Assessment of the application of participatory geographical information systems in urban solid waste management: a case of Tandika ward, Temeke municipality, Tanzania.

The aim of this study was to assess the application of participatory Geographical Information Systems (PGIS) on urban solid waste management in Tandika ward, Temeke Municipality. A sample of 105 respondents was used. The methods of data collection were participatory mapping with semi structured interview, focus group discussions and field observations. It included both spatial and non-spatial data which were analysed by Hotspot analysis using Arc GIS version 10.4, Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Then, findings of this study were presented through Maps, graphs, charts and tables. The findings of this study showed that Participatory Geographical Information Systems (PGIS) was an effective method in assessing urban solid waste management in case of Tandika Ward, Temeke Municipality since, the best suitable sites for communal collection points were identified, and it captured community’s perceptions on existing urban solid waste management systems. The finding revealed that, in Tandika ward there was a system of collecting solid waste and transporting it to the disposal sites. Also PGIS revealed some areas where homestead pits were used illegally to collect solid waste and areas with illegal dumps. These information obtained through the use of Participatory GIS were essential for monitoring urban solid waste Management practices. Also, PGIS was effective as it engaged community in the mapping process in which people proposed best sites for communal collection points. Community members were empowered in decision making and decided for the location of the best sites for communal collection points of solid waste for effective urban solid waste management. Also, PGIS helped in capacity building and improving the skills, abilities and expertise of community members. Local community members were oriented on how to use Google Earth Pro in mapping different aspects like the places where people used to throw waste illegally, places where people used pits as well as locating the places with illegal dump sites. It is thus recommended that PGIS should be applied in urban solid management so as to make it sustainable as the community will be participate in information gathering processing and will be able to visualise the urban solid waste management existing situation that can contribute to sustainable solid waste management.