187,000 400

Sampling Technique
A combination of purposive and random sampling service providers, while simple random sampling
techniques was used in this study. Purposive was used to select residents to ensure fair
sampling was employed to select key informants representation.
from local authorities and waste management
Data Collection Instruments
Questionnaire
The questionnaire was distributed in two formats: dependent variables, specifically geared at measuring
hard copies were handed out directly to the target perceptions. The research used three types of
respondents, while soft versions were created using measuring scales: interval, nominal, and ordinal
Google Forms and shared with selected respondents scales. An interval scale of measurement is defined
via a link. The instrumental questions are comprised by ordered intervals of equal length, with an
of two primary components. The first portion of the arbitrary zero value. A nominal scale of
study focuses on gathering demographic measurement is used for categorical data, while an
characteristics and profile information from the ordinal scale of measurement is used for categorical
participants. The second part consists of closed- data that contain ranks and ordered values.
ended questions designed to collect independent and
Interview
The researcher also used interview guide in data companies and local government workers and
collection. The questions for the interview were environmentalists. The data was attained through
open-ended. The open-ended questions gave chance on-spot questions to enable attainment of data to
to more discussions. The interview guide helped to supplement the study.
collect information from waste management
Validity Test
Validity pertains to the degree to which data Content Validity Index (CVI) = CVI =
precisely represents what it is intended to represent. If the overall Content Validity Index (CVI) of the
A significant amount of work was used to establish a instrument is equal to the average acceptable Index
coherent connection between the questions in the of 0.7 or above, then the instrument is accepted as
questionnaire and the purpose of the research. The valid [20].
researcher used the following formula to ascertain
the validity of the research tools, as shown below.
36
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
Reliability Test
A reliability test was undertaken to determine the questionnaire are positively associated with each
degree of dependability of the study. Cronbach's other. A greater value of Cronbach's alpha indicates
alpha is a statistical measure of reliability that a stronger level of internal consistency
quantifies the extent to which items in a test or dependability.
Data analysis
The data acquired from the respondents were surveys was meticulously examined, condensed, and
inputted into a computer and processed using the interpreted using descriptive statistics. The
statistical software SPSS Version: 20. This software descriptive statistics include frequencies, valid
helped to summarise the coded data and speed up the percentages, means, and standard deviation.
data analysis process. The data obtained from the
Ethical considerations
In order to uphold ethical standards in the study, the including law enforcement officers. The researcher
researcher obtained an introductory letter from the sought input from scholars and law enforcement
School of Natural and Applied Science (SONAS) at officials during the duration of this study. The
Kampala International University. Additionally, the researcher adhered to ethical guidelines in order to
researcher personally introduced themselves to uphold and prevent any violations of the privacy of
pastoralists, environmental activists, community the respondents. This included principles of respect,
leaders, farmers, and other relevant entities, secrecy, and participant autonomy.
RESULTS
Table 2: Response Rate
Sample Size Actual returned Percentage
400 388 97%

7 5 71.4%

Table 2 shows a response rate of 97% from the questionnaires that were administered to the respondents and 10
(66.7%) responses from the interviews

37
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh

Table 3: Demographic traits of Respondents

Gender Frequency Percent

Male 224 57.7
Female 164 42.3
Age
20-29 Years 162 41.8
30-39 Years 100 25.8
40-49 Years 85 21.9
50 years above 41 10.6
Academic qualification
Certificate 76 19.6
Diploma 66 17.0
Degree 148 38.1
Post Graduate 98 25.3
Marital Status
Single 144 37.1
Married 145 37.4
Separated/divorced 64 16.5
Widowed/widower 35 9.0
Occupation
businessman/women 82 21.1
civil servant 128 33.0
farmer 46 11.9
none 132 34.0
H/Number of the individuals
1-3 77 19.8
4-6 132 34.0
7-9 94 24.2
10+ 85 21.8
Total 388 100.0

