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Student’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) to Solid Waste Management: A Survey towards a More Circular Economy from a Rural-Based Tertiary Institution in South Africa

Author

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  • Oluwatobi Mary Owojori

    (Department of Ecology and Resources Management, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Ratshalingwa Mulaudzi

    (Department of Ecology and Resources Management, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Joshua N. Edokpayi

    (Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

Abstract

Students of Higher Educational institutions (HEIs) are regarded as major stakeholders of an institution and key agents of transformation in society. Thus, the environmental knowledge of students in academic institutions is instrumental in providing a solution to the solid waste menace and other environmental problems in the community. However, there exists a wide rural–urban gap in transitioning towards sustainable development across HEIs. This informed the current study examining the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of students at a rural-based educational institution on solid waste management. It also aimed to learn about the institution’s current practices regarding solid waste management and identify steps that can be taken to move the institution closer to a circular economy goal. This study presents the KAP results from a survey of 376 students from nine schools at the University of Venda for the conceptualization of a circular economy (CE) vision for the university. The results show that the knowledge of the students on solid waste management was low and inadequate. However, students are willing to partake in recycling projects to improve the current environmental state of the institution. This study also revealed that some of the students (41%) require motivation to participate in recycling schemes through economic incentives. Increasing awareness of environmental education and initiating participatory environmental programs and strengthening 3 of the key sustainability competencies is recommended as an effective tool to transition to a circular economy in the institution. Further studies are recommended in areas of gamified learning for CE and capital generation from waste for capacity building.

Suggested Citation

  • Oluwatobi Mary Owojori & Ratshalingwa Mulaudzi & Joshua N. Edokpayi, 2022. "Student’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) to Solid Waste Management: A Survey towards a More Circular Economy from a Rural-Based Tertiary Institution in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:3:p:1310-:d:732304
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gratiela Dana Boca & Sinan Saraçlı, 2019. "Environmental Education and Student’s Perception, for Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-18, March.
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    2. Feng, Yanchao & Hu, Jin & Afshan, Sahar & Irfan, Muhammad & Hu, Mingjun & Abbas, Shujaat, 2023. "Bridging resource disparities for sustainable development: A comparative analysis of resource-rich and resource-scarce countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    3. Ana Alexandra Mocanu & Gabriel Brătucu & Eliza Ciobanu & Ioana Bianca Chițu & Anita Cornelia Szakal, 2024. "Can the Circular Economy Unlock Sustainable Business Growth? Insights from Qualitative Research with Specialists in Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-28, February.
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    5. Xiaofang Jin & Azizah Omar & Kai Fu, 2024. "Factors Influencing Purchase Intention toward Recycled Apparel: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-26, April.
    6. Shahad K. Hassooni & Khaled A. El-Tarabily & Abdelghafar M. Abu-Elsaoud & Seham M. Al Raish, 2024. "An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward General Waste Segregation among the Population of the United Arab Emirates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-17, September.
    7. Marica Antovska-Mitev & Tatjana Drangovska, 2024. "Awareness on Concept of Circular Economy in North Macedonia on the Example of First Cycle University Students," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 7, pages 161-180.
    8. Gratiela Dana Boca & Sinan Saraçli, 2023. "Effects of Romanian Student’s Awareness and Needs Regarding Plastic Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
    9. Julalak Phrophayak & Rapeepat Techarungruengsakul & Mathinee Khotdee & Sattawat Thuangchon & Ratsuda Ngamsert & Haris Prasanchum & Ounla Sivanpheng & Anongrit Kangrang, 2024. "Enhancing Green University Practices through Effective Waste Management Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-25, April.
    10. Dongxu Qu & Tetiana Shevchenko & Zahra Shams Esfandabadi & Meisam Ranjbari, 2023. "College Students’ Attitude towards Waste Separation and Recovery on Campus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-17, January.

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