We started this exploration and mapping exercise by immersing ourselves in the community to gain a better understanding of the problem and assess local solutions and opportunities. This immersion allowed us to make three main observations and formulate hypotheses that could lead to significant improvements in waste management:

• The first observation was the absence of an integrated waste management strategy that considers all aspects of waste management and involves all the key actors. Actors acknowledged the fact that they were addressing the waste issue in unique ways without strategic coordination. From what we observed, the lack of this strategy is one of the biggest weaknesses of Mbankomo’s waste management plan. Implementing an integrated waste management strategy will set the basis for a global and strong impact.

• The second observation was the low engagement of the grassroots communities. They are predominantly producing the waste that is discarded, polluting streets and waterways. Discussions with them showed that they don't understand the impact of their actions and even don't have access to practical tools to help them manage waste responsibly. We believe that educating them and providing them with proper waste management tools can increase their awareness and encourage them to take responsible actions.

• The third observation was on the huge quantity of waste abandoned in illegal landfills and dumping and the remarkably low utilisation rate. Statistics say that less than 15% of the generated waste is effectively reused or recovered and is restricted to sporadic domestic initiatives associated with soil fertilization. Considering waste recovery can significantly decrease discarded waste and generate benefits.

The above-mentioned observations and hypotheses from our community immersion highlight the need for a holistic and systemic approach to effective waste management in Mbankomo. Designed solutions should be tailored in the context of the circular economy, integrating an ecosystem of upstream and downstream stakeholders.

The design of solutions was done during a design workshop organized after the community immersion. For 4 days, innovators, community leaders, private companies, and local representatives joined our team to develop practical, innovative, and low-cost solutions for effective waste management in Mbankomo. Sustainable technologies and alternative models were included during the reflections. At the end, we were able to propose an integrated plan with three dimensions: (i) the setting up of an integrated strategy on waste management; (ii) the engagement of grassroots actors (young people, women, and social influencers) for the adoption of healthy and sustainable behaviours; and (iii) the recovery and processing of waste.

• The proposed integrated strategy for Mbankomo's waste management will build upon existing plans and leverage a stakeholder platform that will operate as an advisory body. The platform will convene regular meetings to review and oversee the town's waste management plan, while also communicating individual actions to drive collective impact. The advisory body will recommend tools, including strategies and texts, aimed at promoting best practices, discouraging harmful ones, and facilitating resource mobilization. This solution is both practical and cost-effective, requiring minimal funds to implement.

• The community capacity-building programme will be implemented in two different phases. The first phase will involve providing appropriate training tools, such as brochures, animated sessions, and mobile applications, through peer-to-peer coaching and digital tools like local radios, social media, and mobile applications, to keep the cost low. Social influencers will also play a significant role in online and digital campaigns, including TikTok challenges. In the second phase, collection and sorting tools will be provided for homes and main storage sites, which will aid communities in applying the skills they have acquired and reduce the amount of abandoned waste, thereby facilitating the recovery process.

• The proposed solution for waste recovery and processing involves the establishment of a semi-industrial processing unit that will cater to both organic and plastic waste. The project will be executed in collaboration with startups that are already operating in the relevant sectors. Their responsibility will be to transfer their technology to the community, allowing them to take charge of the project in the long run. Initially, plastic waste will be transformed into construction materials and utensils, while organic waste will be used for producing fertilizers, biogas, and home soaps. As the project progresses, other products may also be introduced or removed as per the requirements. This approach will have a positive impact on the environment by reducing pollution and offering employment opportunities to women and youth. Moreover, it will improve the accessibility of products by utilising the available resources and workforce.

Upon completion of the design exercise, the proposed solutions were found to be both intriguing and cost-effective in comparison to the existing waste management plan. The next steps are therefore to experiment and learn from what works best and can be scaled in other municipalities. If you're interested in learning more, I invite you to closely follow these developments and join us in supporting the creation of a healthier and more sustainable environment for all. Effective waste management contributes significantly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11; 12; 13; 14, and 15.