AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Waste management is becoming a crucial worldwide concern, with substantial consequences for environmental sustainability, public health, and economic progress. According to the World Bank (2022), the global production of municipal solid trash is roughly 2.01 billion tonnes per year, and it is projected to reach 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. The difficulties of handling this increasing quantity of garbage are especially noticeable in poor nations, where insufficient infrastructure, low financial resources, and weak regulatory frameworks worsen the situation (Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata, 2021). Cameroon has a notable obstacle in waste management, particularly in metropolitan regions where the expansion of population and urbanisation has surpassed the establishment of sufficient waste management infrastructure (Adewale, 2022). Cameroon, as a country in Africa, produces around 13,000 tonnes of garbage per day, but only a small portion is properly collected and disposed of (Adewumi & Oyekan, 2020). The current scenario has resulted in the widespread occurrence of illicit disposal sites, contamination of water sources, and heightened health hazards, especially in economically disadvantaged populations (Nnaji & Akinyemi, 2023). The government plays a varied role in waste management, which includes formulating policies, regulating waste management practices, enforcing regulations, and providing trash management services. The government is obligated to implement policy measures that safeguard its population from the perils of environmental contamination. This rationale has served as the foundation for previous and current legislative frameworks, ranging from prohibiting certain methods of garbage disposal to the adoption of sustainable waste management practices. Millions of well-informed folks are very concerned about the significant issue of environmental pollution caused by human activities. The United States government and scientific community have recognised the dangers presented by environmental contamination (U.S. EPA, 2015). Ecological pollution has a multitude of particular impacts on human health and safety, such as affecting food availability, housing conditions, and altering patterns of disease transmission. The global magnitude of the pollution problem makes it challenging to safeguard public health and safety from the hazards of global climate change (U.S. EPA, 2015). Over the last two decades, the Cameroonian government has initiated measures to tackle the problem of garbage management. As a result of the government's efforts, there has been notable advancement in waste and resource management. Local governments have the primary duty for waste management, while state and federal governments provide help (Ojo, 2021). Nevertheless, the efficacy of governmental initiatives has been impeded by several issues, such as inadequate budget, lack of technical proficiency, and corruption (Adebola, 2022). Given these challenges, there is a growing need for research that critically investigate the role of government in waste management in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Waste management has become a significant and urgent environmental issue in many nations, including Nigeria. The fast process of urbanisation and the expansion of population in cities have resulted in an unparalleled surge in the quantity of garbage produced, placing significant pressure on current waste management systems (Adewale, 2022). The inefficiencies in trash collection, disposal, and recycling persist as a substantial menace to public health and the environment, notwithstanding the many endeavours made by government entities (Nnaji & Akinyemi, 2023). An important problem arises from the uneven and often insufficient implementation of waste management rules and regulations. The lack of cooperation and effective planning by government agencies, both at the local and national levels, in tackling waste management concerns has been subject to criticism (Ojo, 2021). In addition, there is an increasing worry over the insufficient public understanding and involvement in waste management methods, which worsens the situation. Hence, the study will investigate the role of government in waste management in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the role of government in waste management in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

To indentify whether there are waste management regulations set by government in Cameroon.

To assess the effectiveness of government regulations on waste management in Cameroon.

To assess the role of government in the regulation of waste management in Cameroon

To examine the challenges faced by governments in implementing waste management strategies in Cameroon

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

Are  there waste management regulations set by government in Cameroon?

How effective is government regulations on waste management in Cameroon?

What is the role of government in the regulation of waste management in Cameroon?

What are the challenges faced by governments in implementing waste management strategies in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings of the study will be significant to policymakers as the study will provide evidence-based recommendations for improving the legal and regulatory frameworks governing waste management. This can lead to the formulation of more effective policies that address the specific challenges faced by different levels of government. The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on  the role of government in waste management in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will indentify whether there are waste management regulations set by government in Cameroon, assess the effectiveness of government regulations on waste management in Cameroon, assess the role of government in the regulation of waste management in Cameroon and examine the challenges faced by governments in implementing waste management strategies in Cameroon.

Geographically, the study is delimited to Garoua, Cameroon

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Waste Management: The collection, transportation, processing, recycling, or disposal of waste materials. It involves various processes aimed at reducing the negative impact of waste on health, the environment, and aesthetics.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): Waste generated by households, commercial establishments, and institutions, including everyday items like food scraps, packaging materials, and household items. MSW does not typically include industrial, hazardous, or medical waste.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A cooperative arrangement between government agencies and private sector companies to finance, build, and operate projects such as waste management services. In the context of waste management, PPPs often involve private companies managing waste collection, recycling, and disposal services under government oversight.

Sustainable Waste Management: Waste management practices that aim to minimize waste generation, maximize recycling and reuse, and ensure environmentally sound disposal of residual waste. Sustainable waste management seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of waste and promote the efficient use of resources.

Recycling: The process of converting waste materials into new products to prevent the waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, and reduce energy usage and pollution.

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