Exploring Barriers to the Effective Implementation of Integrated Waste Management Plans in Developing Economies: Lessons Learned from South African Municipalities

Phathutshedzo Mukwevho (), Prince Radzuma and Claudine Roos
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Phathutshedzo Mukwevho: Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Prince Radzuma: Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Claudine Roos: Unit for Environmental Science and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-16

Abstract: Solid waste management poses a significant challenge globally, especially in developing economies, where increasing waste generation and ineffective management measures are common. Municipalities, responsible for managing waste, often struggle to provide efficient services. To address this, local governments implement policy tools like the Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs), which aim to improve waste management. Despite the existence of such policies, waste pollution continues to rise in countries like South Africa. The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers to the effective implementation of IWMPs, focusing on the Makhado Local Municipality (MLM) in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, interviews, document reviews, and observations were conducted with stakeholders, targeting 23 participants, of which 15 contributed. Our findings highlight several key barriers, including lack of monitoring, political interference, corruption, insufficient budgeting, poor infrastructure maintenance, lack of skilled personnel, and inadequate community education. These challenges hinder the successful implementation of IWMPs in the MLM. Our study further identified several opportunities at the MLM and general strengths and threats using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

Keywords: barriers; integrated waste management plan (IWMP); solid waste management; implementation; policy instrument; developing economies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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