Table 3 reveal that the majority of respondents were 98(25.3%), then certificate holders were 76(19.6%)
male 224(57.7%) while the female was 164(42.3%). It respondents and finally were diploma holders
also showed that the majority of respondents in the 66(17.0) were respondents. Equally, majority of the
study were between the ages of 20-29 who was 162 respondents in the study was married constituting
(41.8%), 30-39 years 100 (25.8%), 40-49 years were 145(37.4.9%), followed by single respondents who
85 (21.9%), 50 years above were 41(10.6%) of the were 144(37.1%) those who separated/divorced were
respondents. Majority of the respondents for the 64 (16.5%) and finally 35(9.0%) were
study were bachelor degree holders constituting 148 widowed/widower.
(38.1%) followed by post-graduate holders who were

38
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
Table 4 Types of biodegradable waste households generate in Garowe district, Somalia.
Responses Frequency Percent
food scraps 236 60.8
yard waste 82 21.1
paper 34 8.8
wood 36 9.3
Total 388 100.0
Table 4 reveals that the most common type of (60.8%) responses of the total. Yard waste was 82
biodegradable waste generated by the household (21.1%) paper waste accounted for 34 (8.8%) and
each week was food scraps, which accounted for 236 wood waste represented 36 (9.3%).
Quantity of biodegradable waste households generate every week in Garowe district,
Somalia

Figure 2 reveals the quantity of biodegradable waste week, and finally just 16(4.1%) respondents
generated per week by survey respondents' generated less than 1kg per week. The study
households. The most common response was 6-10kg indicates, the majority of households generated 1-
per week, 152 (39.2%.) respondents, then second was 10kg of biodegradable waste per week, it also
1-5kg per week, 141(36.3%) respondents also indicates most households generate a substantial
79(20.4%) respondents generated over 10kg per quantity of biodegradable waste weekly.

39
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
Households compost of biodegradable waste in Garowe district, Somalia
Figure 3 Response of Household Separation of non-biodegradable waste for recycling/reuse

Figure 3 shows that the majority of respondents respondents said they compost some or all of their
254(65.5%) reported that they do not compost any biodegradable waste - specifically, 68(17.5%)
biodegradable waste. Only 134(34.5%) of compost all of it while 66(17%) compost some of it.
Table 5: Methods used for composting in Garowe district, Somalia.

Responses Frequency Percent

Pile composting 57 14.7
Pit composting 77 19.8
Total 134 34.5
Missing system 254 65.5
Total 388 100.0
Table 5 shows that of the 388 total responses, 134 The research indicates that among the 134 responses
(34.5 %) provided information on their composting who do compost biodegradable waste, approximately
method. Among those who compost, 57(14.7%) 43% percent use pile composting and 57% percent
responses use pile composting, while 77(19.8%) use pit composting, according to the frequency and
responses use pit composting. The remaining percentage data provided in the table the study also
254(65.5%) responses did not specify a composting indicates that most of them did not compost the
method, which were categorized as missing system. biodegradable waste.

40
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh

Table 6: Barriers that make it difficult to compost biodegradable waste in Garowe district, Somalia

Responses Frequency Percent

Lack of space 120 30.9
Lack of knowledge 215 55.4
Takes too much time/effort 53 13.7
Total 388 100.0
Table 6 shows the most commonly cited barrier was identified in the survey was that composting takes
a lack of knowledge about composting, with too much time and effort, which was only mentioned
215(55.4%) by a lack of space for a compost pile or by 53(13.7%) respondents.
bin, with 120(30.9%). The least common barrier
Table 7: Types of non-biodegradable waste do your household generate each week in Garowe, district

Responses Frequency Percent

Plastics 133 34.3
Glass 50 12.9
other metal 102 26.3
Electronics 69 17.8
other 34 8.8
Total 388 100.0
Somalia
Table 7 shows that 133 (34.3%) of respondents produces other metal waste, and 69 (17.8%)
reported their household generates plastics waste respondents generate electronics waste weekly. Only
each week then glass waste is generated by 34(8.8%) indicated their household creates other
50(12.9%), also 102 (26.3%) said their household types of non-biodegradable waste each week.

41
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
Figure 4: Estimated amount of total non-biodegradable waste household generates each week

Figure 4 shows the estimated amount of total non- per week, chosen by 93 (24%) respondents. 100
biodegradable waste households generate each week respondents (25.8%) estimated their households
in Garowe district, Somalia The most common generate more than 10kg of non-biodegradable
response was 6-10kg per week, selected by 162 waste weekly, while 33 respondents (8.5%) estimated
(41.8%.) out of 388 respondents followed by 1-5kg less than 1kg per week.

42
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
Figure 5: Response of Household Separation of non-biodegradable waste for recycling/reuse

Figure 5 shows that that only 48(12.4%) of non-biodegradable waste and finally the majority of
respondents said their household currently separates respondents, 240(61.9%) reported that their
all non-biodegradable waste for recycling/reuse. household does not currently separate any non-
Another 100(25.8%) indicated they separate some biodegradable waste for recycling or reuse.
Table 8: Barriers that make recycling /reuse difficult in Garowe, district Somalia.

Responses Frequency Percent

Lack of bins/pickup 107 27.6
Lack of space 136 35.1
Lack of knowledge 83 21.4
Takes too much time/effort 62 16.0
Total 388 100.0

The results of table 8 reveals that 136(35.1%) of recycling and reuse makes participation difficult and
respondents indicated that a lack of space makes finally fewer respondents,62( 16.0%) said the time
recycling and reusing waste difficult for their and effort required makes recycling and reusing
household, Additionally, 107(27.6%) reported that a waste hard for them the study indicates the top
lack of bins and consistent pickup serves as a barrier barriers cited were lack of space, lack of bins/pickup,
then 83(21.4%) felt a lack of knowledge about and lack of knowledge.

43
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh

Figure 6 Satisfaction of the waste collection services in household of Garowe, district, Somalia

Figure 6 reveals that 166(42.8%) are dissatisfied, an other hand, only 58 (10.8%) said they are very
additional 46(11.9%) are very dissatisfied. On the satisfied, and 76(19.6%) said they are satisfied.
Table 9 frequencies of waste collection in Garowe district.

Responses Frequency Percent

A few times per week 61 15.7
Once a week 113 29.1
Every other week 168 43.3
Less than once a month 46 11.8
Total 388 100.0

Table 9 shows that 61(15.7%) of households have (11.8%). the results of the study indicate that the
waste collected a few times per week, 113(29.1%) majority of households in Garowe district have their
have waste collected once a week, 168(43.3%) have waste collected at least weekly.
waste collected every other week, and finally46

44
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh

Figure 7 Information on proper waste management practices

Figure 7 shows that143(36.9%) of respondents in 72(18.6%) received information from the

