Assessing the Environmental Consequences of unregulated Household Waste Disposal in Urban Slums of Dangorayo, Somalia

Mohamed Abshir Abdullahi and Patrick Mucunguzi

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University, Kampala Uganda

ABSTRACT

Unregulated household waste disposal presents serious environmental and health challenges in urban slums globally. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts of disposal practices, focusing on community awareness, waste volume and composition, as well as coping mechanisms in Urban Slums of Dangorayo, Somalia. Employing a descriptive research design, the study collected data through surveys and interviews with 388 residents, local authorities, and environmentalists in Dangorayo. Key findings revealed a low level of community awareness regarding the risks associated with improper waste disposal and existing regulations, leading many households to resort to open dumping and burning due to limited access to formal waste management services. Organic waste was identified as the largest component of household waste. Furthermore, a significant proportion of households lacked regular waste collection services, resulting in frequent waste accumulation in public spaces. Analysis of coping mechanisms indicated that community strategies, such as informal waste storage and periodic clean-ups, were inadequate in addressing the waste crisis. The study concluded that unregulated waste disposal has considerable implications for public health and environmental quality. It recommended enhancing waste management infrastructure, increasing community awareness through targeted educational initiatives, and strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote sustainable waste practices and mitigate health risks. The findings presented in tables and figures throughout the study underscore the urgent need for intervention and provide a foundation for informed policy decisions.

Keywords: Unregulated waste disposal; Environmental consequences; Urban slums; Waste Management; Dangorayo, Somalia

CITE AS: Mohamed Abshir Abdullahi and Patrick Mucunguzi (2026). Assessing the Environmental Consequences of unregulated Household Waste Disposal in Urban Slums of Dangorayo, Somalia. IAA Journal of Biological Sciences 14(1):98-113. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJB/2026/14198113