Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding solids household waste management in Tshisahulu Community of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Solid waste management is the second most important problem after water quality in developing countries all over the world, and it is becoming more and more critical because of rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization process and rural to urban migration. All these threaten the health and wellbeing of the residents and increase the spread of diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Tshisahulu community members on solid household waste management. A quantitative, descriptive approach was adopted. Systematic sampling was used to select households to participate in the study. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences. Measures to ensure ethical issues were observed. The results showed that some members of Tshisahulu community still showed lack of knowledge and poor practices regarding aspects of solids household waste management and their attitudes towards solids household waste management still needed some improvement. This type of behavioral attitude can lead to poor health to the whole of Tshisahulu community and their neighboring villages' such as Duthuni and Mapate. Majority of this community member still showed lack of knowledge regarding solids household waste management and showed poor practices towards solid household waste and their attitudes towards solid household waste management still looks poor. The findings from this study will help influence Vhembe municipality to develop new policies on rural villages concerning household solid waste management.