Abstract:
This thesis investigated the crucial role of Civil Society organizations in the implementation
of Circular Economy policies to enhance environmental management. Focusing on a specific
community within Bamako, the study aims to improve sustainable plastic waste management
across three circumscriptions in the Bamako District. The objectives encompass assessing
Circular Economy policy's impact on efficiency, identifying barriers to plastic waste
management, and formulating strategies to empower Civil Society (including Youth, Women
associations, and CBOs) for comprehensive national environmental planning and advocacy,
particularly within the private sector and at the local community level. A mixed research
approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was employed, with a sample size
of 95 respondents were drawn from 1328 officials and Civil Society organization
representatives. Data collection involved interviews, questionnaires, and data from second
hand. The findings underscored the significant contributions of Civil Society to intervene on
plastic waste management through Circular Economy initiatives among state (policy
framework) and private sector (job opportunities) . However, challenges hindering the full
realization of circular economy principles, including reuse, recycling, and waste reduction,
were identified. To address these challenges, the study proposes a range of recommendations.
These include harnessing technology and innovative consumption solutions, increasing
resource allocation to local government and Civil Society, and capacity-building within the
private sector. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of training, community
mobilization, and outreach, fostering partnerships, establishing accountability mechanisms,
encouraging community participation, developing a comprehensive waste reduction strategy,
and improving financial management within community organizations.
