Some happy, others sad: exploring environmental justice in solid waste management in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo

Published ArticleThis paper explores the concept of environmental justice (EJ) in solid waste management (SWM) in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It evaluates the extent to which EJ occurs in SWM and discusses the factors accounting for this state of affairs. The paper examines the relevant theoretical framework(s) and mechanisms that would facilitate the attainment of EJ in Kinshasa. It is argued that solid waste (SW) often ends up in the poorest and least powerful communities in the cities of the DRC. A qualitative research methodology, which includes exhaustive critical review of the literature, system analysis, reflections from best practices through case studies and discussion with stakeholders, was used for this study. Findings revealed that SWM in Kinshasa is a duty entrusted to publicly-funded municipal authorities. There are evidences of a clear divide between the rich and poor neighbourhoods in the manner SW is managed. This is an inequality that has only recently begun to be recognised as injustice practices in SWM. It is argued that a politico-cultural mechanism on remedying SWM inequities could enable changes that will address EJ in Kinshasa. Such a solution will go directly against the prevailing notion “some happy, others sad”

Perspectives on integrated water resource management and its relevance in understanding the water-energy-climate change nexus in South Africa

It is increasingly acknowledged that the water-energy-climate change (WECC) nexus is one of the synergies that pose a significant risk to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically numbers six, seven and thirteen. There are suggestions that climate change outcomes such as increased temperature and drought episodes have implications for water availability, which in turn affects energy production in countries dependent on hydropower, pump-storage or coal-generated electricity, including South Africa. This development therefore calls for improved understanding of how to effectively manage the challenges that arise from this nexus, to mitigate the impacts it may have on achieving the associated SDGs. This study, which is based on an in-depth appraisal of existing developments, assessed the potential of the integrated water resource management framework in understanding the WECC nexus and its implications for South Africa’s sustainable development endeavours, particularly in the context of water resource management and utilisation. The study revealed South Africa’s lack of integrated, effective, and efficient institutions and policy framework to comprehensively manage the challenges emanating from this nexus. It identified an urgent need to develop systems and processes through which South Africa can handle the challenges as well as capture the benefits that may be obtained from this nexus

Communities at the Centre of River Basin Management for Sustainable Development in Northwest Cameroon

Access to a reliable water resource can be a key driver for socio-economic development. Both physical and economic water scarcities are negatively affecting the economies of sub-Saharan African countries, particularly rural communities with the latter considered a crucial challenge. This paper examines the role of local resource users in river basin management for sustainable development in Northwest Cameroon. Using secondary data and empirical evidence collected from three rural districts (Mbengwi, Njinikom, and Ndu) in Northwest Cameroon, it is argued that the involvement and engagement of local resource users and community-based organisations in decision-making processes in river basin management can contribute to sustainable water supplies and enhance sustainable development. In the context of rural communities in the Northwestern part of Cameroon where water supply is mostly through gravity-led techniques, river basins are the main sources of community water supply. It is, therefore, argued in this paper that sustainable development will be possible through a polycentric water governance approach. Thus, clarifying issues of participation, integration, and jurisdiction between the stakeholders (central and local governments and community groups) is crucial for sustainable outcomes. Until the full participation and engagement of local groups and resource users in decision-making processes are achieved, uncertainty will dominate river basin management in Northwest Cameroon

Asset vulnerability analytical framework and systems thinking as a twin methodology for highlighting factors that undermine efficient food production

Food production in developing countries has been highly susceptible to both climatic and non-climatic stressors. To identify the factors that prevent the rural poor from producing food efficiently, various participatory methodologies have been utilised. However, most methodologies have implicitly illustrated how vulnerable the livelihood activities of the poor are from an asset-based perspective. As assets give people the capability to thrive, we make a case for the asset vulnerability analytical framework (AVAF) and systems thinking (ST) as an integrated methodological framework. Data for this study were obtained from the rural Delta State of Nigeria through the principles and traditions of participatory research, which include Venn (or institutional) diagrams, transect walks, brainstorming, community risk mapping and historical timelines. Findings indicate that the AVAF, on the one hand, will make it relatively easier for development practitioners to effectively identify the factors that undermine the poor’s ability to maximise their livelihood assets during food production. The ST, on the other hand, will enable development practitioners to visualise the long-term consequences of the continued inability of the poor to maximise their livelihood assets. This article argues that the utilisation of both AVAF and ST will simplify the complex challenges of decision-making. This, in turn, will facilitate the implementation of appropriate policy interventions to protect the crucial assets necessary for the rural poor to produce their food efficiently and sustainably

