The health-trash nexus in challenging environments: A spatial mixed methods analysis of Accra, Ghana. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bempah, Sandra; Curtis, Andrew; Awandare, Gordon; Ajayakumar, Jayakrishnan; Nyakoe, Nancy
• Is Part Of: Applied geography. Volume 143(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Trash -- Drain -- Spatial video geonarrative -- Health -- Environment; Geography -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Periodicals; 910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2022.102701
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-6228

Abstract

Abstract: Increasing urbanization in Ghana has led to a waste management crisis with multiple public health consequences. The contextualized mapping of what is dumped, where and why might provide vital on-the-ground support to address the problem itself, as well as the spillover disease impacts. One of the biggest challenges, however, are the required spatial and temporal granular data. In this paper, we employ a spatial mixed methods approach to investigate the issue of waste management through the lens of health and disparity in Teshie, a suburb of Accra, Ghana. Highlights: Indiscriminate and improper waste disposal continue to be a menace especially amongst socially vulnerable populations. The deficiency in fine scale spatial data further complicates attempts at remedying this situation. We employ a citizen science approach (SVGs) to investigate factors that influence waste disposal choices and the possible solutions. Our investigation showed a heterogenous distribution of trash within the Teshie township. SESs, accessibility, environmental design and behavioral factors contributing largely to waste disposal choices.