Global Journal of Human Social Science, H: Interdisciplinary, Volume 23 Issue 5

© 2023 Global Journals Volume XXIII Issue V Version I Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2023 ( ) H 28 Unveiling the Impact of Solid Waste Management on Health and Poverty Alleviation in Dhaka City detrimental to the slum areas of Dhaka. The ill effects of inadequate solid waste management are more detrimental to the slum areas of Dhaka. Low-income neighbourhoods, often lacking basic amenities and proper sanitation facilities, bear the brunt of the waste crisis (Jerin, et al., 2022). Residents of these areas are disproportionately exposed to health risks associated with unregulated waste disposal, increasing the risk of disease and pushing them further into poverty. Dhaka City Corporation DCC, Nort h 3 and South 4 are making efforts to solve this ongoing crisis, though it seems to be getting worse every day. Until the residents of the city banded together to find a solution, this massive waste seemed beyond DCC's ability to manage on its own (Prodhan and Kaeser, 2020). Hence, the situation remains unsolved despite earlier efforts, raising questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of waste management schemes. Solid waste management solutions have, however, been outlined in various scholarly articles or at the policy-making level. Nevertheless, much of the current literature addressed collection, environment, disposal, and recycling. This study prioritizes waste management as one of the variables in poverty reduction by focusing on the way individuals of all socio-economic levels participate in the economy as a means of human development. Moreover, the implementation of proper waste disposals practices, such as recycling and resource recovery, can yield economic benefits by fostering a circular economy and mitigating strain on finite resources. This research addresses the pressing need for a comprehensive solution to the solid waste management challenges in Dhaka. It emphasizes the importance of an efficient waste management system in safeguarding public health and supporting poverty alleviation efforts 5 . a) Research Filed The study area covers Dhaka City Cooperation (DCC), especially slum areas. This study presents the results of a cross-sectional survey conducted among 200 slum households in Dhaka, providing insights into the adverse consequences of poor waste management on the health and productivity of low-income groups and slums. The survey was conducted in three slum areas of Dhaka: Korail, Mohakhali and Kamrangirchar, selected on the basis of their size, population density and accessibility on their waste management practices, healteh and socio-economic status. 3 See, https://dncc.gov.bd 4 See, https://www.academia.edu/24448799/A_Case_Study_on_Dhaka _South_City_Corporation_DSCC_ 5 Singh, P. K., & Chudasama, H. (2020). Evaluating poverty alleviation strategies in a developing country. PloS one, 15(1), e0227176. b) Target Waste The study covers two types of solid waste under Dhaka City Corporation: namely, domestic waste and medical waste. Liquid and gaseous wastes are not included in the scope of this study. c) The Significance of the Study This study offers fresh perspectives on the threats to human health and the effects of poor waste management practices on poverty reduction and health in Dhaka. By identifying the specific health risks associated with poor waste management and emphasizing waste management as a poverty alleviation variable, this research analyse evidence-based decision-making, supports the development of targeted interventions, and promotes sustainable human development. The study's potential lies in improving public health, creating employment opportunities, guiding policy formulation, and advancing knowledge in waste management, health, and poverty alleviation. Moreover, the analysis presented in this study contributes to the existing literature on urbanization and poverty, providing recommendations for policymakers to address the adverse effects of poor waste management on population health and well-being. d) The rationale for this study Solid waste management is a critical issue in Dhaka where waste collection and disposal are often insufficient and inappropriate (Dhaka City Corporation, The People's Republic of Bangladesh, Japan International Cooperation Agency, 2005). The existing evidence on the linkage between poor solid waste management and adverse health outcomes calls to action by all stakeholders in understanding, prioritizing, and addressing the issue of solid waste in our midst to ensure that our environment and health are preserved (Enayetullah, Sinha, & Khan, 2005). The need to build on previous research is evident, as there are gaps in current knowledge and inconclusive or controversial findings from previous studies. For instance, the study by (Hasan & Chowdhury, n.d.). shows that solid waste poses a serious health hazard and leads to the spread of infectious diseases, while (Yasmin & Rahman, 2017a) highlights that poor waste collection leads to environmental and marine pollution and can block water drains, resulting in flooding and other standing waters that favour cholera and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Therefore, this study aims to unveil the impact of solid waste management on health and poverty alleviation in Dhaka City by presenting a framework that aids understanding of (poor) solid waste management and its impact on health with a view to stimulating research, guiding the development of policies and implementation of appropriate interventions. The study identifies and describes the main pathways through