Factors influencing Environmental degradation in Urban Centres: a case of Dandora dumpsite

Abstract

The problem this report sought to address was environmental degradation in urban centers. Specifically, the Dandora dumpsite has piled up waste uncontrollably leading to health, social, economic and political problems. This study was significant because its findings provided insights into various waste management practices that would not only reverse the environmental degradation mayhem but also enhance a habitable and sustainable environment for posterity. This research was mainly limited by resources and time and assumed that the sample under study was a true presentation of the entire population.

The objectives of the study were to: establish the extent to which level of awareness influence environmental degradation; establish the extent to which level of technology on waste management influence environmental degradation and establish the extent to which availability of physical facilities influence environmental degradation in urban centres.

This study undertook a qualitative research design that was descriptive in nature. Although there are many theories in environmental degradation, this study was grounded on ecological symbolic theory because it shows relationship between human communities and their biophysical environment. The target population of the study was 1220 people living in the vicinity of Dandora dumpsite, Njiru District, Nairobi County. The sample size was 122 respondents which presents 10% of the population. The questionnaire was the data collection tool that was used in the study. The tools that were used for data analysis were the measures of central tendency.

The collected raw data was analyzed and presented using percentages and frequency tables. Research ethics were adhered to and respondents were assured of confidentiality of information gathered as well as disclosure of findings made. Based on the findings of the study, it was found out that environmental degradation is influenced by the level of awareness; level of technology and availability of physical facilities. It was recommended that more public barazas be conducted in the area around Dandora Dumpsite; hold seminars and workshops with stakeholders; use of appropriate technology; relocation of Dandora Dumpsite; enact punitive laws and enforce the existing ones ;and create more employment opportunities for the youth .