Analyzing the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of Plastic Waste Management in Cameroon

Over the years, there has been an increase in the production and consumption of plastic materials, basically due to population growth and urbanization. This has resulted in a plastic pollution crisis worldwide, especially in developing countries. In addressing this plastic pollution problem, a number of studies have so far been carried out in line with plastic waste management. However, very few studies, especially in Cameroon, have been published on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of plastic waste management systems. This study conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis with the purpose of providing understanding into the current plastic waste management (PWM) situation in Cameroon, and to propose enhancement strategies. The data used for the analysis were obtained from a number of sources including government reports, relevant regulations, and policies, peered-reviewed literature, and questionnaires. The study revealed key strengths and opportunities which included available policies, the presence of recycling companies, circular economy potential, and research institutions as well as weaknesses and threats such as ineffective enforcement and implementation policies, absence of a separate collection system, inadequate waste management infrastructure, inadequate financial and technical capacity, the countries geographical position, lack of public interest and participation and population growth and urbanization. Based on the SWOT analysis, a number of strategies were proposed, that is, promulgate policies and ensure strict implementation, set up separate plastic waste collection systems and adopt a national circular economy action plan for plastics. These would be useful in enhancing the current PWM system in Cameroon.