Evaluation of Community-Based Waste Management Programmes on Environmental Health in Dakar, Senegal: A Six-Month Impact Study

Community-based waste management programmes have emerged as a critical strategy for addressing environmental health challenges in urban settings, particularly in developing countries like Senegal. The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data collection through standardised waste management surveys among participants in the targeted communities. Initial findings suggest that participation in the community-based programmes led to a significant reduction of over 30% in open-air dumping sites and an increase of nearly 25% in recycling activities compared to baseline levels. The study concludes that community engagement is pivotal for sustainable waste management practices, enhancing both environmental health and community well-being. However, ongoing support and capacity building are recommended to sustain these improvements. Policy recommendations include increasing funding for comprehensive training programmes for local volunteers, expanding outreach efforts to ensure broader coverage of the population, and integrating waste management into existing public health initiatives.