AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN ENHANCING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Waste is a prevalent issue faced by numerous countries worldwide, including Cameroon.  Cameroon with its substantial population, experiences a quite intricate waste problem (Widyarsana & Zafira, 2018). The population has a significant impact on the amount of waste produced as every individual contributes to waste generation. However, as times change, civilisations evolve, lifestyles shift, and economic levels fluctuate, the amount of waste generated has increased significantly. This waste is diverse and poses challenges for natural decomposition, hence hindering nature's ability to effectively treat it (Wahyono, 2018). Nevertheless, efficient waste management is essential to mitigate issues stemming from waste. According to Wirawan et al. (2018), a contributing reason to water pollution is the discharge of domestic wastewater from residences straight into rivers or uncontrolled land due to a lack of public knowledge regarding environmental protection. Currently, waste management efforts have been limited to urban regions, resulting in a significantly narrow scope in relation to the entire region. 

Cameroon, similar to numerous other emerging countries, has substantial obstacles in effectively handling solid waste as a result of swift urbanisation, population expansion, and inadequate infrastructure. The escalating production of solid waste has exerted significant strain on the current waste management systems, resulting in environmental deterioration, public health hazards, and a deterioration in the standard of living in urban and rural regions (Nguendo-Yongsi, 2018). Moreover, government initiatives have become a major means of improving solid waste management practices in Cameroon in response to these difficulties. The government has developed a variety of policies through several ministries and agencies with the goal of enhancing waste management systems. These policies aim to tackle many aspects of waste management, such as waste collection, transportation, treatment, recycling, and disposal. The government's dedication to environmental protection and sustainable development is shown by initiatives like as the National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) and the establishment of the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature, and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) (Tazoacha, 2018). In addition, the government has established legal frameworks, such as the Environmental Management Law, that provide recommendations for the management of solid waste. These frameworks outline the roles of local governments and private entities in waste management (Manga, 2020). Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the role of government policies in enhancing solid waste management in Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Cameroon has encountered various obstacles in the execution of government policies on the management of solid waste. An essential problem is the insufficient implementation of current legislation, leading to subpar adherence by waste producers, such as homes, businesses, and industries. Furthermore, the limited financial resources and technical capabilities at the local government level have impeded the successful implementation of waste management initiatives (Nkengla-Asi et al., 2019). 

In addition, the lack of a comprehensive and integrated waste management strategy has resulted in the widespread occurrence of illicit dumping sites, environmental contamination, and health risks, particularly in urban centres like Douala and Yaoundé. Moreover, the involvement of other stakeholders, such as commercial sector companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the public, is crucial in improving solid waste management through government policies. On the other hand, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are recognised as a possible remedy for the difficulties encountered by local governments in efficiently managing waste. By engaging private enterprises such as HYSACAM (Hygiène et Salubrité du Cameroun), NAMé Recycling among others in the collection, transportation, and recycling of waste, the government can utilise supplementary resources and knowledge, therefore enhancing the overall efficacy of waste management systems (World Bank, 2021). Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these collaborations relies on the creation of unambiguous and open regulatory structures that guarantee responsibility and fair distribution of obligations among all parties involved (Gwan & Njock, 2018).

However, government policies play a crucial role in not just enforcing regulations but also in supporting public education and awareness initiatives to support sustainable solid waste management. It is crucial to educate the public on the significance of appropriate waste disposal, recycling, and waste reduction in order to cultivate a culture of environmental accountability. Additionally, the government, in conjunction with NGOs and educational institutions, can have a crucial impact on increasing awareness and promoting changes in behaviour among citizens, which is essential for the success of waste management projects (Manga, 2020). Hence, the study seeks to assess the role of government policies in enhancing solid waste management in Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the role of government policies in enhancing solid waste management in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Evaluate the extent to which national and local government policies contribute to the improvement of solid waste management practices in Cameroon.

Assess the level of effectiveness of existing government policies in addressing the challenges of waste disposal in Cameroon.

Determine whether government policies facilitate adequate public and private sector participation in waste management.

Investigate whether government funding and resource allocation are sufficient to support and sustain effective waste management infrastructure and initiatives across Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

To what extent do national and local government policies contribute to the improvement of solid waste management practices in Cameroon?

How effective are existing government policies in addressing the challenges of waste disposal in Cameroon?

Do government policies facilitate adequate public and private sector participation in waste management?

Are government funding and resource allocation sufficient to support and sustain effective waste management infrastructure and initiatives across Cameroon?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: Government policies do not have a significant role in enhancing solid waste management in Cameroon.

Ha: Government policies have a significant role in enhancing solid waste management in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will help the government to adapt existing waste management strategies to cope with the challenges posed by changing climate conditions. Additionally, agencies and bodies responsible for waste management will benefit from insights on how climate change impacts their operations. As the study will provide them with data to improve waste management infrastructure, ensuring it can withstand climate-related challenges like increased rainfall, flooding, or temperature fluctuations.Nevertheless, the study aims to expand the existing body of knowledge on environmental studies, specifically focussing on topics such as global climate change, pollution management, gas flaring, and other related environmental challenges.

1.7 Scope of the study

This study focusses on the impact of government policies in enhancing solid waste management in Cameroon. The study aims to empirically evaluate the impact of national and local government policies on solid waste management practices. It will assess the effectiveness of existing government policies in addressing waste disposal challenges, examine the extent to which these policies promote public and private sector participation in waste management, and investigate the adequacy of government funding and resource allocation to support sustainable waste management infrastructure and initiatives in Cameroon.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to 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

Waste: Unwanted or discarded materials that are the byproducts of human activity, including household trash, industrial residues, agricultural byproducts, and hazardous substances.

Solid Waste Management: The systematic control of the generation, collection, storage, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid waste materials.

Government Policies: Laws, regulations, guidelines, and strategies established by governmental bodies aimed at managing public issues, including environmental protection and waste management.

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