This study examines the interconnection between solid waste pollution and poverty in Ghana’s urban centers, with a focus on Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. Guided by Environmental Justice, Circular Economy, Systems Thinking, and Informal Economy theories, the research explores how poor waste management exacerbates health risks, economic hardship, and social exclusion for low-income communities. Using qualitative methods and thematic analysis, the study finds that informal settlements endure recurring outbreaks of malaria, cholera, and respiratory illnesses due to uncollected waste and open dumping. Informal waste workers, who play a crucial role in environmental cleanup, face stigma, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of legal recognition. The research further highlights institutional fragmentation, weak enforcement, and underfunded municipal services as key barriers to effective waste governance. To address these challenges, the dissertation proposes a set of policy recommendations: (1) decentralizing waste management to empower local authorities; (2) formally integrating informal waste workers into national sanitation frameworks; (3) investing in community infrastructure and recycling facilities; (4) enforcing a national ban on single-use plastics; and (5) launching public education campaigns and participatory planning models to ensure inclusive and sustainable urban sanitation. These interventions aim to reduce environmental hazards and break cycles of urban poverty simultaneously.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Research Methodology
- Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion
- Chapter 5: Policy Recommendations
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to explore the interconnection between solid waste pollution and poverty in Ghana's urban centers, focusing on Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. It investigates how poor waste management contributes to health risks, economic hardship, and social exclusion for low-income communities. The research utilizes qualitative methods and thematic analysis to understand the complexities of this issue.
- The impact of solid waste pollution on the health and well-being of low-income communities.
- The role of informal waste workers in waste management and their socio-economic conditions.
- Institutional challenges and barriers to effective waste governance in Ghana.
- Policy recommendations for improving waste management and reducing poverty.
- The application of relevant theoretical frameworks, such as Environmental Justice, Circular Economy, Systems Thinking, and Informal Economy theories.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the dissertation by introducing the problem of solid waste pollution and its connection to poverty in Ghana's urban areas. It highlights the significance of addressing this issue and provides a concise overview of the research questions, methodology, and anticipated contributions. The chapter establishes the geographical focus on Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, providing context on the urban landscape and challenges specific to these cities. It also introduces the theoretical frameworks that will guide the analysis, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive investigation of the complex interrelationship between waste, poverty, and governance.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter delves into existing literature on solid waste management, poverty, and environmental justice. It examines various theoretical perspectives and empirical studies relevant to the research topic. The chapter synthesizes existing knowledge to highlight knowledge gaps and justify the need for the present study. The review likely includes discussions of successful waste management strategies in other contexts, alongside the challenges and limitations of existing approaches in Ghana. This section likely provides a strong foundation upon which the author builds the research methodology and analysis.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology: This chapter details the research design and methods employed in the study. It explains the chosen qualitative approach, including the data collection techniques (e.g., interviews, observations) and data analysis methods (e.g., thematic analysis). The chapter likely justifies the selection of the qualitative methodology and describes the sampling strategy used to select participants. It emphasizes the rigor and validity of the research process, ensuring transparency and allowing for critical evaluation by other researchers. Ethical considerations related to data collection and participant privacy would also be outlined here.
Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion: This chapter presents the key findings of the research, drawing on qualitative data collected in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. It analyzes the relationships between solid waste pollution and various aspects of poverty, such as health outcomes, economic opportunities, and social inclusion. The discussion section interprets the findings in light of existing literature and the theoretical frameworks introduced in earlier chapters. It likely highlights the significant impacts of poor waste management on vulnerable populations and explores the nuances of the problem. This chapter will form the core of the research, offering valuable insights into the problem.
Chapter 5: Policy Recommendations: This chapter translates the research findings into concrete policy recommendations aimed at improving waste management practices and mitigating the impacts of pollution on poverty. It proposes practical and actionable solutions, taking into consideration the institutional context and capacity of Ghana. The chapter likely advocates for policy changes at various levels (national, municipal) and suggests strategies for integrating informal waste workers, improving community infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness. The recommendations are grounded in the empirical findings of the research, offering a realistic and effective pathway towards more sustainable urban sanitation.
Keywords
Solid waste pollution, poverty, Ghana, Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, waste management, informal economy, environmental justice, circular economy, public health, policy recommendations, urban sanitation, qualitative research, thematic analysis.
Frequently asked questions about the language preview
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This language preview is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a research document, likely a dissertation or thesis. It includes key components such as the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured introduction to the research.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document focuses on the interconnected issues of solid waste pollution and poverty in urban Ghana, specifically examining Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. It explores how inadequate waste management negatively affects the health, economy, and social inclusion of low-income communities.
What are the main research objectives?
The core objectives include investigating the impact of solid waste pollution on the health and well-being of low-income communities, understanding the role and socio-economic conditions of informal waste workers, identifying institutional challenges in waste governance, proposing policy recommendations for improved waste management and poverty reduction, and applying relevant theoretical frameworks to the analysis.
Which theoretical frameworks are employed in the research?
The research utilizes theoretical frameworks such as Environmental Justice, Circular Economy, Systems Thinking, and Informal Economy theories to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between waste, poverty, and governance.
What are the key components of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries offer concise overviews of each chapter's content, including the problem statement, research questions, methodology, anticipated contributions, literature review, data analysis, and policy recommendations. Each summary highlights the key points and arguments presented in that chapter.
What methodology is used in the research?
The research employs a qualitative methodology, likely involving data collection techniques such as interviews and observations. Thematic analysis is used to analyze the collected data and identify key themes and patterns.
What is the geographical focus of the research?
The research focuses on three urban centers in Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. These cities serve as case studies to examine the specific challenges and contexts related to solid waste pollution and poverty.
What types of keywords were used to describe the topic?
The keywords included solid waste pollution, poverty, Ghana, Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, waste management, informal economy, environmental justice, circular economy, public health, policy recommendations, urban sanitation, qualitative research, and thematic analysis.
What type of policy recommendations are made in the conclusion chapter?
The policy recommendations are designed to translate the research findings into practical and actionable solutions for improving waste management practices and mitigating the impacts of pollution on poverty. These recommendations consider the institutional context and capacity of Ghana, and may include strategies for integrating informal waste workers, improving community infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness.
- Quote paper
- Augustine Vovobu (Author), 2025, Exploring the Interconnection Between Solid Waste Pollution and Poverty in Ghana: Challenges, Socioeconomic Impacts, and Policy Recommendations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1592734