Garowe district reported not receiving any government and 57(14.7%) received information
information about proper waste management from local organizations. The data shows room for
practices. 116(29.9%) said they received information improvement in educational outreach about waste
from media, making this the most common source. management in Garowe district.
DISCUSSION
The research specifically examines the nature and lack of understanding and available space as
volume of biodegradable trash produced in the significant obstacles, highlighting the specific
Garowe District, with food scraps being the primary approaches required to promote the widespread use
form of waste. The majority of respondents, more of composting. The research emphasises the
than 60%, indicate that food scraps are their primary significance of effectively handling non-
source of biodegradable garbage. These food scraps biodegradable trash, particularly plastics, which are
make up more than 20% of the total municipal solid the most common kind of non-biodegradable
waste (MSW) generated worldwide [10]. The garbage produced by homes in the Garowe District.
majority of homes in Garowe produce between 1 and Global forecasts indicate that more than 380 million
10 kilogrammes of biodegradable garbage each tonnes of plastic garbage are created each year [23].
week, with variations in amounts influenced by Even relatively small amounts of plastic debris per
variables like as geographical location, income level, home may quickly accumulate on a large scale in
and other related factors. The worldwide estimate cities and regions [24]. The district presently has
for food waste alone is 2.01 billion tonnes, indicating minimal waste separation and recycling procedures,
that biodegradable materials make up a significant since fewer than half of the polled households
portion of municipal solid waste streams [21]. reported sorting recyclables. The recycling rates in
Composting is not widely practiced in Garowe many developing nations are still around 10%, but in
homes, since just 34.5% of inhabitants engage in certain European countries, they have reached over
composting of biodegradable waste. Literature also 70%. [23]. This disparity underscores the need for
indicates that there are high rates of waste disposal progress. Electronic garbage, often known as e-
worldwide, which presents a substantial opportunity waste, is the waste generated by discarded
to enhance waste diversion by methods such as electronics. It is currently the waste stream that is
composting, anaerobic digestion, and other forms of expanding at the fastest rate worldwide. It is
recovery [22]. The survey participants identified a projected to reach a total of 75 million tonnes by the
45
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
year 2030 [25]. Including e-waste collection and amount of materials away from being thrown away
recycling, as well as diverting plastics, should be [26]. The waste management procedures now used
seriously considered when developing an integrated in the Garowe District essentially prioritise the
waste management strategy for the district. Non- collection and transportation of trash, with less
reactive trash such as glass, textiles, rubber, and attention given to waste segregation, recycling, or
debris make up more than 50% of municipal solid recovery. A significant majority of respondents,
waste (MSW) worldwide [5]. An method that amounting to barely 30%, expressed satisfaction
focuses on the 3Rs - reducing, reusing, and recycling with residential garbage collection services,
- together with the development of infrastructure indicating a widespread discontent. There is a
and education, is the most effective way to achieve deficiency in public education on appropriate trash
sustainable waste management in districts. The management, since more than one-third of people
survey findings indicate a prevalent discontentment have reported not receiving any information from
among residents in the Garowe District over the local authorities. In order to tackle these problems,
existing home garbage collection services. Only 30% the local municipal authorities should implement
of the participants expressed satisfaction, while more community education initiatives to promote home
than 50% expressed unhappiness with the and neighbourhood composting. Additionally, they
dependability, convenience, or quality of the service. should establish centralised, large-scale composting
More than 10% of respondents said that they did not facilities. Furthermore, they should offer training,
get any information about appropriate trash protective equipment, and transportation assistance
management from the municipality or accountable to integrate waste pickers into the process of
authorities. This finding supports existing literature separating and collecting organic materials for
that highlights a lack of garbage education and composting, both on a small and large scale.
outreach in several developing areas. Shifting from Establish systems for segregating and collecting
basic garbage collection and disposal to integrated recyclable materials such as plastics, metals, paper,
sustainable management is in line with the 3Rs and glass. This may be done by distributing bins,
strategy, which emphasises waste reduction, reuse, setting up drop-off points, and providing curb side
and recycling [17]. The Garowe District produces a pickup services. In order to assess the current waste
substantial quantity of biodegradable garbage, with management methods, the local government should
food leftovers being the main constituent. The carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the
majority of families produce between 1 to 10 municipal services. This evaluation should aim to
kilogrammes of biodegradable garbage on a weekly identify and resolve the causes that contribute to
basis, but, the practice of composting is not widely dissatisfaction with garbage collection. Additionally,
adopted. District plastics are the most prevalent the government should enhance communication
