- New survey shows that trash disposal, including plastic waste, tops the list of concerns for urban communities.
- When it comes to addressing pollution, nearly half (46%) of Africans believe citizens have a big role to play.
- An estimated 78% of Africans want their governments to do more to limit environmental pollution.
Across Africa, environmental pollution has become an increasingly urgent issue, with two-thirds of citizens describing it as a serious problem in their communities. From urban centers choked by trash to rural areas grappling with deforestation, the environmental challenges are as diverse as the continent itself.
The Afrobarometer survey reveals that trash disposal, including plastic waste, tops the list of concerns for urban communities, cited by 37 per cent of respondents from across Africa.
In rural areas, deforestation takes the lead at 28 per cent. Water pollution (17 per cent), air pollution, and poor sanitation also rank high, painting a grim picture of environmental degradation across countries.
This growing menace affects not just the health of ecosystems but also the quality of life for millions of Africans.
Read also: Africa making critical strides to tackle plastic pollution
Who’s responsible for rising environmental pollution?
When it comes to addressing pollution, nearly half (46 per cent) of Africans believe the responsibility lies with ordinary citizens. This view underscores a strong sense of community ownership in tackling local issues.
Yet, many also believe governments should take a more active role, with 24 per cent pointing to national authorities and 19 per cent to local governments.
Interestingly, only a small fraction (5 per cent) assign primary responsibility to businesses and industries, raising questions about corporate accountability in environmental conservation. The survey highlights the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to combat pollution effectively.
A call for government action
An overwhelming majority (78 per cent) of Africans want their governments to do more to limit environmental pollution. This sentiment is nearly universal in countries like Tunisia (97 per cent), Kenya (91 per cent), Côte d’Ivoire (90 per cent), Eswatini (90 per cent), and Guinea (90 per cent).
However, in Namibia (49 per cent) and Mauritania (45 per cent), less than half the population supports stronger government intervention. These regional disparities highlight the complexities of addressing environmental issues across diverse political and cultural contexts.
Citizens are not just demanding action—they are also pushing for accountability. Three-quarters (76 per cent) want governments to regulate natural resource extraction more tightly to mitigate its environmental impacts.
Read also: The Nairobi accord: UNEA-6’s fresh blueprint for a pollution-free planet
Balancing resources and responsibility
Africa’s natural resource wealth is both a blessing and a curse. Nearly half (45 per cent) of respondents believe the benefits of resource extraction, such as jobs and revenue, outweigh its costs, including pollution.
However, 38 per cent feel the opposite, and 17 per cent remain undecided, reflecting a deeply divided perspective on the issue.
This ambivalence is a pointer to the importance of sustainable practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Overall, the citizens are calling for stricter regulations to ensure that resource extraction does not come at the expense of their communities and ecosystems.
The fight against environmental pollution in Africa requires a collective effort. While citizens are ready to roll up their sleeves, they also expect their governments to lead the charge. At the same time, businesses and industries must step up their role in creating sustainable solutions.
From promoting recycling programs to rethinking urban waste management, innovative approaches are essential. Rural areas could benefit from community-led reforestation initiatives, while stricter enforcement of environmental laws could curb water and air pollution.
Africa’s environmental challenges are daunting, but the survey reveals a continent ready to confront them head-on. The shared vision of a cleaner, healthier future is not just a dream—it’s a necessity.
