Poverty Eradication by Improving Waste Collection: An African Case Study

Abidjan faces major challenges in waste management, with nearly 30% of urban households disposing of waste in open dumps. This practice poses serious health and environmental risks, especially in low-income neighborhoods. Improving waste services in these areas is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening urban resilience. This study is based on a contingent valuation survey conducted in 2014 with 402 households living in low-income neighborhoods of Abidjan. To correct for self-selection bias in the use of informal waste collection services, the study employs the propensity score matching (PSM) method. This approach helps identify the key factors influencing household demand for informal waste services. Variables examined include material wealth, gender of the household head, perception of health risks, and access to improved infrastructure such as latrines and wastewater systems. The study also assesses the socio-economic and human impacts associated with the use of these informal services. The findings reveal that households using informal waste collection services experience improved socioeconomic outcomes. Specifically, these households allocate more of their budget to essential needs such as education, healthcare, and food. They also report better access to basic infrastructure, including potable water and legal electricity connections. A strong willingness to pay for improved waste services is observed, indicating that residents are aware of the environmental and health consequences of poor waste management and are motivated to enhance their living conditions. The determinants of service use such as wealth status, gender, and infrastructure access highlight the importance of addressing inequalities when designing waste management policies. This study underscores the need for inclusive policies that support public-private partnerships and introduce incentive-based pricing mechanisms to ensure sustainable financing of waste services. Policymakers should consider household constraints and expectations to foster responsible waste behavior and improve service uptake. Such approaches can contribute to achieving the SDGs, reducing environmental risks, and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable urban populations through more equitable and resilient waste management systems.