Profiling Environmental Awareness of Local Community on Solid Waste Management in Nasiriyah, Iraq

Abstract

The deterioration of the ecosystem as well as that of human health is caused by solid waste mismanagement and lack of awareness on the management of solid waste. In this study, public knowledge on solid waste management within the city of Nasiriyah in Iraq was investigated. In order to successfully manage solid waste in the city of Nasiriyah of Iraq, it is important to gain the support of the local community. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and knowledge of the local community in terms of the management of solid waste in the city of Nasiriyah, Iraq. A total of 2000 respondents were randomly selected from 12 suburbs in Nasiriyah, Iraq. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis among local communities was performed and analyzed using SPSS software. Results from the survey showed that 67% of respondents were dissatisfied with the current practice of solid waste management in Nasiriyah, Iraq. The results also showed that low-level of knowledge on law and regulation pertaining to solid waste was observed among respondents. Although half of the respondents were aware of the importance of managing solid waste, most of them failed to put their knowledge and awareness into practice. Therefore, extensive and continuous efforts by various stakeholders are urgently needed to enhance public awareness towards sustainable solid waste management in Iraq, particularly in Nasiriyah city.

 Keywords: waste management, sustainable development, Nasiriyah, Iraq