African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-008, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Recycling of wastes as a strategy for environmental conservation in the Lake Victoria Basin: The case of women groups in Kisumu, Kenya

Wilfred K. Subbo^1* and Margaret N. Moindi²

¹Institute of African Studies, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197, Nairobi.

²Department of Public Health, Kenyatta University; P. O. Box 43444, Nairobi.

Accepted 26 October, 2018

Abstract

This paper examines the roles, opportunities and challenges that women groups in Kisumu City face as they recycle polythene papers and water hyacinth plant materials to make various saleable products such as bags, mats and baskets. The study objectives were: To analyze the roles of women groups in environmental conservation; To examine the opportunities that the women groups had in the recycling of polythene papers and water hyacinth plants; To examine the challenges faced by the women groups in their recycling efforts; To analyze the policy implications of the recycling effort of the women groups involved in environmental conservation. The study utilized the following methodologies, structured interviews, participant observations, Key informants, focus group discussions. Thirty-five women groups were analyzed. The findings indicate that recycling of polythene papers and water hyacinth plants contribute to environmental conservation, as well presenting opportunities for the creation of wealth among women in the groups.

Key words: Environmental conservation, recycling, women groups, roles, opportunities.