AN EXAMINATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE AMONG RESIDENTS IN BAMENDA CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The process of urbanisation in Africa is advancing fast, and it is estimated that by 2050, over half of the population (55.9%) would reside in urban areas instead of rural regions (UNEP, 2018). Currently, sub-Saharan Africa produces 62 million tonnes of urban garbage annually, with an average of 0.65 kg per person per day (Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata, 2022). According to Kaza et al. (2018: 73), the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to produce three times more garbage by 2050 compared to its current production. On a global scale, the production of municipal solid waste (MSW) is steadily rising due to the rapid expansion of urban areas, population growth, and economic development (Ahmed & Ali, 2023; UNEP & ISWA, 2018). Integrated solid waste management (ISWM) is acknowledged as a crucial mechanism for enhancing environmental conditions and delivering superior quality fundamental services. Nevertheless, acquiring adequate finance for efficient waste management remains a significant obstacle for the majority of municipalities (UNEP, 2019). Despite allocating over 20% of their budget to waste management, governments are still unable to fulfil the requirements of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) (Achankeng, 2023).

Waste management involves meticulous organisation, gathering, treatment (if necessary), and disposal (Abdulredha et al., 2020). Furthermore, it entails gathering dependable and accurate data concerning the quantity of waste produced, the factors that impact the amount of garbage generated, and the forecasts for future waste generation (Godfrey et al., 2022; Salau et al., 2021; Singh et al., 2018). Therefore, it is crucial to have an effective waste disposal and management system in order to successfully achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially in creating cities that are secure, resistant, and enduring (Gunarathne et al., 2019). Nevertheless, the implementation of sustainable solid waste management remains uncommon in the majority of cities in developing nations. This is partially attributed to the people' attitudes towards trash disposal and the government's lack of provision for landfill and waste collection and disposal infrastructure. 

The advantages of waste management are manifold, encompassing improved environmental quality, pollution reduction, energy conservation, and the attainment of sustainable development (Batista et al., 2021; Ikhlayel, 2018; Ferronato et al., 2020). Waste has been repurposed as a primary resource in the construction and industrial industries. Plastics and polyethylene have been employed as additives in brick and paving constructions in numerous towns in Sub-Saharan Africa. The waste-to-energy management strategy has transformed non-recyclable garbage into thermal energy and fuel to facilitate progress (Joseph & Prasad, 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). Nevertheless, numerous semi-urban to rural cities in Cameroon have yet to embrace the advantages derived from efficient management. Consequently, waste managers should now start to investigate these innovative prospects (Salau et al., 2021).

Effective management of household garbage is a crucial matter that has a substantial influence on public health, environmental sustainability, and the general standard of living in metropolitan regions. The management of household garbage in Bamenda, a city experiencing rapid growth in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, has grown progressively difficult as a result of urbanisation, population expansion, and insufficient infrastructure. The urban growth has resulted in an increase in the volume of garbage produced, exerting strain on the current waste management infrastructure (Ndiaye et al., 2018). Historically, trash management in Bamenda, as well as other regions of Cameroon, has been marked by informal methods such as open dumping, incineration, and inconsistent waste collection. These activities have led to notable environmental and health issues, including the contamination of air and water, the transmission of diseases, and the deterioration of natural scenery (Nguyen et al., 2021). Despite the endeavours of the local government and multiple non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to enhance waste management practices, numerous households still face difficulties in correctly disposing of waste. This is primarily due to factors such as restricted availability of waste collection services, insufficient awareness, and financial limitations.

The efficacy of household trash management in Bamenda is additionally impacted by socio-economic factors, cultural dispositions towards garbage, and the extent of community engagement (Fong, 2019). The success of waste management techniques is heavily influenced by residents' attitudes of waste management, their desire to participate in trash reduction activities, and their overall awareness of the environmental repercussions of inappropriate garbage disposal (Ndiaye et al., 2018). There has been an increasing acknowledgement in recent years of the necessity for implementing more sustainable and effective waste management procedures in Bamenda. As a result, multiple initiatives have been implemented to encourage recycling, composting, and the adoption of garbage disposal technologies that are more environmentally sustainable (Okere et al., 2022). Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these endeavours primarily relies on the proactive involvement and collaboration of the inhabitants. The objective of this study is to analyse the present condition of household waste management among the inhabitants of Bamenda.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Effective management of household garbage is a crucial concern in numerous metropolitan regions, especially in swiftly expanding cities inside emerging nations. Bamenda, a prominent urban centre in the North-West Region of Cameroon, encounters substantial difficulties pertaining to the administration of domestic refuse. Due to the fast urbanisation and population growth, the amount and intricacy of trash produced by city dwellers have escalated, imposing a significant strain on the current waste management systems.

A major problem in Bamenda is the insufficient infrastructure for waste collection and disposal. The urban waste management infrastructure, encompassing the fleet of collection trucks, transfer stations, and disposal sites, frequently proves inadequate in handling the escalating quantities of waste (Nguefack et al., 2020). Insufficient garbage bins and infrequent collection services in many regions result in the need to resort to informal disposal methods, such as open dumping and waste incineration (Ekenma et al., 2019). These behaviours not only harm the environment but also provide health hazards to the people.

