Assessing the community knowledge on waste management practices, drinking water source systems, and the possible implications on public health systems

Assessing the waste management practices and drinking water source systems is essential for public health systems and the well-being of millions. However, inadequate integration of community knowledge into scientific research to effectively address environmental issues remains a great challenge. This study assessed the community knowledge on the prevalent waste management practices, drinking water source systems, and the potential associated health risks using a descriptive cross-sectional design utilizing diagnostic survey questionnaires (DSQs) and oral interviews (OIs) in villages, semi-urban, and urban areas. The study reveals that 92 % of villagers rely on potentially contaminated water sources, with 43 % drinking from open surface water and 49 % from hand-dug wells. Meanwhile, open defecation remains prevalent, with 52 % of villagers resorting to this practice. The situation worsens in urban areas, where 56 % of residents dispose of waste in open dumpsites/landfills, with no access to engineered landfills. Waste burning, a hazardous practice, is employed by 27 % of the population. The data show that 17 % of the population relies on surface water, 40 % on hand-dug wells, and 36 % on boreholes, with only 5.7 % accessing treated water. 56 % of waste is disposed of in open dumpsites/landfills, 27 % is burned, 9 % is indiscriminately dumped, and 7 % is dumped in water bodies. 18 % of the population defecates openly, 30 % use pit latrines, and 55 % rely on untreated water systems for defecation. This implies that combining community knowledge with scientific research to address environmental challenges is crucial. However, the attitude of the respondents towards waste management, drinking water sources and health risks accounts for a significant variation in respondents’ education. Effective implementation of waste management practices and provision of basic sewage infrastructural systems, coupled with adequate education, is required to protect drinking water sources, prevent pandemic diseases, and safeguard the national economy and health.