Abstract

This study at Idenau Oil palm Mill, Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), evaluates the management and utilization of waste generated during palm oil production, assesses the quantity and quality of waste generated during palm oil production, and the opportunities generated by the waste management strategy to the population of Idenau. this employed both analytical and descriptive research design with a total population size making used of Stratified random sampling method, the main entrustments of data collections include the interviews questionnaire and observation.

Data was analysed using SPSS version and MS excel 2019. The found that most frequently use waste management techniques use by the factory is burning and animal feeding, the study further revealed that there not enough truck to transport waste to far distances the dumping area, The study concluded that the present oil palm mill waste management techniques cause environmental problems, also present of oil palm mill waste management technique possesses a threat or problem to the environment and the community in the greater extend on the other hand the study revealed the present oil palm mill waste management techniques (especially the management of liquid waste) is at times influenced by the population benefiting from it is that liquid  waste help them in the production of soup, it also serve as a source of employment to the employed individual, other said because the income generated from the sale of liquid waste to open new businesses and payment of their children school fees.

The study recommends that CDC oil palm mile should go in partners with companies that are responsible for waste management can help her meet standard environment policies, also there should be adoption of modern technology by the  CDC oil palm mill.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

In this introductory chapter, background information of the study (descriptive examination of CDC oil palm mill waste management), statement of the research problem, research questions, research objectives, research hypotheses, the scopes and the fundamental significance of the study are presented. Also, the description of the study area, the description of the biophysical environment with regard to climate, geology, relief, drainage, vegetation and soil are outlined.

1.1 Background of the study           

Oil palm milling activities generate waste which can be harmful to the environment, animals, plants and the ecosystem. However, only a careful management of wastes can limit the damage done on the environment and conserve resources (Powell, 2001). Oil palm mill waste management is an important face of sustainable development for any country and global initiatives to support the prioritizing of waste management.

Global efforts to maintain the quality of the earth is now propounded by the government as well as International organizations for instance, a clean environment and effective industrial waste management systems were one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This recommendation, (on like in Agenda 21) of the SDGs indirectly advocates sustainable waste management (WM) within the framework of the “seventh goals” which addresses environmental sustainability. The aim is to foster the integration of the principles of sustainable development into each country’s development policy and programs (UNDP, 2007). Waste generation dates back to the early days of transformation.

In the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, the concept of “dilute and disperse” (Keller, 1979) was adequate given that the sources of waste and the quantity of waste generated were minimal. However, with the phenomenal increase in population, rapid urbanization and industrialization, it is clear that man’s use of the planet is producing effects, which are unacceptable and may possibly lead to such ecological instability that his very survival as a species is threatened (Dawson and Doornkamp, 1973). The land, seas, rivers and lakes are the eventual sinks for many of the harmful or waste substances disposed by man (Adham et al., 1997).

In the case of Idenau, the CDC oil palm mill produced three types of wastes which are manage differently. Gaseous, solid and liquid wastes incorporate waste coming about because of transformation activities. These wastes can be classified as solid waste, liquid waste, and vaporous waste” (Pandey, 2004).These wastes are separated and disposed of in different ways. The gaseous waste is release to the atmosphere. The main management technique of solid waste is landfilling and dumped around the community. The liquid waste is channel through a created path to the sea.

The solid waste serves as manure to farmers, especially those involve in the cultivation of plantain. It is also use as energy by women involve in smoking fish. Some of it is also used as saw dust in cooking. Also, due to the fact that the liquid waste is not well filtered, it has led to the creation of small areas along its path to catch sludge. The derived from this catchment areas are transformed traditionally and for commercial purpose. This has been a major opportunity for the population of Idenau. Over 100 people have been involved in this activity (Yinda, Monono &Tabi, 2012).

However, the landfilling and disposal of solid waste around houses and the channeling of liquid waste to the sea increases the risk of environmental and health pollution. This is also because the waste channel are seen as an ideal site for the disposal of household waste, thereby generating a toxic odor. Air pollution in the surrounding of landfills. Most of landfills emit odor, and are breeding ground of rats and fungus.

1.2 Statement of the research problem

Sustainable management is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges facing many African countries. The Palm Oil industry has recognized the importance of these challenges and is working to adopt these principles. The potentials of composting which turns on-farm waste material into farm resources make it an attractive proposition, offering several benefits (enhanced soil fertility and soil health) which increase agricultural productivity, improve soil biodiversity, reduce ecological risks and enhance sustainable management of the environment (Yinda, Monono & Tabi, 2012).

Tons of wastes Empty Fruit Bunches (EFBs) and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) are generated at the oil mills daily but are improperly managed causing harm to the environment and distorting its aesthetic beauty.  The EFBs are often disposed of in any available open area, while POME is sent to the open waters without any treatment. The POME emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming (Hassan et al., 2004).

These waste, if properly managed, could become a resource which help cut down on cost of fertilization in the same plantations were they are produced.  In Cameroon no studies have been carried out to ascertain the possible use of EFBs and POME as compost materials.  Nkongho (2005) studied the effect of EFB mulch on oil palm yields in PAMOL plantations but the constraints involved in using EFB as mulch were many.

These waste are separated and disposed of in different ways. The gaseous waste is release to the atmosphere. The main management technique of solid waste is disposal in the main disposal site behind the oil palm mill and around open spaces in the community. The liquid waste is channel through a created path to the sea.

However, the prevailing CDC oil palm mill waste management techniques have generated activities in the Idenau community in the following ways; the solid waste serves as manure to farmers, especially those involve in the cultivation of plantain. It is also used as energy by women involved in smoking fish. Some of it is also used as saw dust in cooking. Also, due to the fact that the liquid waste is not well filtered, it has led to the creation of small areas along its path to where sludge collects. The sludge derived from this areas is transformed traditionally for commercial purpose.

This generated activities to the local population which serves as opportunities to the Idenau community. The management techniques adopted by the CDC oil palm mill have devastating environmental implications and is a contradiction to article 21, 31 and 36 of the Cameroon law no. 96/12 of 05 august 1996 relating to Environmental management but, it generates opportunities for the local population thus the need to investigate and analyze the challenges and opportunities of oil palm mill waste management.

1.3 Research questions         

1.3.1 Main Research Question

This main research question is what are the challenges of the CDC oil palm mill waste management and the opportunities this waste management technique generates in Idenau?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What is the nature and quantity of waste, and what waste management techniques are adopted by the CDC oil palm mill in Idenau?
2. What are the challenges involved in waste management by the CDC oil palm mill and the activities it generates in Idenau?
3. What measures could be taken to overcome the challenges of waste management techniques adopted by the CDC oil palm mill?

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