Author: Smritee Paudel
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.DS-24-07
Year: 2024
Academic Program: Development and Sustainability (DS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2024
Examination Committee: Vilas Nitivattananon (Chairpeson); Guilberto H. Borongan, Thammanit Varaporn (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: Circular economy promotes efficient resource management and waste optimization. In Kathmandu, rapid urbanization and lack of government capacity has led to challenges in effectively managing waste and undertaking resource recovery and recycling activities. In this scenario, social enterprises are playing a significant role in the transition to circular economy. Building on this, the main objective of this study is to investigate the roles of these social enterprises, their efficiency, motivation, significant challenges and future opportunities in Kathmandu Valley. This study uses the multilevel perspective framework to identify roles, drivers, barriers and actors in promoting circular economy. The study applies a qualitative approach, conducting Key Informant Interviews with twenty respondents including social enterprises and various stakeholders involved in the waste management value chain. The results show that primary roles of social enterprises include addressing the waste value chain, contributing to collaboration and influencing user behavior. However, other stakeholders have not fully recognized their contributions indicating their relatively small impact. The enterprises were primarily driven by support from few local governments and development agencies and user demand. Despite their operational efficiency, social enterprises face challenges such as limited government and financial support, lack of established value chain and low consumer awareness. This study provide an actor- centric framework that showcases the actions and activities required to be undertaken to bring sustainable transformation. It highlights the extent and limits of social enterprises capacity and efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices indicating they have potential but need substantial amount of support from other actors in the value chain to bring greater social change.
Scholarship Donor(s): AIT Scholarships
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development
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