Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania

Abstract

Waste management is a significant challenge in many
developing countries, particularly in urban areas
where solid waste management (SWM) remains one of
the most costly urban services. Effective management
requires community engagement. This study examined
the factors influencing households' willingness to pay
(WTP) for sustainable SWM and identified the
challenges they face in managing solid waste in the
Dodoma Urban district. Using a cross-sectional
research design, a sample size of 156 respondents was
obtained through a combination of probability and
non-probability sampling methods. Non-probability
sampling was used to select wards, while probability
sampling was applied to choose participants from
these wards. The analysis revealed that age, income
level, awareness, employment status, and the amount
of waste generated significantly influence WTP for
SWM. Key challenges included inadequate dustbins
and refuse dump sites, illegal dumping at unapproved
sites, delays in waste collection, and the high cost of
services. These challenges highlight the need for
improvements in waste management infrastructure
and services in Dodoma Urban district. To improve
SWM in Dodoma Urban, the study recommends that
the government enhance public awareness about
sustainable SWM practices, provide income-raising
incentives, and work with the private sector to
establish more waste dump sites. These measures
would help address the challenges and improve waste
management efficiency in the district.