Determinants of households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for waste management services in Mbeya City, Tanzania

Nehemia Mwakatobe; Editha Ndunguru; Fatuma Nyihirani

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.4.34

Authors

Mr Nehemia Mwakatobe Mzumbe University
Dr. Editha M. Ndunguru Mzumbe University
Fatuma Nyihirani Mzumbe University, Dar es Salaam https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9744-0629

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.4.34

Keywords:

Determinants, Fee, Revenue, Willingness-to-Pay, Waste, Waste Management

Abstract

This study evaluates the determinants of households’ willingness to pay for waste management services in Mbeya City, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of households and their willingness to pay; and analyse how the institutional dynamics shape households’ willingness to pay waste collection fees. Three theoretical frameworks, Willingness-to-Pay (WTP), Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), and Transaction Cost Theory (TCT), guided the study. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and mixed–method approaches were used to integrate quantitative and qualitative data. A sample size of 80 households was drawn from a total of 1,839 households in Pambogo and Makaburini subwards (mitaa). Sample selection was accomplished through stratified, simple random and purposively sampling techniques. Data collection techniques included surveys, in-depth interviews, observation and desk review. Structured questionnaire and interview guides were the instruments of data collection. IBM SPSS version 29 was used to analyze quantitative data where descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, cross-tabulations, and binary logistic regression were operationalized. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results revealed that willingness to pay is influenced by different factors acting together, financial constraints being principal. The study concludes that willingness to pay is determined by household income, level of education and recommended amount of fee. Other determinants include service reliability, waste management guidelines, legal enforcement, fee collection logistics and limited use of digital technology. To improve willingness to pay, the study recommends for increased public awareness and participation, adoption of differentiated fee structures, strengthening digital payment systems, law enforcement, transparency in revenue management and legal enforcement.

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Author Biographies

Mr Nehemia Mwakatobe, Mzumbe University

Environmental Officer

Mbeya City Council
Dr. Editha M. Ndunguru, Mzumbe University

Senior Lecturer

Institute of Development Studies

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