AN ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING IN LIMBE, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The term "waste" refers to a form of trash or refuse that is typically comprised of commonplace goods that are abandoned by the general public, with the specifics of waste varying from country to country. The definition of waste, on the other hand, shifts dramatically over time and can encompass a wide range of items, including non-durable goods, plastic containers and packaging, food wastes and yard trimmings, as well as various inorganic wastes. On the basis of their composition, they are categorised as follows: biodegradable wastes (such as food and kitchen trash, green waste), recyclable wastes (such as glass, bottles, plastics, and metals), electrical wastes (such as electrical appliances, televisions, and computers), hazardous wastes (such as paints, chemicals, and light bulbs), and toxic wastes (such as pesticides and herbicides). Furthermore, the United States of America has devised four hierarchy ranking techniques for waste management based on environmental friendliness, ranging from the most favoured methods to the least preferred methods. According to  Alebiosu (2018), these strategies are ranked from most preferred to least liked. Treatment and disposal are also included in this category. Source reduction and reuse, recycling or composting, energy recovery, and recycling are all mentioned. 

Waste management entails procedures in collecting, keeping, treating, and disposing waste in a way that it becomes harmless to living organisms (Atsegbua, 2023). It can also be seen as systematic dumping and channelling of waste through landfills or pathways to ensure that they are disposed off with regard to safeguard public health. In Cameroon, as well as in the majority of other underdeveloped countries, waste cannot be considered without include human and animal excreta, as well as sharp hospital equipment from patent pharmaceutical stores and drug users. A number of factors may be responsible for this, including the lack of discipline among other residents, the absence of bathroom facilities in a number of residences, and the lack of professionalism in the management and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). 

However, Sridhar et al. 2(019) asserts that waste management in underdeveloped nations is lax for a variety of reasons, including neglect on the part of environmental stakeholders, which leads to inadequate funding for sanitary agencies and a lack of organisation. It is possible that low collection coverage, inconsistency in the collection process, indecency in dumping, uncontrolled environmental pollution, indiscriminate waste picking, scavenging by domesticated animals, and breeding of flies and other disease vectors are some of the challenges that are associated with the management of indiscriminate dumping in developing countries (Wahyono, 2018). According to Oresanya (2021), it has been demonstrated that more than thirty-three to sixty-six percent of the municipal solid garbage that is produced in the cities of developing countries is not collected. The remains, which are typically combined with human and animal waste, are then thrown along roadways and drainages, which results in floods, the nesting of insects that act as vectors, and rodents, which in turn leads to the spread of illness across the community. When municipal solid waste is not managed properly, it can lead to contamination of the air, water, and land, which can have negative effects on public health. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess of the health implications of indiscriminate dumping in Limbe, Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Health is wealth and good environment begets good health whereas dirty environment begets unhealthy situation thereby leading to different kinds of diseases which could affect people wellbeing. However, indiscriminate dumping is a major problem of environmental degradation that presents health hazards to humans, animals, and the ecosystem. Although there have been worldwide attempts to effectively handle solid waste, a significant amount of rubbish is still being irresponsibly dumped, particularly in African countries. In Cameroon, the act of disposing waste without any regard for its impact poses a significant threat to the environment and the health of people. This is evident from the presence of untreated waste on the streets and other parts of the country, as reported by Nnatu in 2018. 

In addition, the management of this waste is gradually becoming a major challenge in developing countries as a result of industrialization, urbanization and the increasing human and animal populations. The increasing demand for food and other life essentials arising from the increasing global population results in increased amount of waste which are not adequately managed in Cameroon resulting in the contamination of air, water and soil. These environmental contaminations pose serious public health threats.  While Cameroon's waste management authorities are now grappling with pressing difficulties such as a lack of comprehensive waste disposal education, ineffective waste management procedures, and the widespread existence of unregulated dumping sites. Though there is no consolidated data on municipal solid waste management in Cameroon, scanty reports have been documented by individual workers in some urban cities. Therefore, this study seeks to assess of the health implications of indiscriminate dumping in Limbe, Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess of the health implications of indiscriminate dumping in Limbe, Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Determine the extent to which indiscriminate dumping contributes to the spread of vector-borne diseases in Cameroon.

Determine the level of air pollution caused by decomposing waste in indiscriminate dumping sites

Investigate the waste management strategies to mitigate the health risks associated with indiscriminate dumping in Limbe.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

To what extent does indiscriminate dumping contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases in Cameroon?

What is the level of air pollution caused by decomposing waste in indiscriminate dumping sites?

What waste management strategies can be use to mitigate the health risks associated with indiscriminate dumping in Limbe?

1.5Research Hypotheses

H0: Indiscriminate dumping has no significant health implications in Limbe, Cameroon.

Ha: Indiscriminate dumping has significant health implications in Limbe, Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Government agencies tasked with waste management and environmental protection will gain valuable knowledge on the detrimental effects of inappropriate waste disposal on public health. This research will provide them with information to enhance waste management strategies, enhance sanitary practices, and execute efficient steps to forestall the dissemination of waste-related diseases.

Additionally, this research will be utilised by community health workers and non-governmental organisations in the field of public health and sanitation to improve and strengthen their programs. Based on the study's findings, they have the ability to develop targeted health promotion efforts such as educational campaigns, health exams, and community engagement programs. Moreover, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on assess of the health implications of indiscriminate dumping in Limbe, Cameroon. Empirically, the study will determine the extent to which indiscriminate dumping contributes to the spread of vector-borne diseases, determine the level of air pollution caused by decomposing waste in indiscriminate dumping sites and investigate the waste management strategies to mitigate the health risks associated with indiscriminate dumping in Limbe.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of Limbe, 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 generated from various sources, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities.

Indiscriminate Dumping: The improper disposal of waste materials in unauthorized or unregulated areas, such as streets, open fields, or water bodies.

Health: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.