Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This study explores the transformative role of eco-entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo in addressing waste management challenges in a developing country context particularly informal urban settlements of Uganda. It examines the internal and external factors shaping their operations and identifies strategies for enhancing their impact in the transition to sustainable waste management. A qualitative methodology was applied comprising of semi structured interviews with five eco-entrepreneurs in addition to a narrative literature review to for more theoretical grounding of the study. This data was analysed thematically in addition to using the SWOT framework to provide a comprehensive overview of these eco-entrepreneurs and their operating environments. Following an integrated theoretical framework of Green Absorptive capacity, circular economy, institutional theory, Schumpeter’s innovation theory and social entrepreneurship theory, the findings from this study revealed these eco-entrepreneurs leverage innovative, context- relevant solutions to generate value from waste materials fostering social-economic benefits and environmental sustainability. Despite institutional difficulties and resource constraints, they utilize GAC, community engagement and technology to advance closed loop practices and promote inclusive and sustainable waste management. The study concludes revealing eco-entrepreneurship as a socially embedded, adaptive and disruptive process that bridges institutional deficiencies by leveraging bottom-up innovation and local knowledge contributing these valuable empirical insights into resource constrained environments.