African Community Development (Interdisciplinary - Social/Policy) | 25 May 2003

Sustainable Waste Management in Accra's Urban Slums: A Comprehensive Impact Assessment

F, r, i, m, p, o, n, g, O, w, u, s, u

Abstract

The review focuses on a comprehensive impact assessment of sustainable waste management systems in Accra's urban slums, with particular attention to economic benefits and environmental sustainability. The review synthesizes secondary data from various sources including government reports, academic journals, and non-governmental organisation (NGO) studies. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify consistent themes across the reviewed materials. A notable finding is that integrating waste pickers into formal recycling programmes has led to a 20% increase in employment opportunities within slum communities, contributing significantly to household income diversification. The review concludes that sustainable waste management systems have not only improved environmental conditions but also created new economic pathways for residents of Accra's urban slums. Further research should explore the long-term impacts and scalability of these waste management models across other Ghanaian cities and regions, with a focus on replicable policy mechanisms.