A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AS A TOOL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The term "environment" encompasses not only the physical place where life exists, but also includes live organisms, objects, water, soil, air, and the interactions between them, as well as intangible elements such as culture. However, the ecosystem can be exploited when corrupt elements are placed into it. Sanchez (2022). Environmental protection refers to the act of safeguarding the natural environment via the efforts of individuals, groups, and governments (John et al., 2017). The primary goals of this initiative are to preserve and protect natural resources and the current natural environment. Additionally, efforts will be made to restore any harm that has occurred and reverse negative trends. Jiang (2022) argues that waste management is a significant method for safeguarding the environment on a worldwide scale. The matter of waste management has been a significant concern for both industrialised and developing nations. The global environmental issues are immense. However, the most significant and concerning issue in developing nations such as Cameroon is the physical environment, specifically the inadequate sanitation and widespread environmental disorder in our urban areas and villages (Asake et al., 2019).

According to Chen (2019), waste is any material that is considered to be scrap, an effluent, or an unwanted surplus substance that requires disposal. Waste can be defined as substances or items that are considered to have no value, are undesired, or are flawed in the context of manufacturing and production processes (Oyediran, 2022). Waste can exist in the forms of solids, liquids, or gases, and each form requires distinct strategies for removal and treatment. trash management include the handling and disposal of various types of trash, such as industrial, biological, household, municipal, organic, biomedical, and radioactive wastes. Waste can potentially endanger human health in certain instances (Chris et al., 2017). The entire process of waste management is linked to health concerns. Health problems can happen either directly or indirectly. Directly, they can result from the handling of solid waste. Indirectly, they can occur through the ingestion of water, soil, and food (Basil, 2020). Human activity generates waste, such as the extraction and processing of basic resources. The purpose of waste management is to mitigate the detrimental impacts of waste on human health, the environment, planetary resources, and aesthetics (Ekpenyong, 2022).

Waste management encompasses the procedures and measures necessary to handle waste from its creation to its ultimate disposal (Chris et al., 2017). This encompasses the entire process of gathering, moving, processing, and getting rid of garbage, along with overseeing and controlling the waste management procedure and the laws, technology, and economic systems associated with waste. The objective of waste management is to mitigate the detrimental impacts of such garbage on the environment and human well-being (Cole, 2022). Municipal solid waste, generated by industrial, commercial, and domestic activities, constitutes a significant aspect of waste management (Kalou, 2017). Waste management techniques vary between countries, regions, and industries. Developed and developing nations, as well as urban and rural locations, may adopt diverse approaches to waste management (Timi, 2020).

Effective waste management is crucial for the development of sustainable and habitable cities, although it continues to pose a significant obstacle for numerous developing countries and urban areas (Eze, 2023). According to a report by Bankole (2018), good waste management is relatively costly, typically accounting for 20%–50% of municipal budgets. Efficient, ecological, and socially supported integrated systems are required to operate this crucial municipal service. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a significant proportion of waste management methods, encompassing the majority of garbage generated by households, industries, and commercial operations (Charles et al., 2022). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2022) predicts that municipal solid waste is projected to reach around 3.4 gigatonnes by 2050. Nonetheless, the implementation of policies and legislation has the potential to decrease garbage generation in various regions and cities worldwide. Waste management strategies encompass integrated techno-economic processes of a circular economy, efficient disposal facilities, export and import regulation, and optimal sustainable design of products (Gollakota, 2020; Anjani, 2020; Garry et al., 2018).

Efficient trash management plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment, especially in emerging nations such as Cameroon. The country faces substantial difficulties in garbage management due to growing urbanisation and population expansion. Efficient waste management strategies are crucial for reducing the adverse effects of trash on the environment, public health, and overall well-being (Gyang, 2019). The generation of solid waste in Cameroon has been increasing, and this, combined with the lack of proper waste management infrastructure, has worsened environmental deterioration. As a result, there are significant threats to ecosystems and human health. The amount of waste produced in urban places like Douala and Yaoundé has significantly increased as a result of heightened consumption patterns and industrial operations (Dan, 2022). Njoh's (2020) analysis reveals that metropolitan areas in Cameroon generate around 4.3 million tonnes of solid trash each year, with more than 50% of this waste being inadequately handled. The incorrect disposal of garbage, which encompasses activities like as unlawful dumping, open burning, and unmanaged landfills, has resulted in substantial environmental issues. These include air and water pollution, soil contamination, and the depletion of biodiversity (Tchobanoglous, 2019).

The Cameroonian government has implemented several regulations and measures to enhance waste management techniques, acknowledging its significance in environmental protection. The National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) and the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) are frameworks specifically created to tackle the waste management issues in the country. Nevertheless, the execution of these policies has been hindered by several issues, such as inadequate finance, ineffective enforcement mechanisms, and limited public awareness and engagement (Fonjong, 2021). Considering the crucial importance of waste management in protecting the environment, it is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation that analyses the current status of waste management methods in Cameroon and evaluates their efficacy in preserving the environment.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Cameroon is seeing a substantial increase in waste production due to the rapid expansion of urban populations, together with the escalation of industrial activities and shifts in consumer habits (Njoh, 2020). Notwithstanding the numerous endeavors made by the government and stakeholders to effectively handle trash, the existing waste management systems continue to be insufficient, leading to significant environmental deterioration and threats to public health. The inappropriate handling of solid waste, such as illegal dumping, open burning, and unregulated landfills, has resulted in the contamination of air and water, as well as soil pollution and the depletion of biodiversity (Tchobanoglous, 2019).

