AN ASSESMENT OF THE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT IN AKO SUB DIVISION, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

By: Eforkwe Helmina Thaka | Department of Development Studies | Environment and Natural Resource Management

ABSTRACT

Palm oil processing generates wastes which if not properly managed degrades the environment and affect the health of the people. This study assessed the environmental and social impacts of palm oil mill effluent in Ako Subdivision, identified and assessed palm oil production sites, and Palm Oil Mill Effluent management practices, investigated health related issues and the impacts on the community living downstream, identified possible environmental impacts and proposed suggestions for scientific methods of palm oil production and waste management best practices. Methods of data collection were both primary and secondary methods. Questionnaires were administered to the millers and interview was conducted.  Participatory Rural Group Appraisal (PRA) with focus group discussion and semi structured interview were also done. Data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Microsoft Office Excel Version 10.0 was used to plot charts while statistical tables were designed in Microsoft Office Word Version 10.0.  The research found out that, Rivers and soil quality respectively at milling sites were polluted due to disposal of palm oil waste without treatment and these rivers were sources of drinkable water in the community living downstream.  This study recommended scientific methods of producing palm oil and measures of managing these waste such as reduction, reuse, recycle and recovery so as to ensure environmental and social sustainability.

Key words: Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), Palm Oil Mill Sludge (POMS), Palm Oil Mill Fiber (POMF)