Strategies To Reduce Air Pollution In Africa

Air pollution is a serious issue in Africa, causing around 1.1 million deaths across the continent in 2019. It is the second-largest cause of death, responsible for more fatalities than tobacco, alcohol, road accidents, and drug abuse combined. The problem is only getting worse as the continent rapidly urbanises and industrialises, with over 65% of its population expected to live in urban areas by 2060.

The good news is that there is a way to address this crisis. By taking action in five key areas – transport, residential, energy, agriculture, and waste – African governments could prevent 880,000 deaths per year by 2063. This would also bring economic and environmental benefits, including improved food security and reduced emissions.

So, what are the solutions?

Transition to clean, renewable energy sources

Africa is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to air pollution. The transition to clean, renewable energy sources is, therefore, a crucial step in reducing air pollution on the continent.

Renewable Energy Sources

Africa has a large supply of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which can be harnessed to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change. These sources are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective and abundant, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Energy Transition Strategies

The transition to clean energy in Africa requires a range of strategies, including:

• Increasing the deployment of renewable energy technologies: Solar panels and wind turbines can provide electricity to communities that are not connected to the grid, creating jobs and improving livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
• Promoting energy efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient appliances, equipment, and behaviours can reduce overall energy demand and the need for fossil fuel generation.
• Adopting clean cooking solutions: Traditional cooking methods, such as open fires and inefficient stoves, contribute significantly to air pollution. Improved stoves and clean fuels can reduce emissions and improve public health.
• Capacity-building and technology transfer: Many African countries lack the technical expertise and infrastructure for clean energy technologies. Supporting capacity-building and technology transfer can help develop the necessary skills and infrastructure.

Benefits of Transitioning to Clean Energy

The transition to clean, renewable energy in Africa offers multiple benefits, including:

• Improved air quality: Reducing air pollution levels can lower the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, improving the health of Africa's population.
• Economic growth: Clean energy can drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and alleviate poverty. It can also reduce the costs associated with healthcare, as respiratory illnesses are a significant burden on healthcare systems.
• Climate change mitigation: By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Africa can contribute to global efforts to keep warming below 1.5°C and protect its vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change.
• Energy security: Africa can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and improve its energy security by investing in renewable energy sources.
• Social inclusion: A just and inclusive energy transition can empower marginalized communities, reduce inequality, and improve access to modern energy services.

Improve public transport

Improving public transport is key to reducing air pollution in Africa. Here are some ways to do this:

Integrate informal transport into city-wide systems

Informal transport, such as minibus and motorcycle taxis, plays a significant role in most African cities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. These modes of transport are often unregulated, unsafe, and expensive, with fares depending on various factors such as weather and demand. By integrating informal transport into city-wide systems, cities can improve the safety and affordability of public transport. This can be done by formulating non-punitive strategies and providing financial assistance for vehicle upgrades, helping operators corporatise, and bringing accountability to users and regulators.

Map public transport to improve efficiency

Mapping public transport can help identify carbon emissions, improve services, and enhance user experience. Mobile applications that use route and service information data can help commuters find efficient ways to navigate a city. Additionally, mapping can be used to identify efficient routes, formalise stops and stations, and provide real-time arrival information.

Implement cleaner and more affordable public transport

African cities can shift to cleaner and more affordable public transport options, such as safe cycling and walking. Upgrading public transport can include introducing larger-capacity electric buses and improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, making it safer and more accessible for people to choose active modes of transportation.

Improve governance and institutional setup

Transport authorities in African cities often lack critical data for meaningful engagement and decision-making, leading to inefficient resource utilisation and ineffective interventions. Improving governance and institutional setup can help build trust in government decisions and reduce strikes. Additionally, addressing power relations and incentive structures between drivers, operators, and passengers is crucial for successful interventions.

Automate fare systems

While fare payment in Africa remains largely cash-based, introducing automated fare systems can bring new efficiencies to public transport. Mobile phone-based payment systems, such as those integrated with mobile money platforms, can enable the development of new service offerings that respond to passenger demand in real time. However, it is important to consider the costs and objectives of implementing automated fare systems, as they can be expensive and may not always provide benefits that exceed the costs.

Adopt cleaner cooking methods

Cleaner cooking methods are essential to reducing air pollution in Africa. Currently, around 3 billion people worldwide rely on open fires or basic stoves that burn coal, charcoal, firewood, agricultural waste, and animal dung. These practices have grave consequences for human health and the environment.

Health Impacts

The use of inefficient stoves and solid fuels is a leading cause of indoor air pollution, which has devastating effects on the health of women and children. Over 4 million people die prematurely each year from household air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels. In Africa alone, women and children account for 60% of early deaths related to smoke inhalation and indoor air pollution. Additionally, more than 50% of premature deaths due to pneumonia among children under five are caused by particulate matter (soot) inhaled from household air pollution.

Environmental Impacts

Basic cooking methods that use wood and charcoal contribute to deforestation and threaten forest resources. The demand for firewood and charcoal results in the loss of forests the size of Ireland each year, with the worst effects seen in East and Southern Africa. Furthermore, traditional cooking stoves that are inefficient in combustion use more wood and charcoal than necessary, leading to avoidable greenhouse gas emissions.

