Abstract
Background: Scavengers contribute to waste recovery and recycling but often work in hazardous and unregulated environments that expose them to occupational health risks. In Namibia, limited evidence exists on the occupational hazards, safety practices, and perceptions of scavengers working at waste dumping sites.
Objective: The study aimed to investigate critical aspects of waste management, occupational health hazards, protective measures, and scavengers' welfare at LWS.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study employing simple random probability sampling selected 44 scavengers from a list of eligible scavengers compiled through initial site registration (sampling frame). Inferential analyses, including regression, T-tests, and chi-square tests, were performed to examine correlations among variables, and descriptive statistics were obtained from SPSS version 29.
Results: In a study of 44 participants, mostly female (54.5%) and aged 36-45 (36.4%), most had low (primary) educational attainment (47.7%). Scavenging experience was most prevalent in the 0-5 age group. Educational background, as confirmed by a post hoc test (mean difference = –0.451, p = 0.004), significantly affected perceptions, with secondary education yielding more positive views (mean = 3.33) than no education (mean = 2.88). Age and scavenging experience did not correlate with perceptions. The study revealed significant health risks, with 31.8% experiencing various risks, largely attributed to very low PPE usage (e.g., 97.7% never used gloves). No participants received health and safety training, and over half were never provided with PPE. A significant association (p = 0.029) was found between health issues, such as injuries and infections, and the absence of PPE provision.
Conclusion: Scavenging in Katima Mulilo remains a survival strategy for vulnerable groups, but without education, protective equipment, and policy support, it continues to expose them to severe health risks. The study advocates policy reforms, including affordable PPE, structured health and safety training, and government oversight of protective measures. Addressing behavioural, institutional, and structural shortcomings is crucial to making scavenging a safer and more respectable occupation.