Application of the Delphi Method to the Identification of Barriers to a Waste Management Policy in Maputo City, Mozambique

Abstract

To correctly address the complex and challenging task of waste management, urban societies have developed and implemented waste management policies. However, authorities in developing countries are still struggling to establish waste management policies and provide acceptable waste management systems. This study examines the current Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) policy in Maputo City, the capital of Mozambique, and the barriers to its implementation according to seven fundamental policy instruments: legislation and regulation; voluntary agreements; economic instruments; education and influence over behavioral change; monitoring, information and performance assessment; choice of technology; and community linkages. The Delphi method, a group problem-solving technique, was applied to collect information from experts, and 26 barriers hindering waste management policy were definitively identified.