Governance practices of the grassroots initiatives involved in solid waste management: does collaboration with local government matter

Abstract

Despite the increasing support for more participation of grassroots initiatives in the formal solid waste management (SWM) system, little is known about their governance approach, especially in developing countries. Accordingly, this study investigated the governance practices of grassroots organisations involved in collecting solid waste and the extent to which their collaboration with municipal councils influenced their governance approach. The study entailed in-depth interviews with 10 municipal and ward officers, and 21 leaders of grassroots organisations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The findings reveal that, in order to apply for and execute municipal waste collection contracts, grassroots organisations were compelled to formalise, institute governance structures to ensure accountability, transparency and financial control and the participation of the community in managing waste. This was facilitated by grassroots organisations adopting a controlled system of collecting fees, opening a bank account and reconciling municipal reports with their records, being supported to access resources and ensuring the engagement of the community. In view of this, the study demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration of the public sector and non-state actors ensures that waste is collected and managed effectively.