Large scale analysis of plastic waste management policies in Africa
Journal of Decision Making and Healthcare, Volume 1, Issue 2, December 2024, Pages: 112–123
FRANCIS OGOCHUKWU OKPALA
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Brandon University, Manitoba, Canada
GAUTAM SRIVASTAVA
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Brandon University, Manitoba, Canada
Abstract
This study investigates the large-scale impact of global plastic waste in Africa in the context of urbanization and westernization. Concentrating on the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this problem in the context of Africa. The study also investigated the rise in plastic consumption in Africa and the variables that contributed to it. While urbanization is on the rise, with millions of people moving from rural areas to cities in quest for better prospects. This migration has resulted in the growth of metropolitan areas and increasing demand for consumer products, many of which are packaged in plastic due to its convenience and durability. Westernization, defined as the embrace of western lifestyles and consumption patterns, has accelerated plastic use. The influence of Western society has resulted in dietary changes, greater usage of single-use plastics, and a predilection for pre-packaged foods and beverages. Furthermore, the invasion of western items, which are frequently packaged in plastic, has added to the growing plastic waste problem. We do, however, perceive a strong correlation between westernization and the flood of plastic use in Africa, as well as population increase from rural to urban regions, and have developed plastic waste management initiatives for the next decade. The research thoroughly examines policies in African countries, as well as the nature of their plastic management patterns within localized plastic management systems.
Cite this Article as
Francis Ogochukwu Okpala and Gautam Srivastava, Large scale analysis of plastic waste management policies in Africa, Journal of Decision Making and Healthcare, 1(2), 112–123, 2024