JournalTOCs

International Journal of Global Sustainability
Number of Followers: 2

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 1937-7924
Published by Macrothink Institute

[47 journals]

An Assessment of the Health Implications of Poor Household Toilets on the
Population in Bomaka, Buea Municipality, Fako Division, South West
Cameroon
- Authors: Nkemasong Nicasius Anumveh; Yinkfu Randy Nkuh, Mbella Fiona Mojoko, Fang Amos, Nformi Beatrice Malu, Baba Adamu
  Abstract: Household latrines remain one of the most vital aspects of housing facilities neglected in housing development in fast growing urban peripheral zones. The existence of dilapidated latrines has become the new normal in the Bomaka locality and with the associated health consequences. This study sought to investigate the implications of poor household latrines (independent variable) in the Bomaka locality on the health conditions of the inhabitants (dependent variable). The study employed the mixed research design (triangulation) combining the observational and exploratory methods with emphasis on both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Field observations, questionnaires administration, interviews and focused group discussions were the primary data sources while consultation of online and offline documents and the data bases of health facilities were secondary sources of data. The target population was all the households and their toilets stratified into three neighbourhoods following the high priority streets namely the Chief, Kawah and Miss Bright Streets. The population was stratified into classes based on their education, income and occupational status. Through the multistage sampling procedure of stratified random sampling, a total of 150 individuals were selected as respondents. Both descriptive (percentiles) and inferential (correlation analysis) statistical tool were used to process the data to establish the results. Results revealed that majority (69.5%) of the inhabitants owned household latrines with the bulk being outdoor pit toilets (79.5%) followed by external water closets (8.5%). Furthermore, most of the toilets were constructed with plank material (53.3%) with up to 20% of the toilets being open air (unconstructed). A high proportion (67.2%) of the toilets are very poorly constructed and also the man-toilet ratio is very high thereby creating much inconveniences during rush hour periods (mornings and evening). It was established that the dismal toilet facilities have induced significant health problems with the prevalence of infectious diseases dominated by intestinal diseases (56.4%) as diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera, which are suffered by 3 persons out of every 10 members of the households. Individuals do adapt to the challenges of poor latrines by defecating in nearby bushy areas and streams, and also in plastic bags for disposal later. This leads to the constant pollution of our water sources and food. This work recommends that the Bomaka locality offers many livelihood options to its population and therefore, adequate sensitisation campaigns, better toilet infrastructural development should be carried out to enhance the level of sanitation and well-being of individual in the locality. Also, regular inspection tours by council hygiene and sanitation department and support NGOs stand out as vital solutions to redress this worsening situation.
  PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -080
Meat Production and Consumption Trends on the Western Highlands of
Cameroon: evidence from the Menoua
- Authors: Doris Njuh Lamnyam; Lawrence Fon Fombe, Titus Fondo Ambebe
  Abstract: Meat constitutes an important source of protein in human diet. Meat production and consumption varies within and among nations according to variable factors attributed to consumers and their environment. This paper assesses meat production and consumption trends on the Western Highlands of Cameroon, with evidence drawn from the Menoua Division. Of the eight subdivisions in Menoua, four were chosen purposively, namely Dschang, Santchou, Penka-Michel, and Nkong-Ni because these are areas with the presence of slaughterhouses and slaughter slabs where different types of livestock are slaughtered, purchased, and consumed. The paper hypothesises that Meat production has significant relationship with consumption trend in Menoua Division. A combination of purposive, simple random and cluster sampling techniques was used in selecting respondents and resource persons. The sample size was 302 households and 92 resource persons. Data collection was via structured and pre-tested questionnaires and interview guide. Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 were used for data entry and analysed from the questionnaires. Data from interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. The hypothesis was tested with multiple correlation statistics at 0.5 alpha levels. Findings revealed that highest numbers of livestock slaughtered in the Division is in Dschang with 49.3% cattle and up to 54.6% pig slaughtered annually. The lowest rates were recorded at Nkong-Ni with just 3.5% of cattle and 10.0% pig slaughtered. This increase production trend also reflects a rise in the quantity of meat consumed in the Menoua. The test of hypothesis revealed a calculated P-value of .000* indicating significant positive correlation between Meat production and consumption trends in the Menoua. Key issues surrounding this activity include amongst others the use of doubtful water sources and slaughtering in unhygienic environments. The paper strongly recommends that existing environmental protection regulations should be enforced to curb problems of meat production activities in Cameroon and the Menoua Division in particular to ensure sustainable supplies of wholesome meat to consumers.
  PubDate: Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -080
Contemporary Quantitative Analysis of Events Such as Downgrading, Resizing
and Declassification of Federalized Protected Areas in Brazil
