Gender dynamics of rural solid waste management in Twifo-Ati Mokwa district

Abstract

Proper solid waste management is key for sustainable environmental development. Despite high level policy efforts and technical investments, unmanaged solid waste remains a problem in Ghana. There is a paucity of information on gendered aspect of solid waste management in Ghana. It is in line with the gender and rural solid waste management gap that the thrust of this study is defined. The study sought to explore gender dynamics of rural solid waste management in Twifo-Ati Mokwa District. The study adopted a qualitative approach and exploratory research design. Quota sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents for the study. Evidence was gathered through observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review. The analysis of the data was done manually. The common trends defined from the data were sorted and organised into various thematic areas using the research objective and conceptual framework as a guide. The main findings of the study were that household have differing views about what is regarded as waste. The study also revealed that traditional norms influence the behaviour of women, men and children in terms of solid waste management. It concludes that traditional gendered division of labour in solid waste management was not only limited to the private space but also the public spaces. This study explains why and how this new knowledge can be used to inform future policy and initiative on solid waste management.