Household knowledge, attitudes, practices and institutional barriers affecting municipal solid waste management in Mogadishu Somalia

Abstract Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) remains a major challenge in Mogadishu, Somalia, due to rapid urbanization, limited infrastructure, and weak institutional capacity. This study aimed to assess household knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward Municipal solid waste management MSWM and identify institutional barriers affecting service delivery. A mixed-methods approach was employed under a pragmatic research design. The target population included households across three administrative zones. A sample of 500 households was determined, with 472 valid responses collected by means of structured questionnaires using systematic random sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results indicate moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes; however, waste management practices were inconsistent, with many households relying on informal dumping, particularly in underserved zones. Access to municipal collection services varied spatially, with better coverage in central areas. Key institutional barriers included inadequate funding (85%), lack of equipment (78%), weak regulatory enforcement (72%), and limited community participation (65%). The study concludes that gaps between knowledge and practice are driven by structural and governance constraints. It recommends decentralized, zone-based waste management systems supported by public–private–community partnerships, strengthened enforcement, and increased investment in infrastructure. These findings contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by supporting more inclusive and sustainable urban waste management systems.