Social Impacts

The lack of clean cooking methods also has significant social impacts. Women, who are typically responsible for cooking due to social norms, bear the brunt of the negative consequences of rudimentary cooking practices. They face health risks and are prevented from accessing education, earning a wage, or starting their own businesses. Additionally, collecting firewood and other fuel sources can take up to five hours a day, and women are exposed to the risk of violence and assault during these trips.

Solutions

To address these issues, it is crucial to promote the adoption of clean cooking solutions. This includes improving access to clean-burning fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, as well as providing improved cookstoves that are more efficient and produce less smoke. Electric cooking options, such as electric hotplates, can also play a significant role in reducing air pollution from cooking.

However, it is important to note that affordability remains a major challenge for many households. Financial support may be necessary to help cover the upfront costs of clean cooking stoves and, in some cases, ongoing fuel expenses. Additionally, grassroots efforts, user engagement, and education programs can play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption and proper use of clean cooking technologies.

By implementing these cleaner cooking methods, Africa can significantly reduce indoor air pollution, improve health outcomes, especially for women and children, and mitigate environmental degradation caused by deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Improve waste management systems

Improving waste management systems is crucial in reducing air pollution in Africa. Here are some measures that can be implemented to achieve this:

Develop and Implement Better Waste Management Plans

Firstly, it is essential to develop and implement better waste management plans. Governments should work together with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to create strategies that divert waste from ending up in places that pollute the air, such as open dumps and burning sites. This involves establishing regulations to prevent dumping and burning, as well as investing in improved waste handling methods.

Enhance Waste-Handling Techniques

Local waste management teams should be assisted in adopting safer and more environmentally friendly methods for handling waste. This includes providing them with the necessary tools, equipment, and knowledge to improve their waste-handling techniques. This not only reduces air pollution but also improves the working conditions of those in the waste management sector.

Promote Recycling and Composting

Recycling and composting play a vital role in reducing waste and minimizing air pollution. Governments and communities should encourage and facilitate the separation of waste, providing clear guidelines and infrastructure for proper recycling and composting practices. This can be achieved through educational programs and initiatives that raise awareness about the importance of recycling and composting, as well as the proper methods for doing so.

Reduce Organic Waste and Open Burning

Another crucial aspect is reducing organic waste and open burning. This involves implementing strategies to minimize food waste and promoting alternative methods for waste disposal, such as anaerobic waste digestion to produce biogas. While incineration may be unavoidable in some cases, it should be done using combustion technologies with strict emission controls to minimize air pollution.

Improve Municipal and Agricultural Waste Management

Municipal and agricultural waste management strategies should focus on waste reduction, separation, recycling, and reuse. This includes investing in waste management infrastructure and technologies, such as waste separation systems, recycling programs, and waste-to-energy initiatives. By properly managing municipal and agricultural waste, the release of harmful substances into the air can be significantly reduced.

Educate and Raise Awareness

Educating communities about the importance of proper waste management and its impact on air quality is essential. This includes raising awareness about the negative consequences of open dumping and burning, as well as providing information on alternative waste disposal methods. By empowering individuals to make small changes in their waste management practices, collective action can lead to significant improvements in air quality.

Reduce methane emissions from agriculture

Agriculture is a significant contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, livestock is responsible for about 14.5% of human-induced GHG emission, with cattle (beef and dairy) accounting for about 61% of these emissions.

Livestock and Manure Management

• Use livestock feed additives
• Practice rotational grazing to sequester carbon in the soil
• Select high-quality feed that will reduce methane released from enteric fermentation
• Manage manure to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions
• Cover manure storage facilities
• Optimize manure use with a nutrient management plan
• Capture and combust methane from manure storage

Soil Conservation and Carbon Sequestration

• Enhance nitrogen management through nutrient management planning
• Decrease bare fallow
• Return crop residues to the soil
• Establish agroforestry systems
• Increase cover cropping
• Implement rotational grazing

Energy Conservation and Fuel Switching

• Conduct an on-farm, all-fuel energy assessment to identify energy-saving opportunities
• Ensure that all heating and cooling systems are in good working order
• Use timers, sensors, or variable speed drives on ventilation, heating, cooling, and lighting systems
• Replace fossil-fuel-powered equipment with electrical pumps and motors
• Utilize renewable energy sources such as anaerobic digestion, solar thermal infrastructure, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries

Diet Supplements and Feed Alternatives

• Feed ruminants dietary oils, fats, tannins, probiotics, nitrates, enzymes, marine algae, or native vegetation
• Improve forage quality with lower fibre and higher soluble carbohydrates
• Include more forage legumes in the diet, such as tannin-rich legumes like sainfoin
• Change from tropical (C4) to temperate (C3) grasses that use different pathways to capture carbon dioxide
• Explore alternative plant forages, such as broccoli leaves and native plants like Rhagodia preissii, Eremophila glabra, and Acacia saligna

Frequently asked questions