The Evolution and Dynamics of Urban Poverty in Zambia

Urban poverty has become a characteristic feature of urban living in Zambia. Statistical evidence suggests that of the 4.3 million people resident in urban areas of Zambia, 34 % live in extreme poverty while 18 % are moderately poor (CSO, 2005). These figures are indicative that more than half (i.e. 53 %) of the urban population in Zambia live in poverty (CSO, 2004, 2005). Despite these high figures in urban poverty, Zambia as a country has not yet developed an explicit policy framework with which to address the increase in urban poverty and vulnerability. Indeed the failure to formulate urban food policies at the national and municipal levels have played a significant role in the increase of contemporary food problems being faced by many urban residents in the country. This chapter reviews the history of urban development and welfare in Zambia and discusses the nature, roots and dynamics of urban poverty and the coping mechanisms employed by urban residents in Zambia. Institutions form a major part of the discussion throughout the chapter

Sustaining livelihoods under a changing climate : the case of urban agriculture in Lusaka, Zambia

The deterioration of national and local economies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), many in the urban areas are increasingly resorting to a wide range of informal sector activities to alleviate food insecurity and generate household income. of greta importance urban agriculture (UA), which is used both as a source of basic foodstuffs and income generation to enable access to a wide range of goods and services. These may include health care, education, clothing, food and housing. Despite its significance and contribution to the urban household food basket, UA in many SSA cities has not been integrated into urban development and planning policy. In addition to the absence of a supportive local government policy, over the last two decades UA has come under increasing pressure from extreme weather related events such as droughts and flooding. Drawing upon recent field-based research in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, the paper examines the relationships between UA and extreme weather conditions, and the impact on the livelihoodoptions of urban poor. The research has relevance in the context of evolving strategies for achieving sustainable urban livelihoods, poverty reduction and food security not only in sub-Saharan Africa , but other developing countries as well.Peer reviewe

Motivation and Marginalisation of Urban Agriculture in Lusaka,Zambia

This doctoral thesis aimed at identifying factors accounting for the motivation of urban residents in engaging in urban agriculture (VA) on the one hand, and its exclusion from urban development and planning policy in Lusaka on the other. It is based on fieldwork that was carried out in three different locations of the city, namely; Chilenje, Garden Compound, and Seven Miles. The findings suggest that the motivation for UA in Lusaka is embedded in its contribution to urban household food security and income generation. Despite this contribution, field-based investigations revealed that VA is not officially recognised and integrated into planning policy, in spite of some policy and political statements supporting its practice. While a number of factors, such as lack of financial resources and lack of urban space etc, were presented as some of the major constraints hampering the integration of UA into planning policy by the respondents, field survey data and other policy documents revealed that a weak institutional set up and lack of political-will are among several factors responsible for the neglect ofUA in urban planning policy. With the right political-will and institutional set-up, several factors necessary for the pursuit ofVA could be established. Such an approach would not only facilitate the setting up of an infrastructure that could support VA, but would also result into a detailed city-wide inventory of the practice. The availability of reliable data would then provide a useful basis for discussions between city authorities and farmers and this would spearhead the integration of VA into planning policy. With a greater level ofmutual understanding between different actors, the present contradictory official responses might be replaced with a more positive, sensitive and nuanced approach to urban agriculture, where its value to individuals, households and the city as a whole is more fully appreciated. But before this can happen, it is important that everyone is fully aware of the significance of VA for food security, employment, income and ecological benefits, at a time when the city is facing economic constraints and post-adjustment pressures.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo