Introduction
Waste management has been a bone of contention globally for the past decades especially in developing countries. The major factors that affect the management of waste in cities in developing nations are an ever-increasing quantity of waste generated, overburdened municipal resources because of the increased cost of waste management, and insufficient understanding of the aspects that influence dissimilar phases and linkages required ineffective waste management.
The mechanisms created to curb the menace of waste have been put in place, but waste management is proving difficult in many developing countries. This study will analyze and critique the research article entitled: “Solid waste management challenges for cities in developing Countries” by Guerrero, Maas, and Hogland (2013).
Research Problem
Throughout the article, the authors emphasize a lot on stakeholders as being the driving force of a better waste management system. The research shows how cities in the developing countries have poor waste management systems due to wretched organizational authorities and the lack of sufficient funds. The authors believe that for a waste management system to work, stakeholders should comprise of service users and service providers who assist and understand the needs of one another.
Therefore, the authors have proved that all stakeholders must take part in the reforms of waste management. The article has been able to demonstrate stakeholders as the most important aspect of a well-organized waste management system.
Research Procedures
The article was based on information from two main scientific journals to determine the conduct of stakeholders in waste management practices and analysis of influential aspects in more than 30 metropolises in twenty-two developing nations. Information was gathered from scientific materials, accessible databases, observation after visits to cities, interviews with experts, and questionnaires issued to stakeholders. The authors researched widely and analyzed critically the factors that affect waste management negatively. To come up with determinations, inferential and explanatory techniques were employed.
Flaws in the Procedural Design
The authors argue that similar types of questions were asked to people living in the developing countries in the course of being assessed for their waste management systems. The problem, however, lies amidst the questionnaires that were distributed to stakeholders amongst 8 developing countries in 3 different continents. If the authors would have distributed the questionnaires equally, that is, 3 countries for each continent, it would have been easier to assume the real depiction of the waste management system.
Analysis of the Data
The authors’ data analysis relies on their research information and questionnaires given to an inadequate number of city dwellers in the countries surveyed. The data analysis has splendidly highlighted the common challenges encountered in the countries where the research took place. The authors believe that waste management has been passed over to municipal authorities, who cannot manage waste on their own without support from other stakeholders. The analysis of data established that monetary backing by the central government, efforts by municipal leadership, the involvement of service users, and suitable management of finances are fundamental for the creation of an efficient, sustainable system (Guerrero et al., 2013).
Conclusion
The authors have identified the aspects of waste management and have established the main aspects that may help in the waste management practices. They have analyzed the major factors that assist in waste management. From generation and separation of waste to recycling and treatment of waste, the authors’ research depicts the challenges of waste management and the various ways to enhance the practice. The research shows that with a better and organized municipal authority, together with the central government’s assistance, developing countries stand a chance for better waste management services and improved health for the citizens.
Reference
Guerrero, L. A., Maas, G., & Hogland, W. (2013). Solid waste management challenges for cities in developing countries. Waste Management, 33(1), 220-232. Web.