It deals with the method of selecting items to be observed for the given study in order to make the research result more accurate and reliable. The researcher needs to design sampling in order to choose representative and more manageable number of study units from the concerned population. The designed research population, sample frame, sample unit and sampling techniques were used in this study are explained as follows 3.4.1 PopulationA population is a group of individuals, objects, or items from among which samples are taken for measurement (Singh, 2007).
The target populations of the study include the main responsible bodies that are expected to play a vital role in solid waste management in Mekane Selam town. These bodies included: 2 sampled kebeles residents that means kebele 01 and kebele 04 with 3507 total residents. These respondents helped to collect sufficient information on the existing practices and challenges of solid waste management.3.4.2 Sampling FrameThe sample frame includes purposely selected two kebele residents, the town urban development house and construction sector leaders, two selected kebele executive leaders, health extension workers, sanitation and beautification workers, hospital and health center managers has been used as sampling frame where by their list is available at the kebele office.3.
4.3 Sample UnitThe sample unit of this study is selected Mekane Selam Town and kebele administration leaders, kebele residents concerned in SWM activities, sanitation and beautification workers, health extension workers, hospital and health center managers.3.4.4 Sampling Techniques In this study both probability and none probability sampling technique were used. Mekane Selam town has 5 keble’s and it is classified under two clusters i.
e. cluster one (01, 03, 05 kebeles) cluster two (02, 04 kebel). In order to make sample proportion from each cluster the researcher used purposive samplings by taking predominantly potential solid waste disposal kebeles as well as comprises large populations3.4.5 Sampling size The researcher employed both probability and non-probability sampling techniques and applied two or more sampling techniques according to the nature of the heterogeneity of the population and the type data source. There for from probability sampling techniques Simple random sampling was used to collect questionnaire from residents.
On the other hand, the researcher were carried out non-probability sampling techniques with purposive techniques to get valid information from sanitation and beautification workers, executive kebele leaders, hospital and health center managers, urban development house and construction sector leaders and health extension workers by applying data gathering tool interview and focus group discussion (FGD).
