The Involvement of Micro and Small Enterprises in Solid Waste Management Services in Addis Ababa: The Case of Bole and Arada Sub-Cities

Tegegne, Abebe (2006) The Involvement of Micro and Small Enterprises in Solid Waste Management Services in Addis Ababa: The Case of Bole and Arada Sub-Cities. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

In Addis Ababa as in many cities of the developing countries, solid waste micro and small enterprises are involved in solid waste management services and generating employment opportunities for urban labor force since 1998/1999. This research is mainly emphasizing the management and job creation role that the involving MSEs can play in solid waste services. In order to achieve the objective of the study, a social survey with a questionnaire covering a total population of 37 enterprises and a sample of 80 workers was conducted on two purposely selected sub-cities, i.e. Bole and Arada. The survey indicated that MSEs to do solid waste activity with limited start-up capital, traditionally made labor-intensive working tools and workers with only few health protective materials. Joblessness and Capability for physical work are the major criterion for employment. The results of the research in general showed that over three fourths of the MSEs participated in primary solid waste collection using hand pushcarts up to the municipal transfer points through door to door collection system. Entrepreneurial activities in sorting, compost processing and recycling are less developed though it is encouraging. MSEs are involved in solid waste activity with the method of open-competition and zonal monopoly and have personal relations to clients in terms of contracts and payment of service charges. Lack of working tools and shortage of finance are the two major constraints for the operation and growth of MSEs. Some financial support for entry in the activity depends on the social network of friendship and relatives rather than formal financial institutions. Most of the MSE operators started solid waste activity without any training but attracted by it as a survival strategy. Generally there is a need for strengthening the MSEs growth by expanding the micro- finance institutions and providing especial financial support for the solid waste sector. Government and NGOs support should also be focused on training and consultancy services or in general informative services concerning market, documentation or accounting system. Encouraging public-private partnership with medium-scale enterprises to reduce the problem of waste transporting and disposal is one of the main issues to be focused. In addition, government (municipal) partial intervention on the method of MSEs participation should be based on an objective assessment of the reality to minimize the conflict that arises between the new entrants and existing MSEs in case of unnecessary competition to be the sector effective. There is also a need for the government to negotiate with the MSEs owners to ensure employees get at least the minimum wage of the country

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Tim Khabala
Date Deposited: 15 Aug 2018 12:51
Last Modified: 15 Aug 2018 12:51
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/3967

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