Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, D: Agriculture and Veterinary, Volume 23 Issue 4

could be spread over crop fields to absorb moisture when it’s plenty and release it when needed. It is a super-absorbing polymer that can hold up to 800 times its weight in water. When water is added to the soil, the polymer will absorb and hold some water. As the soil dries, the polymer releases its water keeping the soil moist. These properties can be harnessed in a bid to conserve water for irrigation whilst addressing the challenge diaper waste management. a) Problem Statement The non-collection of refuse in Chitungwiza has encouraged improper disposal of diaper waste. Generally, people resort to the dumping of used disposable diapers at various dumping sites that have sprouted in most residential areas in the urban areas of Zimbabwe. This is because, responsible authorities fail to collect refuse on a regular basis. Walking through Chitungwiza one can observe soiled diapers that are disposed near residences and along the roads. Diapers that are recklessly dumped at illegal dump sites are usually ravished by stray dogs thereby exposing faecal matter which attracts the huge green flies. It takes 500 years for disposable diapers to decompose [15]. There is acute water scarcity late alone water for irrigation. This study seeks to find out if hydrogels contained in diapers would make a significant difference in conserving water and retaining the moisture as well as supplying nutrients in the soil in a vegetable garden. b) Justification This study explores the subject of diapers, which are an iconic environmental problem associated with child rearing. It is generally regarded that waste management is the sole duty and responsibility of local authorities, and that the public is not expected to contribute. Contrary to this statement however, there is need for community involvement and participation in decisions regarding proper disposal of waste material to maintain a health and safe environment. In Zimbabwe, as in many developing countries, it appears that little information is available regarding handling and the proper disposal of disposable diapers despite a significant rise in usage of such during the last decade by women of child bearing age. Proper disposal of diapers reduces incidences of contamination of drainage water, which can subsequently lead to diarrheal diseases. There are a lot of diapers which are a nuisance and threat to environmental health around urban areas. Diaper wastes currently not properly managed in a manner which adds value to the food chain while they contain significant amounts of nutrients coupled with their water holding capacity which is not being utilised to address challenges induced by climate change in the agricultural sector pertaining food security and climate resilience in urban agriculture hence the need to undertake this study. c) Objectives i. General Objective ii. Specific Objectives 1. To establish diaper waste handling practices in Chitungwiza. 2. To compare growth rates of Brassica Napus L under diaper waste moisture conservation technology and the conventional farming method. 3. To determine the effectiveness of diaper waste- moisture conservation technology in moisture conservation. d) Research Questions 1. What are the waste handling practices in Chitungwiza residential area? 2. What is the plant growth rate of Brassica Napus L under the conservation conditions? 3. How effective is diaper waste-moisture conservation technology in moisture conservation? e) Definition of Terms Diaper Waste Moisture Conservation Technology – a technique used to conserve moisture and harvest nutrients from soiled diapers for small scale agricultural purposes. II. M aterials and M ethods a) Study Site Description Chitungwiza City is located about 20km South East of Harare Main Post Office, covering 49km 2 . It shares boundaries with Harare City and Mashonaland East Province. Chitungwiza town has an estimated population of about 354,472 according to the 2012 census. It is popularly known for a hospital named Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Aquatic complex, Town Centre complex and its Delta Chibuku super plant, Chitungwiza came into existence in the late1970s. The town has four administrative districts, namely Seke North, Seke South, Zengeza and St Mary’s as shown in the map below. The oldest of the suburbs is St Mary's which is divided into two sections, Manyame Park (New St Mary's) and Old St Mary's. St Mary's is popularly known for being the oldest suburb in Chitungwiza town. Zengeza is divided into 5 sections i.e. Zengeza 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Zengeza 4 being relatively the largest section. Seke is another suburb and it is divided into many sections i.e. Unit A up to Unit P. Global Journal of Science Frontier Research ( D ) XXIII Issue IV Version I Year 2023 18 © 2023 Global Journals Production of Rape ( Brassica Napus L ) Under Diaper Waste-Moisture Conservation Field Technology To incentivise diaper waste management in a way which reduces its ecological footprint through water and plant nutrients harvesting and conservation in agriculture.