The Role of National Radio in Solid Waste Management in Juba: a Case Study of South Sudan Radio

Abstract

The intention of this study was to explore the role of national radio in solid waste management. Its specific objectives were: to examine how radio helps in solid waste management in Juba; to establish the extent and form of public participation in solid waste management in Juba; to establish the effectiveness of the communication methodology adapted by South Sudan Radio towards solid waste management in Juba; And lastly, to find out the impact created by radio on people‟s beliefs, attitudes and behaviors towards solid waste management in Juba. Diffusion of Innovation theory and social mobilization were used and they were found relevant in solid waste management campaign in Juba. A conceptual frame-work was designed to illustrate the impact of national radio campaign on people‟s behaviors, attitudes and beliefs. A mixed methods research design was used; questionnaires were administered randomly to Juba residents and interviews were purposively done to the Key Informants as a means of the generating both Primary and Secondary data. The research revealed that overcrowding of the city plus manufacturers and industries operating in Juba were considered the main causes of solid waste in the City. Subsequently, poor collection exercise of solid waste by the City Council was also having hand in filthiness of the City and the reckless disposal of the waste by the residents was also being blamed. Regardless of the effectiveness of South Sudan radio in the fight against garbage in Juba, “My Waste My Responsibility” was the conclusion. However, integrated waste management approach and regular dissemination of the environmental awareness messages to Juba residents were highly recommended as means of curbing solid waste in the City.