kind of non-biodegradable garbage, as reported by efforts by implementing an educational campaign via
more than one-third of the respondents. The waste media channels that are specifically customised to
separation and recycling procedures are inadequate, the local community. Additional examination of the
since fewer than 50% of residents engage in the survey results about biodegradable and non-
practice of sorting recyclable materials. This biodegradable garbage is necessary to evaluate the
highlights the need for enhanced recycling level of community understanding of trash
infrastructure, services, and education in order to separation at its origin and fluctuations in waste
boost participation rates and redirect a greater makeup across different seasons.
REFERENCES
1. Omar, M. O Risks and Health Impacts Resource Management,2013; 166 (2). 52 -
Associated with Solid Waste Management 68. ISSN 1747-6526
in Hargeisa City, Somaliland. International https://doi.org/10.1680/warm.12.00005
Journal of Environmental Protection and 4 Abdisalam, A. O., Kamal, M. A., Abdikarim,
Policy 2021; 9(2): 27-32 A. M., & Sharif, I. S. Current Municipal
2 Abdullahi, M., Fatta, D., & Gidarakos, E. Solid Waste Management Practices in
Characterization and Management of Garowe District, Puntland State of Somalia.
Medical Waste in Somalia. Sustainability, Journal of Environment and Biotechnology
2020; 12(21), 8928. Research, 2022; 11(1SE), 68-79.
3 Wilson, DC, Velis, CA and Rodic, L 5 Wilson, D. C., Rodic, L., Scheinberg, A.,
Integrated sustainable waste management Velis, C. A., & Alabaster, G. Comparative
in developing countries. Proceedings of the analysis of solid waste management in 20
Institution of Civil Engineers: Waste and
46
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
cities. Waste Management & Research, 2012; 15 Gutberlet, J. Cooperative urban mining in
30(3), 237-254. Brazil: Collective practices in selective
6 Medina, Martin (2010). Solid wastes, household waste collection and recycling.
poverty and the environment in developing Waste Management, 2015; 45, 22-31.
country cities: Challenges and 16 EPA. Basic Information about Landfill Gas.
opportunities, WIDER Working Paper, No. https://www.epa.gov/lmop/basic-
2010/23, ISBN 978-92-9230-258-0, The information-about-landfill-gas 2022
United Nations University World Institute 17 UNEP. Africa Waste Management
for Development Economics Research Outlook. Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations
(UNU-WIDER), Helsinki Environment Programme. 2018
7 Gutberlet, J., Baeder, A. M., Pontuschka, 18 Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology:
N., Felipone, S. M. N., & dos Santos, T. L. Methods and Techniques. 2nd Edition, New
F. Participatory research revealing the Age International Publishers, New Delhi.
work and occupational health hazards of 2004.
cooperative recyclers in Brazil. International 19 UNFPA. Population Estimation Survey 2014.
journal of environmental research and public 20 Amin, M.E. Social science research:
health, 2017; 14(4), 396. Conception, methodology and
8 Cheng, H., & Hu, Y. Municipal solid waste analysis.Kampala: Makerere University
(MSW) as a renewable source of energy: Printery 2005.
Current and future practices in China. 21 Li, W., Lee, J.C.K., Zhang, Z., Yang, Q.
Bioresource technology, 2010; 101(11), 3816- Analysis of current waste generation and
3824. waste composition in China. Waste
9 Medina, M. Scavenger cooperatives in Asia Management, 2020; 102, 194-203.
and Latin America. Resources, conservation 22 Hansen TL, Schmidt JE, Angelidaki I,
and recycling, 2000; 31(1), 51-69. Marca E, Jansen Jl, Mosbaek H,
10 Smith, S.R., Kumar, S., Fowler, G., Velis, C., Christensen TH. Method for determination
Kumar, S.J., Arya, S., Cheeseman, C. of methane potentials of solid organic
Challenges and opportunities associated waste. Waste Manag. 2004; 24(4):393-400.
with waste management in India. Royal doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2003.09.009.
Society Open Science, 2019; 4(3), 160764. 23 World Bank. What a Waste 2.0: A Global
11 Blanca Corona, Li Shen, Denise Reike, Jesús Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to
Rosales Carreón, Ernst Worrell, Towards 2050. Urban Development; World Bank,
sustainable development through the Washington, DC. 2018.
circular economy—A review and critical 24 Ritchie, H., &Roser, M. Plastic pollution.
assessment on current circularity metrics, Our World in Data. 2018. Online resource:
Resources, Conservation and Recycling, https://ourworldindata. Org/plastic-
2019;151,104498, pollution.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.1 25 Forti V., Baldé C.P., Kuehr R., Bel G. The
04498. Global E-waste Monitor 2020: Quantities,
12 Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. flows and the circular economy potential.
M., & Hultink, E. J. The Circular United Nations University (UNU)/United
Economy–A new sustainability paradigm. Nations Institute for Training and
Journal of cleaner production, 2017; 143, 757- Research (UNITAR) – co-hosted SCYCLE
768. Programme, International
13 Zaman, A. U. Identification of key Telecommunication Union (ITU) &
assessment indicators of the zero waste International Solid Waste Association
management systems. Ecological Indicators, (ISWA), Bonn/Geneva/Rotterdam. 2020.
2016; 66, 682-693. 26 Kaza, S., Yao, L. C., Bhada-Tata, P., & Van
14 Velis, C.A., Wilson, D.C., Cheeseman, C.R. Woerden, F. What a Waste 2.0 : A Global
19th century London dust-yards: A case Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to
study in closed-loop resource efficiency. 2050. Urban Development;.Washington,
Waste Management, 2012; 32(7), 1282-1290. DC: World Bank. 2018.

47
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
www.idosr.org Nour and Obaroh
CITE AS: Abdimudalib Jamma Nour and Obaroh Israel Olusegun (2024). Evaluation of Solid
Waste Produced in Garowe District Somalia. IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
9(2): 33-48. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJSR/2024/9.2.3348.100

48
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.