The inadequate handling of waste in Bamenda has substantial environmental and health consequences. The practice of openly disposing of rubbish and setting it on fire can result in the polluting of soil and water, as well as air pollution. This, in turn, can cause many health problems, including respiratory disorders and waterborne infections (Eton et al., 2022). The accumulation of waste in urban areas exacerbates the decline in the quality of life and leads to the degradation of the city's aesthetic and environmental circumstances (Chude, 2022). 

Furthermore, there is a notable worry regarding the level of public understanding regarding appropriate waste management procedures. Studies suggest that inadequate understanding of trash segregation, recycling, and the adverse environmental consequences of inappropriate garbage disposal hampers the effectiveness of waste management (Mombo et al., 2018). The problem is worsened by the lack of extensive public education and awareness initiatives, as residents may not have a complete understanding of the significance of appropriate trash management and recycling. Considering these difficulties, it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the waste management methods of Bamenda people.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically examinee Household Waste Management Among Residents in Bamenda, Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the existing methods and practices used by residents of Bamenda for managing household waste

To analyze the challenges faced by residents in managing their household waste

To investigate the role of local government and waste management services in supporting and regulating household waste management in Bamenda

To determine the effects of current household waste management practices on public health and the environment in Bamenda

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

How effective are the existing methods and practices used by residents of Bamenda for managing household waste?

What are the challenges faced by residents in managing their household waste?

What is the role of local government and waste management services in supporting and regulating household waste management in Bamenda?

What are the effects of current household waste management practices on public health and the environment in Bamenda?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: The existing methods and practices used by residents of Bamenda for managing household waste are highly ineffective.

Ha: The existing methods and practices used by residents of Bamenda for managing household waste are highly effective.

1.6 Significance of the study

An investigation into the management of household garbage among inhabitants in Bamenda, Cameroon, is of great significance due to various factors, including public health, environmental sustainability, policy formulation, and community welfare. Gaining comprehension of and effectively dealing with the obstacles in waste management can have extensive consequences on both the immediate and wider scope.

Inadequate waste management can result in significant public health concerns, such as respiratory ailments, waterborne illnesses, and infections transmitted by vectors. This study seeks to analyse existing waste management procedures and identify any deficiencies in order to offer valuable insights that can contribute to the mitigation of health hazards linked to inadequate garbage disposal. The implementation of efficient waste management strategies, based on the findings of this study, can effectively reduce these health risks and enhance the overall quality of life for the inhabitants of Bamenda.

Furthermore, inadequate management of household garbage can lead to environmental degradation by causing soil and water contamination, air pollution, and visual blight. This study aims to evaluate the ecological consequences of existing waste management practices in Bamenda, serving as a foundation for enhancing trash disposal and recycling techniques. Improving waste management procedures helps safeguard local ecosystems, mitigate pollution, and promote environmental sustainability.

Moreover, comprehending public sentiments and actions around trash management might aid in developing more efficient educational programs and ways for engaging the community. The objective of this study is to assess the extent of public knowledge regarding trash management and to identify patterns of behavior. To promote improved waste segregation, recycling, and reduction behaviors among residents, it is possible to establish specific educational efforts that address recognized knowledge gaps and misconceptions.

Moreover, the results of this study will offer useful insights to policymakers and regulatory authorities regarding the efficacy of current waste management policies and regulations in Bamenda. Identifying areas where regulations are lacking and the difficulties they present can help guide the creation of stronger policies and methods for enforcing them. Enhanced regulatory frameworks can result in improved management practices, more effective trash collection systems, and more adherence to waste management standards.

Furthermore, this study enhances the current understanding of home waste management by providing valuable data and analysis that might inform future research and academic discourse. The discoveries can lead to practical implementations and interventions, which can be beneficial to households, regulatory bodies, and local communities.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically examine Household Waste Management Among Residents in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the existing methods and practices used by residents for managing household waste in Cameroon and analyze the challenges faced by residents in managing their household waste in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on investigating the role of local government and waste management services in supporting and regulating household waste management in Cameroon and it also seeks to determine the effects of current household waste management practices on public health and the environment in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in Bamenda, Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific limitations that are intrinsic to all human actions. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on an analysis of household waste management among residents in Bamenda, Cameroon. Hence, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to ascertain the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical coverage, principally centered on Bamenda, Cameroon. Hence, the ability to apply the conclusions of this study to a wider context is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restrictions were predominantly a result of financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the study site presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while concurrently completing the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Household waste: Household waste means any solid or liquid material normally generated by the family in a residence in the course of ordinary day-to-day living, including but not limited to garbage, paper products, rags, leaves and garden trash.

Household waste management: Household waste management refers to the process of properly handling and disposing of waste generated by households, including organic waste, paper, plastic, and metal.

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