ASSESSING THE STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

On a global scale, societies are generating and disposing of larger quantities of solid waste, encompassing urban, industrial, and agricultural garbage. In the absence of sustainable management, these wastes present substantial threats to public health, do harm to the environment, and give rise to socio-economic problems. (Abu-Qdais & Kurbatova, 2022) Hence, rules ought to endorse sustainable behaviours, such as the reduction, reuse, and recycling of solid waste.  Efficient management of solid waste is crucial for establishing sustainable, health-conscious, and environmentally friendly urban areas and communities. The citation "(Shaban et al., 2022)" refers to a publication by Shaban and colleagues in the year 2022. In developing nations, just a fraction of the municipal solid trash is properly disposed of, while the remainder is either left on the streets or dumped in open landfills. The increase in the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses a significant challenge, especially for developing countries. Inadequate management of municipal solid waste (MSW) also leads to a rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. (Li et al., 2017)

Currently, it is crucial to establish an efficient and environmentally-friendly system for managing solid waste in order to mitigate global dangers to both the environment and public health (Ball 2019). In contrast, certain developing countries have implemented more effective methods of implementing sustainable waste management that are well organised, established, and operational. Waste management practices in nations such as Cameroon exhibit significant variations. For example, there is a lack of methods for handling waste management issues such as collection, recovery, and disposal in the country. This scarcity makes it challenging to analyse and evaluate the immediate solution or compare its effectiveness with other countries (Gabriel et al., 2019). Efforts to improve the efficiency of solid waste management involve various stakeholders, including waste generators, waste processors, private and public sectors, formal and informal sectors, parastatals financial bodies, and other institutions such as Non-Governmental Organisations. Each of these stakeholders plays a crucial role in establishing stable systems and services for sustainable waste management, ultimately leading to optimal outcomes (Band et al., 2021; Palczynski, 2022).

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses a significant challenge in the majority of developing nations. The growing urban population presents significant obstacles to municipalities in providing municipal solid waste (MSW) management services. These municipalities face financial constraints, lack institutional organisation and motivation, possess inadequate waste collection equipment, and suffer from a lack of urban planning (Ngnikam, 2022). Inadequate management of municipal solid waste (MSW) also has a direct impact on environmental sanitation (Mensah, 2018; Rouse, 2019). According to a study conducted in Cuba (Mosler et al., 2017), effective management of municipal solid waste (MSW) requires specific focus on disease control. For instance, the cholera outbreak in 2004 in Douala prompted concerns about the sufficiency of sanitary facilities in major urban areas. In Cameroon, the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is made worse by the ongoing increase in population and the dominant presence of the informal sector, which contributes to over 50% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Doublier, 2023; Rotich et al., 2020). Multiple non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) work in the collection and recycling sector, alongside the official operator, Hygiene et Salubrité du Cameroun (HYSACAM), in the two main cities of the country, Douala and Yaoundé (Touradet al., 2023).

In Cameroon, both public and private operators, including local NGOs and CBOs, have similar challenges in terms of finance, institutional structure, and technological issues, which is consistent with the situation in other developing nations (Mosler et al., 2017; Henry et al., 2019). Thorough knowledge and careful planning are essential for effective management of municipal solid waste (MSW). African developers must address the effective operation of public services and the enduring presence of an informal sector, which cannot be disregarded. Nevertheless, the government is progressively considering waste collection in urban planning. Furthermore, there is currently funding specifically allocated to urban planning and good governance for urban development. This cash is made accessible through the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) program, which is carried out by the international monetary fund (IMF) and the World Bank (Martin, 2019).

Considering these difficulties, it is crucial to evaluate and improve the approaches to handling and disposing of solid waste in Cameroon. The objective of this study is to assess the current waste management methods, identify any shortcomings and obstacles, and provide sustainable approaches to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of municipal solid waste management (MSWM). The study aims to contribute to the improvement of waste management in Cameroon by addressing these challenges. It intends to establish a stronger and more resilient waste management system that can reduce the negative impact of garbage on the environment and public health. Additionally, it aims to promote sustainable urban development in the country.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Cameroon encounters substantial obstacles that impede the efficient handling of garbage in urban regions. The rapid process of urbanisation, along with population expansion and economic development, has resulted in a significant rise in the production of municipal solid waste (MSW) (Ewoko, 2017). Nevertheless, the current waste management systems have failed to keep up with these developments, leading to extensive inefficiencies and detrimental effects on public health, the environment, and the overall quality of urban life.

