THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON SEWAGE DISPOSAL PRACTICES IN DOUALA, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Sewage is the term used to describe the water that has been utilised by a community or industry and contains both dissolved and suspended particles (American Society of Civil Engineers, 2018). The terms sewage and wastewater are used interchangeably in this study. The conduits via which the effluent is transported are commonly known as sewers. Sewage or wastewater refers to the water that has been utilised and contaminated with waste materials in a community, and is transported through drains and sewers. Sewage is generated by residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial facilities. Raw sewage comprises the liquid waste from various sources in a household, such as toilets, baths, showers, kitchens, and sinks, which is discharged through sewers. Sewage in numerous regions encompasses liquid effluents from both industry and commerce (Wise, 2019). 

Additionally, urbanisation is causing the world to shift towards urban agglomeration. As a result, the amount of sewage, a significant by-product of urban living, is increasing at a faster pace than urbanisation itself (Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata, 2018). This suggests that solid waste generation is projected to double by 2025. There is a positive correlation between income level and rate of urbanisation, and the amount of wastewater produced increases accordingly (World Bank, 2021). Hoornweg and Bhada-Tata (2018) state that the current global urban solid waste generation is around 1.3 billion metric tonnes per year. This is projected to rise to approximately 2.2 billion metric tonnes per year by 2025. This represents a substantial increase in per capita waste generation rates, from 1.2 to 1.42 kilogrammes per person per day, over the next fifteen years. Nevertheless, worldwide averages serve as general approximations, given that rates exhibit significant variations across regions, countries, cities, and even within cities. Sewage generation rates vary across countries and cities due to several reasons (Tassie Wegedie, 2018; Kolekar et al., 2018). The factors that affect the formation and composition of waste vary in different locations of the world due to differences in local variables such as climate, level of living, technology, customs, and culture (Chikowore, 2021; Darban & Hajilo, 2019). Culture serves as the overarching framework in which all human actions occur. It has a significant impact on various aspects of society, including the production of garbage (Purcell & Magette, 2020). The importance of culture implies that numerous social activities and societal conditions are connected to cultural factors, therefore highlighting the function of culture in the production of solid waste (Ajani & Sunday, 2021). It is crucial to comprehend the relationship between socio-cultural elements and solid waste, as they have enduring impacts on future generations. 

The impact of society and culture on  sewage generation is more significant than other economic factors such as income and education. This is primarily because it is challenging to accurately estimate the income of people (Mohd et al., 2022). The correlation between socio-cultural elements and solid waste creation is primarily determined by household attitudes, family size, lifestyle, and indigenous knowledge regarding the optimal utilisation of materials (Darban & Hajilo, 2019). The variation in composition of garbage, both between countries and within a country, can be attributed to variances in geography, economics, and waste management regulations (AbdelShafy & Mansour, 2018; Kolekar et al., 2019). Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors on sewage disposal practices in Douala, Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Human activities have significantly contributed to the contamination, depletion, pollution, and shortage of water and its resources, resulting in the generation of wastewater, often referred to as sewage (Butu and Mshelia, 2018; Audrey, 2019). The wastewater is being disposed of in the environment without any consideration, which can have detrimental consequences on both the environment and human health. Additionally, this can also impact socioeconomic activity, particularly for individuals residing in metropolitan areas. The urban wastewater volume is escalating as a result of rapid population growth, industrial development, global integration, urban expansion, and armed conflicts. Furthermore, the accumulation of wealth and the adoption of more extravagant lifestyles have led to the generation of substantial quantities of pollutants and contaminants. These substances are frequently disposed of without undergoing any form of treatment, being released into canals, drainages, open fields, streams, and rivers. This lack of treatment has significant negative impacts on both the environmental quality and the socioeconomic activities of human beings. Wastewater is produced by various sources such as enterprises, residences, workplaces, marketplaces, and institutions. However, the issue lies in the proper disposal of this wastewater (UNWater, 2018; WHO 2018; Udiba et al., 2018; Akan et al., 2019). According to a report by UN-Waters in 2019, over two million tonnes of sewage, industrial, and agricultural waste are being released into water bodies worldwide. This figure does not even account for the unregulated or illegal discharge of polluted water into rivers, streams, and other water channels. 

In Douala, wastewater is immediately released into rivers and streams, as well as onto open land, in the spaces between buildings or narrow streets, and on unoccupied plots. This results in the formation of stagnant water ponds that emit a strong unpleasant odour (Nabegu 2020; Mshelia et al., 2020; 2021). The Wouri River, via Douala, serves as a significant recipient of wastewater. The discharge of wastewater pollutes freshwater sources and disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, posing risks to socioeconomic activity, food security, and the availability of safe drinking and bathing water. Additionally, it presents a significant problem for health and environmental management (Rafeay, 2013). 

Prior research in Cameroon has primarily examined the technical aspects of waste management, including collection, treatment, disposal practices, and their environmental consequences (Vermande and Ngnikam, 2019;Ngnikam, 2020). Additionally, there has been some investigation into the legislative and regulatory aspects of waste management (Manga et al., 2018). However, there has been limited focus on the financial aspects of solid waste management. While, HYSACAM, Cameroon's solid waste management organisation, has consistently contributed significantly to the effective waste management and the promotion of a healthy environment for everyone. However, it currently has limitations in accessing certain areas of big cities because to the absence of proper access roads. This results in haphazard trash disposal and the buildup of waste, which then forms sewage during rainfall. Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors on sewage disposal practices in Douala, Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors on sewage disposal practices in Douala, Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Examine the role of income levels in shaping sewage disposal practices in Douala.

Investigate the impact of educational background on household sewage disposal methods in Douala.

Assess the influence of housing conditions on sewage management practices in Douala.

Assess whether there is a relationship between occupational status and the adoption of proper sewage disposal techniques in Douala.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the role of income levels in shaping sewage disposal practices in Douala?

How does educational background impact household sewage disposal methods in Douala?

What is the influence of housing conditions on sewage management practices in Douala?

Is there a relationship between occupational status and the adoption of proper sewage disposal techniques in Douala?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: Socioeconomic factors have no significant influence on sewage disposal practices in Douala, Cameroon.

Ha: Socioeconomic factors have a significant influence on sewage disposal practices in Douala, Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study has significant value for public health officials tasked with overseeing and reducing health hazards in urban areas. The research will provide insights into how different socioeconomic factors contribute to poor sewage disposal, which can lead to the spread of diseases. However, this study holds great importance for public health officials tasked with overseeing and reducing health hazards in metropolitan regions.

Additionally, the study holds great importance for scholars and researchers in the disciplines of public health, urban studies, environmental science, and sociology. This study will also enhance the existing academic literature on the correlation between socioeconomic conditions and environmental practices, with a specific focus on developing countries.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the influence of socioeconomic factors on sewage disposal practices in Douala, Cameroon. Empirically, the study will examine the role of income levels in shaping sewage disposal practices, investigate the impact of educational background on household sewage disposal methods, assess the influence of housing conditions on sewage management practices and assess whether there is a relationship between occupational status and the adoption of proper sewage disposal techniques in Douala.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of  Douala, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Sewage: Wastewater that is generated from households, industries, and commercial establishments, typically containing a mix of human waste, water, food scraps, chemicals, and other waste products.

Sewage disposal: The process of managing and eliminating wastewater and human waste from households, industries, and other facilities.

Socioeconomic: includes income, education, occupation, and access to resources, which collectively influence an individual's or community's quality of life and opportunities.

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