An international student has completed a research project as part of his course, which highlights the growing waste management crisis in Tanzania’s rapidly urbanising areas.
Faraja Kirubi, who is studying for an MA in International Social Work & Community Development, conducted the research to assess how rapid urban expansion is affecting waste disposal systems in fast-growing African cities. His work formed part of his academic studies, which focus on tackling global challenges such as migration, human trafficking, political instability, and climate change.
Faraja, who is from Tanzania, is currently studying at the university's Burnley campus. Here, his course lecturer, John Lockhart, connected him with Building Bridges Pendle (BBP) – a local charity that supports community cohesion. While volunteering on a social value project there, he developed interview and analysis skills that he later applied to his research in Tanzania. The experience also reinforced the importance of community voices in shaping policy, a key aspect of his study.
For his research project, Faraja carried out an in-depth study in Dar es Salaam’s Kinondoni District, one of the most densely populated areas in the city. Despite the district’s growth, waste management services have reportedly struggled to keep pace, resulting in environmental hazards and public health concerns.
Through interviews with local government officials, environmental officers, community leaders, business owners, and informal waste collectors, Faraja uncovered critical issues affecting the city’s waste disposal systems. He says that his findings reveal that only about 60% of the district’s waste is collected by municipal services, with the rest either dumped illegally or handled by informal collectors who receive little recognition or support.
Faraja says his study also found that inefficient collection schedules, funding shortages, and limited public awareness have contributed to blocked drains, pollution, and increased disease outbreaks. From his research, he believes that improvements can be made by strengthening waste collection services, formally recognising informal waste collectors, and launching public awareness campaigns on responsible waste disposal. He also suggests that partnerships between local authorities and private businesses could lead to better recycling and waste treatment facilities, reducing reliance on landfill sites.
Reflecting on his research, Faraja said the experience has helped him develop valuable skills in interview techniques, focus group facilitation, and policy analysis. He said, “Using qualitative research methods like semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, I came to realise the importance of enhancing community participation in policy implementation and localising decisions. This also led me to see that solutions need to be culturally tailored.”
"This research has strengthened my skills in policy analysis and community-driven solutions, which I hope to apply in future roles where I can make a meaningful impact on waste management and broader social policy initiatives."
Faraja says that in future he plans to share his research findings with the officials, environmental policymakers and communities in Tanzania he has been working with, to help contribute to their ongoing discussions on improving waste management strategies. He also expects that this will support him in his future career.
He says, “Looking ahead, my goal is to work with international organisations or UN agencies that focus on sustainable urban development and environmental governance. This research has strengthened my skills in policy analysis and community-driven solutions, which I hope to apply in future roles where I can make a meaningful impact on waste management and broader social policy initiatives.”
Faraja was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship to study at the university, as managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, around 700 students are given the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees with UK universities annually.
