Solid waste management in urbanising rural service centres in Zimbabwe is poorly understood because of the urban bias of most studies, while the few studies on the subject are poorly contextualised and designed. This comparative study, undertaken between January and September 2022, investigates similarities and differences of solid waste management in Jerera, presided by Zaka Rural District Council, and in Nyika, presided by Bikita Rural District Council. Both are located in Masvingo province, one of the country’s eight rural provinces. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to assess the existence and adequacy of solid waste management vis-à-vis regulatory and implementation arrangements. Both local authorities have no environmental action and solid waste management plans as required by law. Bikita Council, however, has better drafted but poorly implemented by-laws because of the absence of a dedicated waste management department. Zaka Council has outdated by-laws but an established waste management department, resulting in better solid waste management. Solid waste management at both centres has, however, generally been poor because of financial constraints due to a weak economic base and challenging macroeconomic conditions. Hence, better solid waste management practices are explained by solid waste governance in the centres rather than the geographical location and socio-economic status of the centres.
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