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A Community-Based One Health Solid Waste Management Model in Ward 19, Lupane District, Zimbabwe
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A rural Zimbabwean community tackled its trash problem by getting health workers, vets, local leaders, and residents to work together, separating waste, recycling plastic, and building a biogas digester. The result: less pollution, fewer animals eating plastic waste, lower health risks for people and livestock, and even some extra income from selling recycled plastic, showing that simple, community-led solutions can protect health while boosting local economies.
Abstract Poor solid waste management is an emerging challenge in many rural communities in Africa, with implications for environmental quality, human health, animal health, and local livelihoods. This case study documents the development and implementation of a community-based One Health solid waste management model in Ward 19 of Lupane District, Zimbabwe. A baseline assessment revealed widespread waste accumulation, limited waste separation and recycling practices, and growing risks associated with environmental pollution and livestock exposure to plastic waste. Recognising the interconnected nature of these challenges, stakeholders from academia, government departments, local authorities, health services, veterinary services, community leadership structures, the private sector, and local communities adopted a transdisciplinary One Health approach to jointly diagnose the problem, co-produce knowledge, and design locally appropriate solutions. The resulting intervention combined strengthened governance structures, community participation, waste recovery and recycling initiatives, establishment of a biogas digester, and awareness and behaviour change activities. The project contributed to improved waste management practices, reduced environmental pollution, reduced livestock exposure to plastic waste, and helped lower potential human and animal health risks, while creating a measurable livelihood opportunity through the recovery and sale of 944 kg of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic. The plastic was sold at USD 0.12 per kilogram, generating approximately USD 113.28 during the first recycling cycle. Equally important, the process established a community-led Solid Waste Management Committee, trained 46 community members, strengthened collaboration among institutions, and empowered local communities to take an active role in managing waste. This case demonstrates the value of applying One Health principles to address complex environmental challenges in rural settings. It provides practical evidence that community-led and transdisciplinary approaches can generate environmental, health-risk reduction , and socio-economic benefits simultaneously while offering a model that can be adapted and replicated in other resource-constrained communities facing similar challenges. Information © The Authors 2026
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