Environmental Impacts of Waste Management Deficiencies and Health Issues: A Case Study in the City of Kaya, Burkina Faso

Abstract

In this study, a stratified survey sampling was used in order to broaden our knowledge on the management systems of household waste in the town of Kaya/Burkina Faso. Population study consists of households of the town of Kaya. The sample size was fist determined using the sample size calculation formula. Then four (04) strata comprising the town of Kaya sectors that have a Health and Social Promotion Center (HSPC) have been considered. A random household selection method, used inside each stratum and a number of 468 households representative of the town’s population, was surveyed. We have addressed all solid and liquid waste management strategies in those four strata. For each stratum, waste disposal infrastructure, its management in the households and its impacts on the town’s environment and populations’ health were screened. Data collected are presented through descriptive statistics in mean of tables and graphs. Frequently reported diseases in the four HSPCs have been correlated with waste management and disposal methods in the town. Poor handling, evacuation and disposal of waste have numerous negatives impacts on the city’s environment such as proliferation of mosquitoes and flies, bad odors, visual pollution. These negatives impacts on the environment in turn have negatives impacts on the health of the city residents. Malaria appears the most encountered disease followed by Acute Respiratory Infection and Diarrhea. Suggestions aimed at improving waste management and the reduction of its deficiencies impacts on the health of the population has been made.