Solid Waste Management Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Impact on Climate Change and Planetary Health

Improper solid waste management practices remain a significant issue for urban environments in sub-Saharan Africa. This problem has been studied by several researchers, particularly in developing nations. Poor waste management leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, which is a significant contributor to climate change. This, in turn, poses a significant threat to creating sustainable urban environments, not only in sub-Saharan Africa but also worldwide. There have been various studies on climate change and solid waste management in sub-Saharan Africa. This research aims to review the influences of poor solid waste management practices on climate change with particular emphasis on sources, waste management practices, and environmental sustainability. These are key indices for a safe and healthy environment in sub-Saharan Africa and the world at large. To achieve this, the following specific objectives were considered: (i) identify different sources of solid waste and methods of disposal in the urban environment, (ii) evaluate current waste management practices such as open dumping and open burning and their contributions to climate change, and (iii) establish a relationship between solid waste management practices and human health and the environment. Relevant literature and case studies were used to examine the relationship between poor solid waste management practices and climate change and planetary health. The findings reveal that poor solid waste management practices in urban and municipal environments in sub-Saharan Africa are due to poor sensitization on waste management, lack of political will by government agencies to enforce regulations on solid waste management, poor economic development, and the lack of best technology to transform solid waste to wealth. This research aims to create more awareness among all stakeholders on the need to adopt environmentally friendly solid waste management practices to reduce the effects of poor solid waste management practices on climate change and planetary health.