INVESTIGATING THE SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Waste is defined as solid or semi-solid items that are dumped by their original owner. These materials may or may not be helpful to others, but they can become a nuisance to public health and the environment if they are not properly disposed (Wokekoro et al., 2019). Waste creation is a continuous component of human daily activity. The uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in Cameroon has been increasing due to the growing urban population and urbanisation (Jimoh et al., 2018). In recent decades, environmental concerns have emerged as a worldwide problem, with the detrimental effects of inadequate waste management techniques posing a substantial obstacle to society globally (Mohammed & Elias, 2018; Ichinose et al., 2021). Inadequate waste management practices, such as uncontrolled dumping, have resulted in environmental deterioration, presenting significant risks to the health and welfare of individuals and communities (Chu, 2021). Despite worldwide attempts to effectively handle solid waste, uncontrolled dumping remains a significant cause of environmental deterioration, especially in developing nations, with African countries seeing a substantial impact (Ozoh et al., 2021). In Cameroon, a developing country, the task of handling solid waste is made more difficult by factors such as rapid population expansion, escalating urbanisation, poverty, and little government assistance (Zafar, 2023). Urbanisation, population expansion, industrialisation, and trash generation are directly correlated. Douala, a rapidly expanding metropolitan hub in Cameroon, is confronted with substantial obstacles in efficiently managing its solid waste, since the problem of indiscriminate dumping is becoming more widespread. Engaging in this activity can result in significant ecological and medical repercussions, such as the pollution of water, soil, and air, as well as the transmission of infections (Ozoh et al., 2021). Indiscriminate dumping is considered a "wicked act" due to its intricate nature, involving persistent and unresolved concerns, as well as issues related to rights and legality (Niyobuhungiro & Schenck, 2021). 

In addition, the uncontrolled disposal of garbage, which is a significant contributor to inadequate waste management, results in many types of environmental contamination in communities. This leads to cities globally spending millions of dollars each year on cleaning up the pollution (Onifade & Nwabotu, 2018). The continuous growth of urban populations results in elevated rates of waste generation and consequently, greater indiscriminate disposal of solid waste. This contributes to environmental issues including water, soil, and air pollution, as well as blocked water drains that lead to flooding and water stagnation in drainage systems. Additionally, the accumulation of waste fosters the spread of water-borne diseases like cholera and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue (Ozoh et al., 2021). Urban areas frequently see a growth in population density and economic activity as they expand, resulting in a rise in the production of trash (Talla et al., 2020). The rapidly growing urban population, combined with insufficient waste management infrastructure, intensifies the difficulty of successfully managing solid waste. In urban areas such as Douala and Yaoundé, the rapid increase in population and enterprises has exceeded the construction of essential waste management infrastructure. As a consequence, there has been a rise in the number of informal dumping sites and an increase in the improper disposal of waste in unauthorised areas (Nguendo-Yongsi, 2018).

Despite the fact that a significant number of Cameroonians live below the poverty threshold, their capacity to receive essential services, such as garbage disposal, is greatly impacted. Impoverished families frequently have a shortage of funds to cover the costs of official waste collection services and may consequently engage in illicit waste disposal as a result of the unavailability of economical or easily accessible waste management alternatives (Manga, 2020). The economic limitation generates a loop in which waste management is given less importance by individuals who are facing difficulties in fulfilling their basic needs. This, in turn, results in additional deterioration of the environment and increased hazards to public health.In addition, there is a lack of comprehensive educational programs and campaigns about effective waste management methods, resulting in insufficient awareness among the general population regarding the negative outcomes of incorrect garbage disposal (Nkengla-Asi et al., 2019). The absence of consciousness on this matter contributes to a culture characterised by disregard and failure to adhere to trash disposal standards. 

Hence, it is imperative to give precedence to safeguarding public health and preserving the environment in order to achieve efficient waste management, in accordance with the integrated sustainable waste management (ISWM) framework. This model promotes the management of waste in a way that protects public health and the environment, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which prioritises sustainable waste management and the minimisation of adverse environmental effects. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to investigate the socioeconomic factors contributing to indiscriminate dumping in Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Indiscriminate dumping is a significant environmental degradation issue that poses health risks to humans, animals, and the ecosystem. Despite global efforts to manage solid waste properly, indiscriminate dumping still accounts for a large portion of waste generated worldwide, with the burden disproportionately affecting African countries. In Cameroon, indiscriminate dumping presents a considerable health risk to both the environment and human well-being, with uncollected waste frequently seen on the streets and other areas of the country (Nnatu, 2018). Insufficient waste disposal education, inadequate waste management practices, and the prevalence of indiscriminate dumping sites are some of the most urgent challenges faced by waste management authorities in Cameroon. Additionally, a negative public perception of waste management and the inability of authorities to collect waste promptly contribute to this ongoing problem (Olukanni, Pius-Imue & Joseph, 2020). Therefore, this research initiative uses Cameroon as a case study to investigate the socioeconomic factors contributing to indiscriminate dumping.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the socioeconomic factors contributing to indiscriminate dumping in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Evaluate the availability and adequacy of waste management infrastructure and services in Cameroon.

Determine the level of awareness and education on waste management practices among residents in Cameroon

Determine the extent to which poverty and low income levels contribute to indiscriminate dumping in Cameroon.

Determine whether population growth have a significant impact on the frequency of indiscriminate dumping in major cities in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

How adequate and available is waste management infrastructure and services in Cameroon?

What is the level of awareness and education on waste management practices among residents in Cameroon?

To what extent do poverty and low income levels contribute to indiscriminate dumping in Cameroon?

Does population growth significantly impact the frequency of indiscriminate dumping in major cities in Cameroon?

1.5Research Hypotheses

H0: Socioeconomic factors do not significantly contribute to indiscriminate dumping in Cameroon.

Ha: Socioeconomic factors significantly contribute to indiscriminate dumping in Cameroon..

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be vital for urban planners and developers as they create and execute infrastructure initiatives. By considering the socioeconomic factors that affect dumping attitudes, urban planners can develop urban environments that are more sustainable and community-friendly, hence reducing the prevalence of illegal waste disposal. The research findings will also enable community leaders and social workers to effectively engage with citizens in a more knowledgeable manner. They have the ability to create and execute projects that are led by the community and target the particular socioeconomic issues that are causing indiscriminate dumping in their localities. 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 the socioeconomic factors contributing to indiscriminate dumping in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will evaluate the availability and adequacy of waste management infrastructure and services, determine the level of awareness and education on waste management practices among residents,the extent to which poverty and low income levels contribute to indiscriminate dumping and whether population growth have a significant impact on the frequency of indiscriminate dumping in major cities in Cameroon.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of Bafoussam, 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

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

Socioeconomic Factors: Social and economic conditions that influence individuals' or communities' behavior and decisions. These factors include income levels, education, employment status, economic stability, social norms, and access to waste management services.