Risk Perceptions and Experiences of Residents Living Nearby Municipal Solid Waste Open Dumpsite in Ginchi Town, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Due to improper municipal solid waste management, the use of open dump sites for final disposal of solid waste is common in towns and cities of Ethiopia. PURPOSE: This study explored risk perceptions and experiences of Ginchi town residents living near Aba-Semer municipal solid waste open dumpsite in Ethiopia. METHODS: Data on lived experiences were generated using a phenomenological approach. Focus group discussion was used to explore risk perception. Purposive sampling was used to select five in-depth interviewees and 12 participants in two focus group discussions among residents living near Aba-Semer open dumpsite. Amharic language tape recorded data were transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Data were analyzed using OpenCode and a thematic approach was employed. RESULTS: All the participants perceived municipal solid waste open dumpsite as a risk to the environment and health. Disappointment and anger were experienced due to lack of solutions and ongoing dumping of municipal solid waste at the open dumpsite. Residents were mainly victims of respiratory-related health problems and emotional stresses. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Risk perception was much influenced by lived experiences and observations of physical features. In return, risk perception and lived experiences had affected the level of emotional reactions from living near the open dumpsite. The municipality of the town should provide sustainable solution with provision of properly sited and designed municipal solid waste disposal site for the community in order to alleviate environment and health impacts from open dumpsite.