Japan – interesting study on SWM from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

– interesting study on SWM from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)



The JICA have published an English language study entitled: Supporting capacity development in solid waste management in developing countries -towards improving solid waste management capacity of entire society.



Introduction



Waste is said to be “a mirror of society” since waste generation and disposal reflect a range of aspects of that society, such as its economic, historical, cultural, and environmental components. Solid waste problems in developing countries include underdeveloped waste collection systems and inappropriate final disposal, which is causing environmental pollution and placing an additional burden on those already suffering from urban poverty. Moreover, recent levels of economic growth and the subsequent introduction of mass consumption lifestyles from developed countries are aggravating these problems. Many developing countries continue to have high hopes of benefiting from the expertise and technologies in this sector available in Japan since this country has overcome urban waste problems under government leadership with the cooperation of local communities during the high growth period following WWII.



However, the present SWM issues facing Japan are different from those for developing countries. Attempts to introduce SWM techniques used in Japan to developing countries without an understanding of their societies and other conditions will not work effectively, at best. As a donor, Japan should first accurately assess the issues and needs of each developing country and then explore the optimal form of aid to the country or society. This approach is essential to ensure that the outcomes of aid are more effective and sustainable.



In order to ensure that JICA‘‘s technical cooperation in solid waste management (SWM) is more effective and efficient, this study has identified a wide range of SWM issues facing developing counties and presented them in a systematic manner. In addition, this study has examined the directions and approaches that JICA‘‘s assistance could take in SWM. “Capacity Development,” as a central concept of assistance for solid waste management



The main theme throughout this report has been “support for capacity development initiatives taken by the aid recipients.” The report suggests that such approaches should be at the center of future development assistance in the solid waste sector. In other words, the report discussed future directions for development assistance in this sector based on the idea that the primary objectives must be to support the recipients in enhancing the SWM capacity of the entire society and in building sustainable SWM systems. The report focuses on how to position capacity development in the context of SWM and on how to provide better assistance. Development assistance provided by donors should focus on the provision of incentives and opportunities while ensuring ownership by the recipients. Emphasis on the participation of and support from communities



Another important consideration is an emphasis on social aspects or capacities at institutional and societal levels. Although urban SWM services are generally delivered by municipalities, efficient and effective service delivery is difficult to achieve without the active participation of and support from local communities. This is demonstrated by waste collection services and recycling activities in Japan, and developing countries are no exception. Without drawing on past examples of local opposition to the proposed siting of landfills, it is clear that consideration for the communities and agreements with them are now an essential part of waste service delivery in developing countries as well. It can be even argued that solid waste problems are social phenomena closely related to urban and economic problems (especially poverty). T