UWSpace >
University of Waterloo >
Electronic Theses and Dissertations (UW) >

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10012/2731

Title: The Role of Local Knowledge in planning and managing urban solid waste: the tale of two (2) West African Cities, Accra and Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Demanya, Benoit Klenam
Keywords: Solid waste management
local knowledge
Accra
Kumasi
Approved Date: 19-Feb-2007
Date Submitted: 28-Jan-2007
Abstract: Ongoing and potential developments with regards to solid waste management have raised concerns about well being in African cities. There is also growing concern among environmental managers, scientists, and the public that the pace and scale of human activities may lead to adverse environmental and health impacts. These concerns have been worsened by two factors: (1.) That all attempts so far made at dealing with the present situation of solid waste handling in African cities have either failed or only met with moderate success; and, (2.) There is significant economic, spiritual and cultural value placed on the city's development in Africa, therefore, a deterioration in its environment spells further difficulties for improving conditions of development. To date however, very little research has been conducted on the role local knowledge has to play in managing urban solid waste in the context of African cities. This study is a contribution on this topic, using case study cities of Accra and Kumasi in Ghana, West Africa where it was found that local knowledge plays a role not only in the day-to-day decision making of the actors involved, but also in the management of solid waste activities through, the employment of appropriate technology, the creation of awareness around local waste practices, education, adherence to norms and beliefs, and also in stopping littering and encouraging proper waste practices.
Program: Planning
Department: Planning
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10012/2731
Appears in Collections:Faculty of Environment Theses and Dissertations
Electronic Theses and Dissertations (UW)

Files in This Item:

File Description SizeFormat
BK Demanya Thesis Final Version for eSubmission to UW Jan 2007.pdf6.17 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


This item is protected by original copyright

All items in UWSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved.

 

University of Waterloo Library
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
519 888 4883

contact us | give us feedback | http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca | © 2006 University of Waterloo