INTRODUCTION

Community; refers to a group of people who share common interests, beliefs, values, and a
sense of belonging. According to Edward and Jones (1976) define community as a group of
people who resides in a specific locality and who exercise some degree of local autonomy in
organizing their social life in such a way that they can, from that locality, satisfy the full range of
their daily needs. Midgley (1986) define community is usually defined in terms of geographic
locality, of shared interests and needs, often in terms of deprivation and disadvantage. Example
of community can be Maasai tribe, Muslim, Tanzanians and LGTI institution.

A community may be classified based on spiritually, activity and locality. Where by spiritual
means a community that formed due to religious faith example Christians and Muslim. Activity
based community is a community that formed due to the activities that people involved in.
Locality based community is a community formed due to geographical model that may be rural
or urban area.

Urban Community; refers to a densely populated area characterized by a high concentration of

residential, commercial, and industrial development. These communities often feature a wide
range of services, amenities, and infrastructure to support the needs of the population,
including public transportation, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural
venues. Urban communities are dynamic and diverse, often serving as centers of economic,
social, and cultural activity. They are known for their complex social interactions, diverse
populations, and the interconnectedness of people and resources within the urban
environment.

Others types of community

Suburban Community: Suburban communities are located outside of urban areas, often
surrounding larger cities. These communities are typically characterized by single-family homes,
large plots of land, and a lower population density than urban areas. Suburban communities
often have a strong sense of community, with neighbors knowing one another and actively
participating in local events and activities.
Rural Community: Rural communities are located in areas outside of urban and suburban areas,
often in more remote locations. These communities are typically characterized by smaller
populations, a strong sense of community, and a more tightly-knit community than urban or
suburban areas. Rural communities often rely on agriculture and natural resources for their
livelihood, and residents often have a strong connection to the land and the natural
environment.

Community development; is a planned and organized effort to assist individuals to acquire the
attitudes, skills, and concepts required for their democratic participation in the effective
solution of as wide a range of community improvement problems as possible in the order of
priority determined by their increasing levels of competence, Hamilton (1992). Or Moreland
and Lovett (1997) see community development as a learning process that involves people in
experiences from which they will learn ways of enhancing their capacity for self-directed
activity and destiny. This can include activities such as infrastructure development, access to
education, healthcare, and other essential services, as well as social and cultural programs.
Community development often involves collaboration between community members, local
organizations, and government agencies.

Community development officer; is a professional who works to develop and improve the
quality of life and well-being within a specific community. Their duties may include conducting
needs assessments, building relationships with community members and organizations, and
implementing programs and initiatives to address social, economic, and environmental issues.
They may also work to promote community engagement, empower residents to participate in
decision-making processes, and advocate for resources and support from government agencies
and other stakeholders. Community development officers often collaborate with a wide range
of stakeholders, including local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and
residents, to create and implement strategies for community improvement and sustainable
development.

Environmental degradation; is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of

resources such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of
wildlife. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be
deleterious or undesirable. Environmental changes are based on many factors including
urbanization, population growth, economic growth, intensification of agriculture, increase in
energy use and icrease in transportation. (Dr Choudhary M, P 2015)

Waste management; is the collection, transport, processing, recycling or disposal, and

monitoring of waste materials. Waste management can involve solid, liquid, gaseous or
radioactive substances, with different methods and fields of expertise for each. Waste
management practices differ for developed and developing nations, for urban and rural areas,
and for residential and industrial producers. The process of waste management consists of
collection, transport, processing, recycling, disposal of waste, and monitoring of waste material
(Fatimah et al., 2020;Zorica et al., 2010).

MAIN BODY

Research and data collection; By collecting relevant data and conducting research, the
community development officer can gain a deeper understanding of the specific waste
management challenges and opportunities within the community, as well as the preferences,
behaviors, and needs of community members. This information can then be used to design
targeted engagement efforts that are more likely to resonate with the community and lead to
meaningful change. Community development officer also can conduct assessment for areas
that need improvement in urban areas. For example, the community development officer could
utilize research and data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and observational
studies to gather insights into the types and quantities of waste generated, existing waste
management infrastructure, community attitudes and behaviors towards waste disposal, and
the specific environmental impacts of current practices. This data could help identify key
stakeholders, community leaders, and potential partners, as well as opportunities for
collaboration and improvement. By using research and data collection to inform their
engagement strategy, the community development officer can tailor their efforts to the specific
needs of the urban community, thereby increasing the likelihood of success and sustainability
of their initiatives to mitigate environmental degradation stemming from insufficient waste
management practices.

