AN EXAMINATION OF GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES IN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Waste management has emerged as a critical global issue, bearing significant implications for environmental sustainability, public health, and economic development. According to a World Bank report (2022), the world currently produces approximately 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, with projections estimating an increase to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. Managing this rapidly growing volume of waste presents immense challenges, particularly in developing countries where the combination of weak infrastructure, limited financial resources, and inadequate regulatory systems aggravates the situation (Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata, 2021). Cameroon is facing a particularly difficult challenge in managing waste, especially in urban centers where rapid population growth and urban expansion have outpaced the development of necessary waste management infrastructure (Adewale, 2022). Cameroon generates an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, yet only a fraction of this waste is properly collected and disposed of (Adewumi & Oyekan, 2020). This has led to the proliferation of illegal dumping sites, pollution of water bodies, and heightened health risks—especially among low-income communities (Nnaji & Akinyemi, 2023). Government authorities play a central role in waste management through the formulation of policies, regulation of waste handling activities, enforcement of environmental laws, and provision of waste management services. There is a governmental responsibility to enact and implement policy interventions aimed at shielding the population from the dangers of environmental degradation. This mandate has inspired the creation and evolution of various legislative frameworks over the years, ranging from bans on certain disposal methods to the adoption of sustainable waste handling strategies. Environmental pollution resulting from human activity has sparked widespread concern among millions of informed individuals. In countries like the United States, both the government and scientific communities have acknowledged the grave risks associated with environmental contamination (U.S. EPA, 2015). Pollution poses several direct threats to public health and safety, such as reducing food security, deteriorating housing conditions, and increasing the spread of communicable diseases. The global nature of environmental pollution makes it particularly difficult to shield communities from the risks posed by climate change (U.S. EPA, 2015). Over the last twenty years, the government of Cameroon has taken steps to address waste management challenges. These efforts have led to noticeable progress in the areas of waste and resource management. While local governments primarily handle waste management responsibilities, they often receive support from both state and federal levels (Ojo, 2021). However, a number of persistent issues—such as limited funding, insufficient technical expertise, and corruption—continue to hinder the effectiveness of these government-led initiatives (Adebola, 2022). These challenges highlight the urgent need for research that critically examines the government's role in managing waste in Cameroon. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Waste management continues to be a pressing environmental concern across many countries, including Nigeria. The rapid pace of urban development and population growth in major cities has caused a dramatic increase in waste generation, placing enormous stress on existing waste management systems (Adewale, 2022). Despite numerous efforts by various government agencies, the inefficiencies in waste collection, disposal, and recycling remain a serious threat to both public health and the environment (Nnaji & Akinyemi, 2023). A major problem is the inconsistent and often inadequate implementation of waste management policies and regulations. Government agencies at both local and national levels have been criticized for their lack of coordination and effective planning when addressing waste-related issues (Ojo, 2021). Additionally, limited public awareness and minimal community participation in waste management practices have further complicated the situation. These factors underscore the importance of this study, which aims to investigate the government's role in waste management in Cameroon. 1.3 Objective of the Study The main aim of this study is to explore the role of government in the management of waste in Cameroon. The specific objectives are to: i. Identify whether the government has established waste management regulations in Cameroon. ii. Evaluate the effectiveness of these government regulations in managing waste. iii. Examine the specific roles the government plays in regulating waste management. iv. Investigate the challenges faced by the government in implementing waste management strategies in Cameroon. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. Are there waste management regulations established by the government in Cameroon? ii. How effective are government regulations in managing waste in Cameroon? iii. What specific roles does the government play in regulating waste management in Cameroon? iv. What are the key challenges faced by the government in enforcing waste management strategies in Cameroon? 1.5 Significance of the Study The findings from this research will be valuable to policymakers by offering evidence-based insights that can inform the development and refinement of legal and regulatory frameworks for waste management. This could lead to the creation of more effective and targeted policies that address the unique challenges encountered by various levels of government. The study will also hold significance for the academic community by enriching existing literature on the subject and serving as a useful reference for future researchers. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study is focused on examining the government's role in waste management within the context of Cameroon. Specifically, it will investigate whether waste management regulations have been established, evaluate their effectiveness, assess the government’s role in regulating waste handling, and identify the challenges governments face in executing waste management policies. Geographically, the study will be limited to the city of Garoua in Cameroon. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with any research endeavor, this study faced some limitations. One major challenge was time constraints, as the researcher had to balance conducting the study with other academic responsibilities, such as attending lectures and completing assignments. Financial limitations also posed a hurdle, particularly in covering costs related to typesetting, printing, sourcing relevant materials, and gathering data. Another significant limitation was the availability of materials. The researcher encountered difficulties accessing adequate literature due to the scarcity of academic resources on the topic. 1.8 Definition of Terms Waste Management: Refers to the activities involved in the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, or disposal of waste materials. Its primary goal is to reduce the negative effects of waste on health, the environment, and visual aesthetics. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): Waste that comes from households, businesses, and institutions, typically consisting of items like food waste, packaging, and other everyday materials. This category excludes industrial, hazardous, and medical waste. Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A collaborative framework in which government agencies partner with private sector companies to fund, construct, and operate services or infrastructure projects. In waste management, PPPs often involve the private sector overseeing the collection, recycling, and disposal of waste under government supervision. Sustainable Waste Management: Practices aimed at minimizing waste production, increasing reuse and recycling efforts, and ensuring the environmentally safe disposal of waste that remains. This approach strives to reduce environmental impact while making efficient use of resources. Recycling: The process of transforming waste materials into new products, thereby conserving raw materials, saving energy, and reducing pollution and waste accumulation.