Perceptions of the Environmental and Health Impacts of Effluents from the Mofolé Slaughterhouse (Mokolo, Far North Cameroon)

This article presents the results of a survey on the environmental and health risks associated with the effluents from the Mokolo slaughterhouse, located in the urban area of Mofolé. The study was conducted using random sampling, which included 262 questionnaires administered to 65 households, as well as 20 interview guides with the slaughterhouse managers, butchers, and representatives from services such as the Divisional Delegation of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (DDEPDED), Divisional Delegation of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (DDEPIA), and the Municipality. The results indicate that 62% of the participants are women, reflecting the local demographics. It is also noted that 73% of the effluents lack any management system, and 99.6% of households report that the slaughterhouse's wastewater is discharged into their environment. Furthermore, 85% of the 221 residents living near the slaughterhouse use surface and groundwater for their domestic needs. The presence of pests is alarming: 92% of participants report seeing flies, 85% report seeing mice, and 78% report seeing cockroaches. Additionally, 63% of residents observe a degradation in the management of the slaughterhouse waste in recent years. These findings highlight the environmental and health risks associated with the effluents from the Mofolé slaughterhouse. Over 79% of disease cases reported in the last five years were linked to hygiene and water quality problems. Hence, emphasis should be laid on the need for a treatment system to ensure environmental and sanitary safety.