The wicked problem of waste management: An attention-based analysis of stakeholder behaviours

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129200
• Publication Date: 2021-09-30T10:19:58Z
• Authors: Giuseppe Salvia; Nici Zimmermann; Catherine Willan; Joanna Hale; Hellen Gitau; Kanyiva Muindi; Evans Gichana; Mike Davies
• Keywords: Framing (construction); Wicked problem; Thematic Analysis

Surging amounts of waste are reported globally and especially in lower-income countries, with negative consequences for health the environment. Increasing concern has been raised limited progress achieved practice by diverse sets policies programmes. Waste management is a wicked problem characterised multilayered interdependencies, complex social dynamics webs stakeholders. Interactions among these generate unpredictable outcomes that can be missed decision makers through their understanding framing context. This article aims to identify possible sources persistent problems focussing on what captures, shapes limits attention stakeholders decision-makers, drawing attention-based view from organisation theory. The theory describes process which issues opportunities noticed how translated into actions, influencers at individual, organisational context scale. Views were collected series fieldwork activities 60 participants representing seven main types typical lower-middle income Kenyan city Kisumu. Through thematic analysis guided view, we identified patterns misalignment views, between government, community-based organisations residents, may contribute Some point detrimental handling practices, separation collection treatment, as cause issues. For others, practices due poor control such enforcement law. study's major theoretical contribution extending application multi-stakeholder non-formalized organisations, namely residents new field management. novel lens contributes greater Africa relevant policy future research. By revealing "wickedness" problem, need holistic systems-based approach limit further unintended consequences.