AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF URBAN WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGIES IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The rapid pace of urbanization has led to significant growth in cities, which in turn has caused a corresponding increase in the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). Managing this waste efficiently has become one of the major challenges faced by urban areas worldwide. Waste minimization — the effort to reduce both the quantity and harmfulness of waste produced — is increasingly recognized as a key component of sustainable waste management practices. Urbanization has dramatically altered global waste production patterns. According to the World Bank, approximately 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are produced globally each year, with at least 33% of that waste not being managed in an environmentally safe manner (Kaza et al., 2018). The primary drivers behind this rise in waste include population growth, economic development, and shifts in consumer behaviors, particularly in urban centers. In many developing countries, urban waste management systems struggle due to limited resources for waste collection, transportation, and disposal. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor governance, and low public awareness about waste reduction exacerbate these problems. Waste minimization is widely regarded as an effective strategy in managing urban waste. It involves a hierarchical set of actions aimed at reducing the generation of waste, reusing materials, and recycling before waste disposal is considered (Pongrácz & Pohjola, 2015). This approach aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development by reducing the environmental impact of waste, conserving natural resources, and lowering the costs associated with waste management. Reducing waste generation is crucial not only for controlling the growing volume of waste but also for lessening its negative environmental impacts. Improper waste disposal can lead to contamination of air, water, and soil, contributing to climate change and posing serious health risks (Wilson et al., 2015). Additionally, managing waste is financially costly, especially in urban areas where land for disposal is scarce and expensive. By implementing waste minimization practices, costs can be reduced by decreasing the amount of waste requiring collection, transport, and disposal. Various strategies have been developed and implemented to reduce urban waste. These strategies generally fall into categories such as waste avoidance, reuse, recycling, and energy recovery (Zero Waste International Alliance, 2019). The success of urban waste minimization programs depends on factors including public awareness, availability of infrastructure, government policies, and economic incentives. Wealthier nations tend to have more effective waste reduction systems due to better infrastructure, higher public awareness, and stronger regulatory frameworks (Gellynck & Verhelst, 2017). For example, Germany and Sweden have implemented comprehensive waste minimization programs featuring strict waste disposal laws, extensive recycling systems, and incentives for reducing waste (European Environment Agency, 2020). Conversely, developing countries face significant challenges in adopting similar waste minimization measures. These include inadequate infrastructure, limited financial resources, and low levels of public education on waste issues. Despite these obstacles, some cities in emerging economies have made noteworthy progress. For instance, Curitiba in Brazil is recognized for its innovative waste management initiatives, which include extensive recycling programs and public education campaigns (Rabinovitch & Leitman, 2016). The overall success of municipal waste minimization efforts is closely linked to how well these strategies are integrated into broader urban planning and development policies. Based on this context, this study seeks to assess the effectiveness of urban waste minimization strategies in Cameroon. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Urbanization in Cameroon has caused a significant increase in waste generation, creating serious challenges for waste management systems in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé. The inefficiency of existing waste management processes, combined with rapid population growth and expanding industrial activities, has led to environmental degradation, health problems, and a decline in urban living standards (Ngoran, Xue, & Jing, 2016). Although some waste minimization efforts such as recycling and composting programs have been introduced, their overall effectiveness remains unclear. Many urban areas continue to grapple with overflowing landfills, illegal dumping, and inadequate waste collection services (Achankeng, 2017). The persistence of these issues suggests that current waste reduction measures may be insufficient or poorly enforced. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the success of these programs and the level of public acceptance (Ngnikam & Tanawa, 2016). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate how effective urban waste minimization strategies have been in Cameroon. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of urban waste minimization strategies in Cameroon. The specific objectives include: i. To assess the level of public awareness regarding waste minimization initiatives in Cameroon's urban areas. ii. To identify the different waste minimization strategies employed in urban centers of Cameroon. iii. To evaluate the impact of these waste minimization strategies in reducing the volume of waste generated in urban areas. iv. To analyze the challenges faced by urban authorities when implementing waste minimization strategies in Cameroon. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. What is the level of public awareness about waste minimization initiatives in urban areas of Cameroon? ii. What waste minimization strategies are being utilized in urban areas of Cameroon? iii. How effective are the waste minimization strategies in reducing waste volumes in Cameroon's urban areas? iv. What challenges do urban authorities encounter in implementing waste minimization strategies in Cameroon? 1.5 Significance of the Study The findings from this research will offer valuable insights to policymakers in Cameroon, helping them to evaluate the current effectiveness of waste minimization programs and identify weaknesses within existing systems. This knowledge can support the creation of stronger and more sustainable waste management policies. Additionally, the study will be important for the academic community, contributing to the body of literature on waste management and serving as a reference point for future research in this area. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of urban waste minimization strategies in Cameroon. Empirically, it will explore public awareness levels of waste minimization programs, identify the strategies currently in use, evaluate their effectiveness in reducing waste volumes, and investigate the challenges faced by local authorities in implementation. Geographically, the study is limited to the city of Yaoundé in Cameroon. 1.7 Limitations of the Study Like any research endeavor, this study faced some constraints, including: Time: The researcher experienced time limitations, needing to balance this study with other academic responsibilities such as lectures and coursework. Financial Resources: Conducting this research incurred costs related to printing, typesetting, sourcing relevant materials, and data collection. Availability of Materials: There was difficulty in accessing sufficient literature and resources on this topic due to the limited availability of research in this specific area. 1.8 Definition of Terms Urban Waste: Refers to solid waste generated by households, businesses, institutions, and other urban activities within cities or towns. This includes domestic, commercial, industrial waste, and construction debris. Waste Minimization: The process aimed at reducing both the amount and toxicity of waste generated. It involves practices such as recycling, reusing, and composting to decrease the volume of waste needing management. Strategy: A plan or set of actions designed to achieve specific long-term goals. In this context, it pertains to the approaches and methods applied to reduce urban waste in Cameroon. Effectiveness: The extent to which a strategy or policy accomplishes its intended outcomes. Here, it involves evaluating how well waste minimization efforts in urban Cameroon are achieving their goals.