Ethnographic Research on Solid Waste Management in Samana Province, Dominican Republic

The report was prepared for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program. The research was conducted by a consortium of local organizations, including Centro para la Conservación y Eco-Desarrollo de la Bahía de Samaná y su Entorno (CEBSE), Foro Ambiental de Samaná (FAS), and Ecoservices, with the assistance of Kathleen Skoczen, Ph.D., a social and behavior change consultant. The study's objective was to understand the perceptions and practices of households, businesses, and women in the solid waste management value chain in Samaná Province, with a focus on gender and social and behavior change. The study employed ethnographic research methodology, including household interviews, focus group discussions, and open-ended interviews, as well as trials of improved practices (TIPs). The report presents the findings of the study, including the key challenges facing solid waste management in Samaná Province, the role of women in the solid waste value chain, and recommendations for improving solid waste management practices in the province.