Stakeholder identification and involvement; a community development officer must identify

all the key stakeholders that are involved or affected by the issue of insufficient waste
management practices. This may include local government officials, waste management
companies, community leaders, residents, environmental groups, and business owners within
the urban community. Once the stakeholders are identified, the community development
officer can engage with them through various means such as meetings, interviews, surveys, and
focus groups (Madden & McQuinn 2014). They must involve the stakeholders in the decision-
making process to understand their perspectives, concerns, and potential contributions to
solving the issue. Example a community development officer could organize a series of
stakeholder meetings to discuss the current waste management challenges within the urban
community. Involving representatives from local government, waste management companies,
community leaders, residents, and business owners, they can gather insights on the existing
problems and potential solutions. By involving stakeholders, the community development
officer can ensure that the engagement strategy is tailored to the unique needs and dynamics
of the urban community, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful mitigation of
environmental degradation stemming from insufficient waste management practices.

Stakeholders in the mitigation of environmental degradation in town areas may include;

 Local government: Responsible for implementing regulations and policies to control

pollution, enforce environmental laws, and oversee land use planning.
 Business owners and developers: Have a vested interest in ensuring that their
operations do not contribute to environmental degradation and may be required to
comply with environmental regulations.
 Residents: Participating in community initiatives and clean-up efforts, advocating for
environmentally friendly policies, and promoting sustainable living. Have a direct stake
in the quality of the environment in which they live, including access to clean air, water,
and green spaces.
  Environmental advocacy groups: Campaign for stronger environmental regulations and
work to raise awareness about the impacts of environmental degradation on
communities. Engaging in advocacy, education, and on-the-ground projects to address
environmental issues in urban areas
 Civil society organizations: Engage in community-based initiatives to address
environmental issues and involve citizens in environmental protection activities.
 Environmental experts and researchers: Provide scientific knowledge and expertise to
inform decision-making and develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
 Urban planners; Designing cities and urban spaces with a focus on sustainability and
environmental preservation.
 Media; Raising awareness about environmental degradation in urban areas and
reporting on related issues

All of these stakeholders are necessary for effective mitigation of environmental degradation in
town areas because they bring different perspectives, resources, and expertise to the table.
Collaboration among these stakeholders is essential to develop and implement effective
strategies to protect the environment and improve the quality of life in urban areas.

Awareness compaigns; a set of different activities planned for a specific time, addressed to a
specific target group, whose aim is to increase knowledge, lead to change in thinking and in
behaviour towards a specific social problem" (Fundacja Komunikacji Społecznej, 2010). These
campaigns help raise awareness about the impact of improper waste disposal on the
environment and public health. They also educate community members about the importance
of proper waste management and provide information about available resources and solutions
Through such an engagement strategy, the community development officer can effectively
mobilize the community and other stakeholders to address insufficient waste management
practices and mitigate environmental degradation. The awareness campaign not only raises
awareness but also empowers community members to take action and make sustainable
changes in their waste management practices. Highlight the benefits of waste reduction,
recycling, composting, and responsible consumption. Utilize various communication channels
such as social media, community meetings, posters, flyers, and local media to disseminate
information. Barbara Bruce in 1978

Community education and training; Community education and training can enable a
community development officer to craft an engagement strategy by equipping them with
knowledge and skills to address environmental issues. Community Development Officer should
collaborate with environmental facilitators to provide education and training to the community
through organizing workshops, training sessions, and awareness programs to provide practical
knowledge and skills on waste segregation, recycling, and compostingto educate community
members on the importance of proper waste management and provide training on how to
segregate and dispose of waste effectively. This can lead to the development of community-led
initiatives, such as implementing recycling programs or establishing waste collection systems,
which can help mitigate environmental degradation caused by insufficient waste management
practices in the urban community as a result to good environmental conservation.

Advocate for improvement of waste management infrastructure and system; Based on the
needs assessment or data collected, community development officer can engage with local
officials, municipal authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to advocate for the
improvement of waste management infrastructure, such as establishing recycling centers,
implementing composting programs, and enhancing waste collection services and encourage
the development and implementation of innovative waste management technologies and
practices. Infrastructure and system improvements play a vital role in mitigating environmental
degradation in town areas by enhancing waste management, water management,
transportation, green spaces, energy efficiency, and flood control. Upgraded infrastructure can
reduce pollution, promote sustainable practices, and create a more resilient urban
environment, ultimately leading to the conservation and preservation of natural ecosystems
within towns.