- Authors: Glaucio Costa de Menezes; Isabel Lausanne Fontgalland
  Abstract: Thispaperpresentsacontemporaryanalyticalandquantitativestudyof protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement-type events of federalized protected areas in Brazil. In view of its continentaldimensions, it has faced strong pressures to build sustainable conservation standards,which culminated in a long and brilliant process of updating and perfecting its environmentallegislation, considered one of the most modern in the world. However, due to the whimsof the capitalist system, Brazil had to relinquish land within environmental preservation areas soroadandhydroelectricinfrastructuresystemscouldbeexpandedtobetterservethepopulation.Faced with this scenario, some critical questions arise: how did the “Conservation Units” (UC’s) in Brazil originate' How many of these UCs are under federal governance' Howmany protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) events of conservation areas haveaffected or influenced federal UCs' What are the primary provocative tendencies of these PADDDevents'WhatcanbesuggestedtominimizetheeffectsofPADDDeventsontheexistingUCsintheBrazilian territory' Employing bibliographic surveys and analysis of data related to the PADDDevents in Brazil and on the federal UCs, provided by institutes involved in environmental preservation, we will arrive at the most satisfactory and coherent answers to theaforementionedquestions.
  PubDate: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -070
Sustaining the Environment in an Era of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana:
Optimizing the Role of Institutions
- Authors: Henry Kwabena Kokofu; Gordon Kofi Sarfo-Adu, Mark Aferdi Dadebo, Gladys Nkrumah, David Kwaku Galley
  Abstract: The study aimed at assessing the common constraints that affect the enforcement of small-scale mining laws and regulations which have created a vacuum for illegal operators to infiltrate the space with the associated environmental and social cost implications. Underpinned by the institutional theory, the study analyzes from existing theoretical and empirical studies to assess why institutions and agencies on artisanal and small-scale mining find it difficult to clamp down on illegal gold extractive activities. Retrospective literature analysis was the main method employed by the study. A synthesis from the review suggests that key challenges revolve around poor allocation of resources, poor collaboration among multiple levels and sectors, protection rackets by powerful beings in society, connivance of some traditional authorities and members, poverty, green squeezing, and cumbersome nature of ASM licensing process in Ghana. The study contends on the one hand that laws, policies, and regulations are only as good as their enforcement; whilst on the other hand, enforcement is only as good as the laws and regulations formulated in the first place. The study discusses five policy suggestions that will go a long way to help enforcement of ASM policies and institutions in Ghana.
  PubDate: Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -070
Proposition of an Objective and Standardized Sustainability Index: An
Alternative to ISE B3
- Authors: João José de Melo Neto; Isabel Lausanne Fontgalland
  Abstract: In Brazil, the financial advances in market in the recently years are visible, the type B3, is in progression. Studies about the difficulty of measuring corporate sustainability, mainly through qualitative research, fail to assess corporate social performance in companies, mainly because biases and heuristics end up altering the perception of decision makers, making conceptions that should be biased. be rational. Through the MAUT multi-criteria decision support method, we propose an alternative sustainable development index to the ISE with information from the financial statements, considering the proposed index efficient and correlated with the other ESG indexes of B3.
  PubDate: Fri, 22 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -070
Green Spaces and Urban Liveability in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from
Bafoussam I, Cameroon
- Authors: Gideon Samba; Reeves Meli Fokeng, Julius Tata Nfor, Roland Chah Ngwaimbi
  Abstract: Urban green spaces support the development of cities in diverse ways. Considerable work has been done in recent years exploring the value of urban green space for health and wellbeing of urban centres across the world and in Sub-Saharan African countries in particular. This study is designed to examine the contribution of green spaces to city liveability in Bafoussam I Council. Data for the study were obtained through primary and secondary sources using a mixed design method of inquiry which combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore data on urban green spaces in Bafoussam I. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select households for questionnaire administration. The data engendered were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcomes indicated that green spaces have significantly contributed to the health and wellbeing of the city dwellers in Bafoussam I Council. The main actors responsible for green spaces management in the municipality include government agencies, Bafoussam City Council, Municipal Council, the civil society, and Non-Governmental Organizations. In line with the 2022 African Nations Cup (AFCON) in Cameroon, this city-centre beautification has been stepped up. The Pearson moment Correlation used to test the hypothesis indicated a strong positive correlation at a calculated P-value .001, thus, green spaces have significant effects on the health and wellbeing of urban dwellers in Bafoussam I. The study concluded by emphasizing that stakeholders of green spaces in the municipality need to collaborate to take effective decisions that can be sustainable to ensure protection and equitable management of urban green environment to meet the need of the future generations in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.
  PubDate: Thu, 10 Feb 2022 17:32:12 -080