Developing Sustainable Waste Management Practice: Application of Q Methodology to Construct New Strategy Component in Limbe - Cameroon

Abstract

The most important motivation for developing new waste management strategy and policy relates to the waste management behavior of individuals. Education led campaigns and capacity building programmes involving third sector organizations in waste management are gaining momentum, in some major cities in Cameroon. There is however, a need to use research methodologies to investigate elements of waste management behavior to understand how to change behaviour permanently. Although the use of quantitative research methods to quantify or measure human attitude and behavior is subject to debate, to drive the research agenda, this research work uses Q methodology which combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods in generating understanding about waste management attitudes and behavior in Limbe, Cameroon. Limbe was chosen in the study because of the increase in the third sector organizations with waste management objectives with the possibility to generate knowledge that can contribute to policy formulation and the construction of a new strategy component based on sustainable waste management practices. In this study, 30 participants were chosen by stratified random sampling technique from three different residential areas e.g. the high, medium and low income and provided with a Q study information pack. Principal Component Analysis resulted in eight factors representing distinctive behavioral patterns to household waste management in Limbe. The result from this study shows a statistically significant proportion of residents in Limbe are willing to go "green" but are in need for information on sustainable waste management practices e.g. in composting, recycling, reuse, reduce, waste prevention and minimization. In this light, Q methodology was able to identify potential ambassadors to promote the sustainable waste management agenda through an education led campaign and capacity building in Limbe. The results of this research will influence government policies and actions in the construction of a new waste strategy component for the wider community in Cameroon.

Solid Waste Management in African Cities – East Africa

“…Such conflicts however could be avoided if urban councils formalise all waste operation activities and set clear rules of operation whereby zones of operation and all other requirements are strictly adhered to. This is only possible for waste pickers if organised in formal groups that can be legally registered, monitored and supervised as reported in studies by Mbeng et al, (2009) …”

“…The main problems of the composting project are sorting which is not done at source but on delivery of wastes, mixed wastes of all categories increasing health risk to workers and lack of market for the compost. Some authors (Matete & Trois, 2008;Mbeng et al, 2009;Mbuligwe & Kasenga, 2004;Rotich et al, 2006;Wang et al, 2008) have identified recycling, composting and biogas production as feasible options with social, economic and environmental benefits by reducing amounts of waste disposed, saving the environment and generating income for communities the lack of municipal integration and support leaves composting, which is technically viable, to be strongly vulnerable to external factors (Oberlin & Sza´nto´, 2011).In East Africa these innovative methods for waste management remain un-researched denying interested individuals among the urban communities information on such projects.…”

“…This is the preferred approach in the region after the realisation by the EAC governments that the solid waste management monopoly by the urban councils is not succeeding to meet expected results, and the outcome is the acceptance of a holistic approach to solid waste management in the EAC that involves the community, private collectors, CBOs, NGOs and the informal sector working together under a decentralised arrangement (Okot-Okumu & Nyenje, 2011;Liyala, 2011;Tukahirwa et al, 2010;Simon, 2008). Mbeng et al, (2009) identified information as critical for the success of 3Rs, composting, waste prevention and waste minimisation in urban councils since most communities lack vital knowledge for effective implementation of these methods of waste management.…”

“…sale of recycled Solid Waste Management in African Cities -East Africa 17 or recyclable materials) benefits. To successfully adopt sustainable methods of waste management by the communities, Mbeng et al, (2009) suggested making awareness programmes simple and accessible to change the mindset of urban residents to perceive waste as resources (goods) rather than something without value. To address community level waste problems pre-collection/ primary collection needs better organisation and strengthening by communities working together with urban councils and CBOs to chart the most suitable waste minimisation and collection methods.…”

Possible role of plasma ceruloplasmin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in assessing compliance with occupational hygiene and safety practices in waste management workers

“…The subjects were selected by purposive sampling from three private waste management companies in Sagamu, southwest of Nigeria, in line with previous studies. [19282930] Both categories of waste workers function under private facilities with informal operations, work eight hours daily and for six days every week. The TUs received informal training before commencement of work, whereas the CPs had no such training.…”