Environmental concerns of poor households in low-income cities: the case of the Tamale Metropolis,Ghana |
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Authors: | Issaka Kanton Osumanu |
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Institution: | (1) Environmental and Resource Studies, University for Development Studies, UDS, Wa Campus, P.O. Box 520, Wa, Upper West, Ghana |
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Abstract: | The Tamale Metropolitan Area (TMA), as a low-income city in a heavily indebted poor country, is at the first stage of the
urban environmental transition where most of the environmental problems tend to occur close to the home. Some of the more
severe household environmental problems are poor housing, inadequate potable water supply, unsanitary conditions, uncollected
garbage, indoor air pollution and pest infestation. Those usually exposed to these environmental burdens are the less wealthy
households who have benefited less from development planning and infrastructure provision. Using questionnaire survey and
focus group discussions, this study explored the environmental anxieties of households in the metropolis. A stratified sample
of residential areas of the city was employed, and the study is able to examine city-wide disparities. The results indicate
that problems of water supply are the concern of all groups. Sanitation and garbage disposal services are problems faced mainly
by the poor in low-income areas. Other problems faced by the poor are overcrowding, indoor air pollution and pest infestation,
but these problems are not highlighted by the poor reflecting a misplaced lack of concern for these problem areas and ignorance
of the health risks posed by these hazards. The finding suggests a considerable demand for improvements in environmental service
provision and a general willingness to pay for such improvements.
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Keywords: | Environmental concerns Ghana Household Low-income cities Poor Tamale Metropolis |
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