An essential problem is the insufficient garbage collection and disposal infrastructure (Chati, 2023). Insufficient waste collection services in numerous towns result in the accumulation of waste in public places, streets, and rivers. These conditions not only result in a visually unappealing and unclean environment, but they also present significant health hazards. The accumulation of garbage attracts disease-carrying organisms like rats and insects, which in turn contribute to the transmission of communicable diseases (Chati, 2023; Ngnikam, 2019). In addition, the absence of adequate waste disposal infrastructure, such as sanitary landfills and waste treatment facilities, has resulted in the widespread practice of open dumping and unregulated incineration of trash (Vermande, 2018). These activities lead to substantial environmental deterioration, such as the polluting of soil and water, the emission of air pollutants, and the release of greenhouse gases (Ngnikam, 2019). The lack of efficient recycling and trash recovery systems worsens the situation by causing the loss of valuable materials that could otherwise be reused or recycled (Wilson, 2020).

Mbiye et al., 2021 argue that institutional and regulatory issues are also significant factors in the situation. Municipal authorities frequently face a shortage of financial resources, technical skills, and regulatory frameworks required to successfully implement and enforce efficient waste management programs. The lack of effective coordination among various levels of government and other stakeholders frequently results in fragmented and incongruous waste management endeavours (Nduma, 2023). Furthermore, there is a widespread lack of public awareness and involvement in waste management operations, which hampers the effectiveness of efforts to decrease trash production and encourage sustainable waste practices (Manasseh, 2021).

Considering these difficulties, it is imperative to evaluate the existing approaches of handling municipal solid waste in Cameroon and pinpoint appropriate ideas to improve the system. The issue stems from the inadequacy of current waste management systems to handle the increasing garbage production, resulting in harmful effects on human health, the environment, and urban development.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically Assess the Strategies for Enhancing Municipal Solid Waste Management in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess existing waste management systems and practices in various municipalities across Cameroon

To identify the role of community participation and public awareness in waste management in Cameroon

To assess the financial mechanisms supporting waste management in Cameroon

To evaluate existing policies and regulations governing waste management in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

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

What are the current practices of medical waste management in healthcare facilities across Cameroon?

What is the role of community participation and public awareness in waste management in Cameroon?

What are the financial mechanisms supporting municipal solid waste management in Cameroon?

What are the gaps in the existing policy and regulatory frameworks related to municipal solid waste management in Cameroon?

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 current municipal solid waste management practices in Cameroon are inadequate.

Ha: The current municipal solid waste management practices in Cameroon are adequate.

1.6 Significance of the study

The value of this study rests in its capacity to catalyse beneficial transformations in environmental, health, economic, and social aspects. It achieves this by offering practical insights and recommendations for enhancing the management of municipal solid waste in Cameroon.

Implementing efficient waste management systems can effectively reduce pollution by assuring the proper sorting, treatment, and disposal of trash. This can result in enhanced air and water quality and less environmental deterioration. Enhancing waste management techniques aids sustainable development through the promotion of recycling, reduction of landfill utilisation, and mitigation of detrimental waste disposal methods.

In addition, effective waste management mitigates the potential health risks that arise from inappropriate garbage disposal, including the transmission of diseases, pollution of water sources, and exposure to toxic substances. Improved waste systems that are cleaner and more efficiently handled have a positive impact on the quality of living environments, leading to a decrease in the occurrence of diseases associated with inadequate sanitation and waste management.

Furthermore, implementing effective waste management practices can lead to decreased expenses associated with waste collection, transportation, and disposal. Additionally, it has the potential to generate cash through the implementation of recycling initiatives and waste-to-energy projects. Introducing improved waste management practices can generate employment prospects in sectors such as waste collection, sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy technologies. Improving waste management procedures leads to a better quality of life by decreasing environmental risks and enhancing public areas. Efficient waste management systems may guarantee that all communities, especially marginalised and low-income areas, are provided with adequate waste management services.

Furthermore, the study offers significant perspectives on existing difficulties and deficiencies in the waste management system, empowering policymakers to develop policies that are more efficient and focused. Analyse the shortcomings in current regulations and suggest enhancements to enhance governance and ensure more effective enforcement and compliance.

In addition, the study will provide useful data to the current body of research on evaluating strategies to improve municipal solid waste management in Cameroon and similar contexts. The findings may identify certain areas that want further examination, providing direction for future research endeavors in the domain of waste management and waste practices.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically Assess the Strategies for Enhancing Municipal Solid Waste Management in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to assess existing waste management systems and practices in various municipalities across Cameroon and identify the role of community participation and public awareness in waste management in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the financial mechanisms supporting waste management in Cameroon and it also seeks to evaluate existing policies and regulations governing waste management in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific minor limitations, which are typical in every human activity. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on Evaluating the Approaches to Improve Municipal Solid Waste Management in 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 geographic range, specifically concentrating on Cameroon. Hence, the ability to extend the conclusions of this study to a wider scope is limited, emphasizing the necessity for more research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's shortcomings were mostly attributed to financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the research 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 meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Solid waste: solid waste" means any garbage or refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities.

Solid waste management: The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes. In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from different sources and are disposed of. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste.