Municipal solid waste (MSW) contributes significantly to pollution, endangering ecological balance, human health, and sustainable development ( Zhang et al, 2024 ), while improper solid-waste disposal is linked to health risks and degraded scenic beauty, underscoring the need for sustainable waste management ( Ahmed, 2023 ). Globally, waste is any material that is discarded after primary use or is considered worthless, defective, and of no further use ( Wilson et al., 2006 ). Wastes are substances resulting from any human activity that produces unwanted or unusable material. The generation of waste can be measured in kilograms per person per day and is classified into three types: 1) Solid; 2) Liquid; 3) Gaseous. Waste management or waste disposal includes activities from its initial creation to its final disposal, such as storage, collection, transportation, processing, recycling, or treatment, and disposal of waste, along with monitoring and regulation of the waste management process ( Ferronato et al., 2021 ).

In other words, waste management refers to the organized process of collecting, transporting, treating, recycling, or disposing of waste materials, while also monitoring their impact. It is mainly concerned with waste generated by human activities and is carried out to protect human health, safeguard the environment, and maintain cleanliness. In many cases, it also focuses on recovering useful resources from waste. Depending on the type, waste may be solid, liquid, gas, or even radioactive, and each requires specialized methods for handling. Approaches to waste management vary across regions, with developed and developing countries, as well as urban and rural areas, often using different strategies. Generally, local government authorities manage non-hazardous residential and institutional waste in cities, whereas businesses and industries are responsible for handling the non-hazardous waste they produce ( Bacinschi , 2009 ).

Sustainable waste management is the process of collecting, transporting, processing, and disposing of waste in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and human health while maximizing resource recovery and economic benefits ( Ahmad Kamal et al., 2025 ). The goal of sustainable waste management is to reduce the amount of waste generated, promote the reuse and recycling of materials, and ensure the safe disposal of remaining waste. Sustainable waste management is gaining importance as environmental challenges grow and the demand for conserving resources increases. Recent research points to innovative methods such as vermicomposting, which not only minimize dependence on chemical fertilizers but also support ecological sustainability ( Azmin Shompa et al., 2025 ).

According to Adebuason (2024) , waste material in the African context is commonly referred to as anything that is no longer useful to its owner and so discarded. Waste management, in turn, refers to the procedures and practices used at all phases, from generation and collection to transportation, treatment, and final disposal. However, most metropolitan areas confront substantial issues in solid waste management due to rapid urbanisation, limited technical and financial capacity, and minimal policy emphasis. With urban populations increasing, municipal solid waste is projected to rise from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (2024) .

The increase in urbanization and the growth of unplanned settlement programs have brought solid waste management to the top of the municipal agenda. Plastic litter and polythene bags are the most serious of the challenges since they present such grave environmental and health hazards. Polythene bags are the most prevalent of the food covers, although they are used in locations for toilets among the inhabitants. These bags end up in the ditches, streets, dustbins, adjacent houses, and along the water courses. This activity generates periodic epidemics of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and typhoid, further worsening public health conditions in affected communities ( Atem, 2025 ). Solid Waste Management (SWM) represents one of the most critical environmental and public health challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions. Effective solid waste management is essential for sustainable development and public well-being. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes waste reduction, recycling, composting, and disposal. By minimizing waste generation and maximizing resource recovery, we can mitigate the negative impacts of solid waste on the environment and human health ( Shibrain et al., 2025 ).

In Somalia, the majority of waste currently generated is legally destined for landfills governed by Local Authorities. In some regions, all or a portion of the construction waste stream is illegally dumped on land or in natural drainage systems, including water, in violation of legislation designed to protect people’s health, the economy, and the environment ( Yusuf, 2022 ) The Hamar Jajab district in Mogadishu faces serious challenges due to inadequate waste management, leading to environmental degradation, public health risks, and poor living conditions. There is still relatively little community involvement in waste management programs, which reduces the efficacy of existing projects and permits inappropriate garbage disposal to continue. Because of its central location and weaker garbage management infrastructure than other parts of the city, the district was chosen. Our study, which examines the socioeconomic, cultural, and infrastructure barriers that impede effective community engagement in sustainable waste management, is framed by these systemic weaknesses. It emphasizes the pressing need for inclusive, reasonably priced, and well-organized waste management systems. The study’s main goal is to investigate and evaluate the barriers preventing community participation in sustainable waste management initiatives. Its specific objectives include identifying these obstacles, evaluating community awareness and participation, and investigating how socioeconomic and cultural factors impact engagement. The concept of the ‘knowledge-to-action gap’ refers to the discrepancy between awareness of sustainable waste management practices and the actual implementation of such practices within communities. This concept is particularly relevant in fragile urban contexts like Mogadishu, where awareness exists but does not consistently result in community participation. Important concerns about the nature of these obstacles, public awareness, and the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on participation are all covered in the study. It includes a six-month timetable from October 2024 to March 2025, a geographical concentration on Hamar Jajab, and a content scope of assessing current projects.

By emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement in achieving efficient and sustainable waste management, the study can offer valuable insights for local governments, legislators, and environmental organizations. Understanding the core issues helps develop community-driven solutions that support Mogadishu’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public health improvements. The study’s structure focuses on key ideas, including community involvement, sustainable waste management, participation barriers, and the unique context of Hamar Jajab.

This study adopted a descriptive and quantitative research design to systematically explore the barriers to community engagement in sustainable waste management in Hamar Jajab District, Mogadishu. Descriptive research helped to objectively portray the existing waste management challenges, while the quantitative approach enabled the collection of measurable data to identify patterns and relationships. The study targeted a population of approximately 24,000 residents. To determine an appropriate sample size, Slovin’s formula was applied at a significance level of 0.08. A margin of error of 0.08 was selected instead of the conventional 0.05 to balance statistical rigor with the practical constraints of time, resources, and accessibility during fieldwork in a fragile urban context. The formula is as follows: $n=\frac{N}{1+N{e}^2}$ Where: 𝑛 is the required sample size, N is the population size, and eis the margin of error (significance level). Substituting the values: n = 24,000/[1 + 24,000 × (0.08)²] ≈ 155. Thus, a sample size of 155 respondents was determined to be appropriate for this study. Convenience sampling (non-probability) was employed, focusing on accessible individuals willing to participate, ensuring representation across different age groups, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The questionnaires were initially prepared in English and translated into Somali for broader accessibility, while interviews allowed for deeper exploration of participant experiences and perspectives regarding waste management practices.

Data collection took place in homes, public areas, community centers, and waste management sites within the district. For data analysis, initial observations and general summaries guided early insights, followed by a detailed statistical analysis using SPSS version 27. To maintain the quality and reliability of the data and to ensure the internal consistency of the scale used in this study, Cronbach’s Alpha (α) was calculated. Data analysis included non-parametric tests: the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to examine differences in Likert-scale responses across educational levels, while Spearman’s rho correlation assessed relationships between demographic variables and community engagement in sustainable waste management. Overall, this study was carefully structured to ensure methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and the generation of reliable and valid results. It offers significant insights into the waste management challenges of Hamar Jajab and provides a foundation for designing targeted interventions to enhance community engagement in sustainable environmental practices. The geographical context of the study is illustrated in Figure 1 , which presents the map of Hamar Jajab District and highlights its central location within Mogadishu.

Our results are consistent with the findings of Shibrain et al. (2025) , who reported that the solid waste management system in Khartoum Locality is constrained by weak infrastructure, limited public awareness, and inadequate government support. Similarly, our survey reveals that most respondents strongly agreed that logistical barriers, particularly the lack of adequate transportation, pose significant obstacles. In addition, budgetary constraints were frequently highlighted as a major factor limiting active participation in sustainable waste management. Furthermore, the participants mentioned that there is a failure in providing appropriate waste bins and collection points in their neighborhoods, hindering effective engagement. These intersecting challenges, financial, logistical, and infrastructural, echo the systemic vulnerabilities found in Shibrain and reveal that without focused investments in infrastructure, increased awareness-raising among the public, and consistent government support, environmental sustainability and the well-being of society continue to be vulnerable. In one instance, Sanneh et al. (2011) noted that such constraints weaken municipal waste disposal services in The Gambia. The country’s National Action Plan to End Plastic Pollution, which seeks an ambitious 86% reduction in plastic waste, continues to face serious hurdles. Limited financial resources and difficulties in carrying out planned measures remain the biggest obstacles. As a result, budget pressures not only limit public participation but also put the overall sustainability of the initiative at risk.

The study revealed that cultural and social factors are among the significant barriers to community engagement in waste management. Cultural or social dynamics in the community directly or indirectly discourage participation in waste management activities. This finding is consistent with Zhang et al. (2024) , who identified that barriers to effective waste management extend beyond infrastructure and economic resources, encompassing socio-economic factors such as awareness, education, and the availability of facilities, alongside cultural influences like waste composition and entrenched disposal habits. In the context of Hamar Jajab, these cultural and social factors may include traditional waste disposal practices, gender roles affecting participation, and limited community dialogue about environmental responsibility. Such influences can undermine otherwise well-designed waste management programs, particularly when infrastructure is lacking or financial barriers exist. Addressing these cultural constraints will require tailored community engagement strategies that respect local traditions while fostering positive behavioral change.

Our findings show that income levels greatly affect participation in waste management, aligning with Adanweli Ahmed (2023) , who reported that in the Hamarweyne district, a neighboring district, more than half of households (53.8%) relied on private collection services that cost $3-6 per month, although many were unable to afford the fees and resorted to direct disposal into the environment. These behaviors not only lead to contamination but also increase risks for health, such as measles and respiratory disorders, with 55% of respondents being concerned with the impact on the environment. Kalina et al. (2023) also observed that higher-income households are less concerned about disposal costs and more willing to pay for services, even in areas with underdeveloped systems. In contrast, low-income households encounter greater financial barriers, as noted by Fereja & Chemeda (2022) , who found that free garbage collection can ease these concerns, and door-to-door services can promote wider engagement. The World Bank (2018) further reports that waste collection is widely available in middle- and high-income countries in Asia and Africa, but in low-income countries, coverage is limited to 48% in urban areas and 26% in rural areas, with recycling rates as low as 4%. These patterns echo our findings, emphasizing how financial limitations and gaps in service accessibility restrict participation in sustainable waste management, and that without addressing affordability and access, financial barriers will continue to undermine effective sustainable waste management in Mogadishu. One limitation of this study is the reliance on convenience sampling, which restricts the generalizability of findings to the broader population. Future research could employ random or stratified sampling to enhance representativeness.

Based on these findings, the following recommendations are made to remove the identified impediments and improve sustainable waste management in the district. The district’s sustainable waste management can be strengthened through targeted youth and gender-inclusive engagement, the integration of environmental education in schools, the modernization of collection infrastructure, the establishment of centralized waste hubs, the promotion of multi-stakeholder partnerships, and the adoption of a 50% government-community cost-sharing scheme to address financial, logistical, and awareness barriers. Based on these findings, municipal authorities and NGOs should prioritize three interventions: 1) Investment in localized waste collection infrastructure, particularly accessible bins and transport; 2) Financial support mechanisms such as subsidies or cost-sharing schemes to alleviate economic barriers; 3) Gender- and youth-inclusive engagement programs that harness community hubs (schools, mosques, and centers) as platforms for awareness and participation. Such policies would directly address the barriers identified and strengthen community-driven sustainable waste management.

This study revealed that community involvement in sustainable waste management in Hamar Jajab District faces limitations due to structural, economic, and social barriers. While residents have some awareness, actual participation remains low, with over 60% citing inadequate facilities, 55% mentioning the lack of government subsidies, and 48% highlighting the exclusion of women and youth as major challenges. Weak institutional support further hinders translating knowledge into action. To overcome these obstacles, a comprehensive approach is required, combining infrastructure expansion, financial incentives, and inclusive awareness programs aimed at vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth. Increasing participation in waste management will not only improve local environmental and health conditions but also advance broader sustainability goals, such as SDG 11 (sustainable cities) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production). Future research should assess the long-term impacts of interventions and compare results across districts, helping Hamar Jajab become a model for sustainable waste management in fragile urban settings.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Ayub Abdulkadir Hussein, Abdikhaliq Elmi Abdulle, Maymun Abdullahi Mohamed, and Khadra Hussein Ali for their valuable support and dedication during the data collection phase of this study.

Ibrahim Jamal Ahmed: Writing—original draft, Methodology, Investigation, Conceptualization. Abdifatah Ahmed Ali Afyare: Writing—review & editing, Validation. Mohamud Abdi Ahmed: Resources, Investigation, Data curation. Dahir Abdullahi Jim’alle: Writing—review & editing, Validation. Abdishakur Sheikh Mohamud Hassan: Review & Supervision, and Abdirahman Jamal Ahmed: Review & editing.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.