A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTIMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES, SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Solid waste which is a consequence of day-to-day activity of human kind, needs to be managed properly. Hossana, like other towns in Ethiopia, faces serious problems associated with solid waste management and disposal practices. The increasing amount of solid waste production was exacerbated the impact of related problems. This study was conducted with the objectives of to explore the challenges and practices of solid waste management and disposal activity in Hossana town. Different sampling methods were employed to select the study units like stratified sampling, techniques and purposive sampling. Even though most of the collected data from the interviewed respondents were qualitative in nature, it was also supported by quantitative information collected through survey and secondary sources. The analysis of this paper was carried out using bothqualitative and quantitative techniques. Lack of public awareness, low implementation of rules and regulation, lack of institutional coordination and absence of financing, poor condition of solid waste disposal practices, lack of private sector participation and low community involvement was the challenges of solid waste managementand disposal practices in Hossana town. Therefore, the best ways that used to tackle the above problems are: implementation of sustainable solid waste management practices through awarenesscreation and training, improvement of sanitation, beautification and parking sector institutional structure and budget allocation, implement of rules and regulation and involvement of community in solid waste management practices all stakeholders. Solid waste management and disposal practice strategies developed for Hossana town have a number of importance for minimizing the problems that faced the current municipality’s proper solid waste management and disposal practices. Finally, the study forwarded some important recommendations towards implementing the developed strategies to mitigate the existing solid waste management problems.