Authors : Boulkhir Layla; Atitaou Asmae; El Moukhtar Mohamed; Taouabit Othmane

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/8nknx8zv

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdh3a6xm

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14979301

Abstract : Faced with growing environmental challenges, green entrepreneurship has emerged as a key solution for promoting sustainable waste management. In the Marrakech-Safi region, recycling cooperatives play a crucial role in structuring the circular economy, reducing ecological impact, and creating socio-economic opportunities for local populations. However, their development is hindered by economic, institutional, and technical constraints. This study aims to identify the factors that facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices by recycling cooperatives, as well as the obstacles they encounter. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining questionnaires administered to 15 cooperatives across different provinces in the region and in-depth interviews with their leaders and members. The data analysis involved validity and reliability tests, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Relative Importance Index (RII) method. A SWOT analysis was also conducted to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The findings reveal that while cooperatives have generally integrated waste sorting practices, they struggle to implement advanced recycling techniques. The main challenges identified include a lack of funding, the absence of an incentive regulatory framework, and insufficient training. Leaders also highlight internal management difficulties, while members point to a lack of resources and technical support. Based on these insights, strategies are proposed, such as the implementation of tailored financing mechanisms, regulatory improvements, and citizen awareness initiatives. These findings provide strategic recommendations to strengthen the role of recycling cooperatives in the transition towards a sustainable circular economy.

Keywords : Green Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Waste Management, Recycling Cooperatives, SWOT Analysis.

References :

1. Cohen, B., & Winn, M. I. (2007). Market imperfections, opportunity and sustainable entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Venturing, 22(1), 29-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2004.12.001
2. Dahmen, P. (2023). Organizational resilience as a key property of enterprise risk management in response to novel and severe crisis events. Risk Management and Insurance Review, 26(2), 203-245. https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12250
3. Defourny, J., & Nyssens, M. (2017). Fundamentals for an international typology of social enterprise models. Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 28(6), 2469-2497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-017-9884-7
4. Estrada, Mauricio, Galvin, Madeleine, Maassen, Anne, & Hörschelmann, Kathrin. (2023). Catalysing urban transformation through women’s empowerment in cooperative waste management: the SWaCH initiative in Pune, India. Local Environment, 28, 852-866. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2022.2090532
5. Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139192675
6. Hall, J. K., Daneke, G. A., & Lenox, M. J. (2010). Sustainable development and entrepreneurship: Past contributions and future directions. Journal of Business Venturing, 25(5), 439-448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2010.01.002
7. Hoornweg, Dan, & Bhada-Tata, Perinaz. (2012). What a waste: a global review of solid waste management. Urban Dev Ser Knowl Pap, 15, 87-88.
8. Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005
9. Lima Cano, Nathalia, & Mancini, Sandro. (2017). Integration of informal recycling sector in Brazil and the case of Sorocaba City. Waste Management & Research, 35, 0734242X1770805. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X17708050
10. Meidiana, Christia, & Gamse, Thomas. (2010). Development of Waste Management Practices in Indonesia. European Journal of Scientific Research, 40.
11. Nzeadibe, Chidi, & Ajaero, Chukwuedozie. (2010). Informal waste recycling and urban governance in Nigeria: Some experiences and policy implications.
12. Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the commons: The evolution of institutions for collective action. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511807763
13. Schaltegger, S., & Wagner, M. (2011). Sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation: Categories and interactions. Business Strategy and the Environment, 20(4), 222-237. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.682
14. Schumpeter, J. A. (1934). The theory of economic development: An inquiry into profits, capital, credit, interest, and the business cycle. Harvard University Press.
15. Sodhi, Harsimran, Singh, Doordarshi, & Singh, Bikram Jit. (2020). SWOT analysis of waste management techniques quantitatively. International Journal of Advanced Operations Management, 12, 103-121. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJAOM.2020.10030214
16. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021). Global Waste Management Outlook 2021. United Nations. https://www.unep.org/ resources/report/global-waste-management-outlook-2021
17. Weihrich, H. (1982). The TOWS matrix—A tool for situational analysis. Long Range Planning, 15(2), 54-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-6301(82)90120-0
18. Wilson, David, Velis, Costas, & Cheeseman, C. R. (2006). The Role of Informal Sector Recycling in Waste Management in Developing Countries. Habitat International, 30, 797-808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2005.09.005