Introduce incentive and rewards programs; community development officer should should
work with the committee of environment in district or region level to encouraging individuals
and businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. By providing financial or other incentives
for actions such as reducing energy consumption, switching to renewable energy sources, or
implementing waste reduction measures, these programs can motivate people to make
environmentally friendly choices, Beatrice Marschke, (2020). Additionally, rewards programs
can create a sense of competition and recognition, which can further incentivize positive
environmental behaviors. In this way, incentives and rewards can help to drive positive change
and encourage a shift towards more environmentally sustainable practices. For example is the
use of rewards programs by companies to encourage recycling and waste reduction. For
instance, some companies offer rewards or discounts to customers who bring in their own
reusable containers or bags, reducing the need for single-use plastics and lowering waste
generation. These examples demonstrate how incentives and rewards programs can effectively
motivate individuals and businesses to take environmentally friendly actions, ultimately
contributing to the mitigation of environmental degradation.

Advocating for policy changes; By pushing for policies that prioritize sustainable practices, such
as green infrastructure, renewable energy incentives, and waste reduction programs, advocates
can influence urban planning and development. This can lead to reduced air and water
pollution, increased green spaces, and improved public transportation, ultimately fostering
more livable and eco-friendly urban environments. By engaging with policymakers, community
members, and local businesses, advocates and environment committee can work towards
creating a comprehensive framework that addresses the unique environmental challenges
faced by urban communities, while also promoting a more sustainable and resilient city
infrastructure for future generations.

Monitoring and evaluation; is a systematic process of assessing and tracking progress towards
achieving predetermined goals, identifying effective implementation strategies, and making
evidence-based decisions for improvement." (Coryn, Noakes, Westine, & Schröter, 2011).
Monitoring and evaluation involves the systematic collection and analysis of information about
a project, program, or policy to guide decision-making, assess the effectiveness of activities and
initiatives, and determine whether goals and objectives are being met. In the context of
community development, monitoring and evaluation helps to track progress, measure impact,
and identify areas in need of improvement. For example, monitoring can help assess waste
collection rates, recycling rates, and the effectiveness of awareness campaigns, enabling timely
interventions and adjustments to be made. By using M&E techniques, the community
development officer can not only assess the impact of their engagement strategy but also adapt
and modify their approach based on real-time data, ensuring that their efforts are focused on
addressing the most pressing environmental issues within the urban community. The
information will also inform on the effectiveness of strategies earlier put in place example
public awareness and education programmes. Improvements will be in the areas of producer
responsibility, investments, service provision, public awareness and cost recovery. Review will
be undertaken periodically, every 5 years.

Continuous Engagement and Adaptation; This approach involves regularly interacting with
community members, stakeholders, and local leaders to understand the evolving
environmental challenges and adapt strategies accordingly. Continuous engagement through
regular community meetings, stakeholder involvement, surveys and interviews, this can provide
valuable insights and resources for developing effective environmental mitigation strategies
and can help identify specific environmental issues and gather input on potential solutions. Also
community development officer should ensure that stakeholders adapt new approach,
information, methods, policies and regulations so as to ensure environment are clean. Also
Foster ongoing communication and engagement with the community, stakeholders, and waste
management service providers, Remain open to feedback, suggestions, and concerns from the
community and adapt the strategy accordingly. Regular feedback and information gathered
from the community and other stakeholders allow the officer to continuously adapt the
environmental degradation mitigation strategies. This includes incorporating new technologies,
such as air purifiers in community centers, and collaborating with local schools to educate
students about the impact of environmental degradation

CONCLUSION

Generally; as the appointed Urban Community Development Officer, it is imperative to

establish a comprehensive engagement strategy focused on addressing the pressing issue of
insufficient waste management practices in the urban community. By implementing targeted
educational initiatives, fostering partnerships with local businesses and government agencies,
and promoting community involvement through waste reduction and recycling programs, we
can effectively mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable waste
management practices. Through proactive and collaborative efforts, we can work towards
creating a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally conscious urban community.

Recommendation

In order to mitigate environmental degradation in urban areas it is important to use method of

Waste disposal and management so as to make urban community green. Some of method used
are;

 Recycling involves collecting materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal and
processing them into new products. This reduces the amount of raw materials needed
to be extracted from the environment and decreases the energy required to
manufacture new products. (Wahi, et.al., 2016).
 Reusing involves finding new uses for items that would otherwise be discarded. This can
include using durable grocery bags, using refillable water bottles, or donating clothing
and household items to charity.
 Reducing refers to minimizing the amount of waste that is generated in the first place.
This can be achieved by using less packaging, purchasing products with minimal or
recyclable packaging, and practicing conscious consumerism.

Overall, these three methods of waste disposal - recycling, reusing, and reducing - help to
conserve resources, reduce pollution, and minimize our impact on the environment. By
implementing these practices, individuals and communities can work towards a more
sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste management.
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