Exploring the capabilities of women waste pickers in the recycled plastic supply chain in Maputo, Mozambique.

Abstract

As titled, this study shall explore the capabilities of women waste pickers in the recycled plastic supply chain in Maputo City, Mozambique. In doing so, it aims to understand the opportunities and constrains experienced by women in the recycled plastic supply chain. As we move to a circular economy there is a growing need to understand the current and future potential capacities of waste pickers generating an income from recycled waste. This study was conducted in partnership with Resilience BV and Topack Plastic. A research based internship was undertaken to support Topack to better understand the waste pickers within their supply chain.

Theoretically framed by the Capability Approach, the study is formed from qualitative methods. Data was primarily collected by in depth interviews supplemented with observations to collect data from the perspective of the participants. The study population consisted primarily of women waste pickers, men were also included to enrich contextual understanding. Secondary stakeholders included Topack workers and experts in the field. Thematic analysis was undertaken to share key findings on the opportunities and constraints experienced by women waste pickers. In summary, waste reclaiming provides an accessible opportunity for women to generate income, expressed through themes of flexibility demonstrated by waste picker typologies. Findings share opportunities for women to increase their sense of agency and create change within their own livelihood and others but indicate different levels of freedoms within typologies. The study concludes with key recommendations for Topack to support the capabilities of waste pickers in their supply chain with recommendation for future research on cross stakeholder partnerships.