At GEOARCHI, Virgile Narcisse Sènan Ayimade assessed the environmental risks associated with waste management in Sèmè-Kpodji.
The Essentials: At GEOARCHI, Virgile Narcisse Sènan Ayimade assessed the environmental risks associated with waste management in Sèmè-Kpodji.
Virgile Narcisse Sènan Ayimade, researcher at GEOARCHI (Université de Bretagne Sud).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale Espaces, Sociétés, Civilisations (Rennes ; 2022-....).
Listed in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigor criteria of French higher education.
Context and Research Problem
The municipality of Sèmè-Kpodji, located in Benin, faces environmental and health challenges related to waste management. Rapid population growth has led to a significant increase in the production of solid household waste, exacerbating the waste management problem. This situation has led to the proliferation of illegal dumpsites, where various types of waste accumulate, notably plastics, solvents, batteries, and electrical and electronic equipment waste. Due to their composition, this waste can be likened to toxic industrial waste, posing a serious risk to public health and the environment.
Inadequate waste management in this municipality manifests in several notable consequences. Soil and groundwater pollution is a worrying phenomenon, worsened by the illegal dumping of this waste. In addition, open-air incineration contributes to the degradation of air quality, directly affecting the health of Sèmè-Kpodji's residents. Dysfunctions observed in the waste management system aggravate these problems, making a thorough assessment of the risks associated with this management crucial.
Methodology
The study was conducted using a multidisciplinary approach, integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. These tools made it possible to spatially analyze the impacts of waste management in the municipality of Sèmè-Kpodji. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was applied to identify and prioritize the areas most exposed to environmental and health risks related to waste management.
The methodological process involved several key steps. First, data was collected on the types of waste present in the municipality, followed by an analysis of the associated environmental impacts. Next, GIS was used to map at-risk areas, facilitating a geospatial understanding of the issues related to waste management. Finally, AHP made it possible to prioritize actions to be taken for more sustainable management of solid household waste.
Key Findings
The study results highlight several critical aspects of waste management in the municipality of Sèmè-Kpodji. Mapping carried out using GIS revealed that the most vulnerable areas are located mainly near illegal dumpsites. These areas show a high concentration of hazardous waste, whose presence leads to significant soil and groundwater pollution.
Data analysis also showed that open-air incineration of waste contributes to a notable degradation of air quality, with emissions of atmospheric pollutants that directly affect residents' health. Waste management, as currently practiced, does not meet minimum health and environmental safety requirements, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions.
The recommendations made following this study include community awareness initiatives aimed at informing populations about the issues related to waste management and encouraging more sustainable practices. Infrastructure improvements are also proposed to optimize the waste collection and treatment system. In addition, suitable public policies are deemed necessary to frame and regulate waste management within the municipality.
Discussion and Outlook
The assessment of environmental and health risks related to waste management in the municipality of Sèmè-Kpodji highlights complex issues that require immediate attention. The current situation calls for an integrated approach combining population awareness, technical improvements, and suitable policies. The results of this study underscore the importance of waste management that goes beyond simple collection to also incorporate environmental and health considerations.
Future research prospects could focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the policies implemented following this study. It would be relevant to explore the impact of environmental education on residents' waste management behaviors. Finally, further studies on the long-term effects of pollution caused by waste management on public health could help strengthen the case for sustainable waste management in the municipality of Sèmè-Kpodji.
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Sources and Access
Virgile Narcisse Sènan Ayimade. Évaluation des risques environnementaux et sanitaires liés à la gestion des déchets dans la commune de Sèmè-Kpodji, Bénin. Géographie. Université de Brest; Université d'Abomey-Calavi UAC (Bénin), 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025BRUN0077⟩. ⟨tel-05639599⟩