The difficulties associated with garbage management extend beyond metropolitan regions. In rural areas, the absence of established waste management systems worsens the issue, as open dumping and burning are frequently seen activities (Mbue & Mbah, 2018). These behaviours not only cause harm to the natural environment but also pose a threat to the health and livelihoods of local residents. Moreover, the detrimental effects of inadequate waste management on the environment are clearly demonstrated by the increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions originating from waste disposal facilities, which significantly contribute to climate change (Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata, 2012).

The Cameroonian government's endeavors to tackle these concerns, via initiatives like the National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) and the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS), have encountered substantial obstacles in their execution. These factors comprise inadequate financial resources, ineffective implementation procedures, and limited public knowledge and engagement (Fonjong, 2021). Consequently, the country has not completely experienced the positive environmental outcomes of these regulations, and garbage remains a significant environmental peril.

Considering the crucial importance of efficient waste management in safeguarding the environment, it is imperative to conduct a thorough assessment of the existing waste management methods in Cameroon. The issue at hand is the persistent deterioration of the environment in Cameroon due to insufficient waste management procedures. This problem hampers the progress towards achieving sustainable development and environmental preservation. This study aims to analyze waste management as a means of protecting the environment in Cameroon. It strives to provide a thorough examination of the subject in order to inform the development of more effective policies and practices that can reduce the environmental effects of trash.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate Waste Management as a Tool for Environmental Protection in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the current state of waste management practices in Cameroon

To analyze the environmental impact of waste management practices in Cameroon.

To evaluate the effectiveness of current waste management policies and regulations in Cameroon

To identify the barriers to effective waste management in Cameroon

To propose recommendations for improving waste management as a tool for environmental protection 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 waste management practices in urban and rural areas of Cameroon?

What is the environmental impact of existing waste management practices in Cameroon?

How effective are the current waste management policies and regulations in Cameroon in promoting sustainable waste management practices?

What are the barriers to implementing effective waste management strategies in Cameroon?

What strategies can be recommended to improve waste management practices and enhance their role in environmental protection 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: Existing waste management practices in Cameroon has no significant impact on the environment.

Ha: Existing waste management practices in Cameroon has significant impact on the environment.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study is noteworthy because to its capacity to revolutionize waste management techniques and bolster environmental conservation efforts in Cameroon. The study intends to facilitate improvements in waste management systems by conducting a comprehensive examination, identifying significant problems, and assessing the environmental repercussions. These improvements will have positive effects on both the environment and public health.

Efficient waste management is essential for mitigating pollution and minimizing the adverse environmental consequences of garbage. This study aims to identify deficiencies in existing practices and suggest enhancements that can improve the quality of soil, water, and air, therefore making a valuable contribution to a more sustainable ecosystem. The research aims to advance sustainable waste management practices by showcasing effective tactics and technologies that may be implemented or expanded to enhance the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.

Moreover, the study will identify crucial obstacles and limitations in the existing waste management system, such as restrictions in infrastructure and financial limitations, which will serve as a foundation for focused solutions. The study will assess current laws and regulatory frameworks to provide suggestions for policy reforms and infrastructural enhancements, which would facilitate the implementation of more efficient waste management systems.

Furthermore, implementing effective waste management practices can greatly mitigate health hazards linked to pollution caused by trash, including respiratory and waterborne illnesses. The study's results will aid in developing measures to reduce these hazards and enhance public health outcomes. The research aims to enhance public understanding of the correlation between waste management and public health, hence promoting community engagement and endorsement of improved waste management methods.

Moreover, this project will enhance the existing knowledge on waste management and environmental protection by addressing research gaps and generating significant data for future studies. The results can function as an instructional tool for students, researchers, and professionals in the areas of environmental science and waste management.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate Waste Management as a Tool for Environmental Protection in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to assess the current state of waste management practices in Cameroon, analyze the environmental impact of waste management practices in Cameroon and evaluate the effectiveness of current waste management policies and regulations in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on identify the barriers to effective waste management in Cameroon and it also seeks to propose recommendations for improving waste management as a tool for environmental protection in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in 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 limited availability of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the scarcity of data about A Comprehensive Study of Waste Management as a Tool for Environmental Protection in Cameroon. Consequently, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to choose the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical range, particularly concentrating on Cameroon. Consequently, the ability to apply the results of this study to a wider population is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the difficulties faced by the researcher were mostly 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 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.

Environmental protection: Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, groups and governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural environment and, where it is possible, to repair damage and reverse trends.