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2.1 Topic i: Training

Various academic departments at universities across Africa provide training in the engineering principles of MSWM. In addition, most countries have sufficient resident personnel to develop and manage effective MSWM systems that are appropriate for local conditions and resources. These can be enhanced as the pool of human and other resources grows with time. However, the evolution of MSWM systems requires an enabling policy and administrative environment to be successful. Thus, in connection with MSWM in Africa, training and human resource development are subordinate issues to institutional and organizational change and to appropriate infrastructure development.

Training and human resource development generally focuses on the training of process and operations personnel. For example, drivers may be trained to operate a new compactor truck or other piece of equipment donated by an international aid agency. However, to be sustainable, such education would need to be supplemented by training of support staff in the maintenance and repair of this equipment. Landfill staff, where available, may be trained in the daily operations of spreading and covering the lifts. However, equipment failures or the practice of open waste picking may quickly render such training ineffective.

NGOs active in MSWM train waste handlers from the informal sector in the safe handling of MSW for pre-collection, sorting for recycling, and composting. The Cape Recycling Network of South Africa is a good example of an NGO involved in MSW training and awareness for members of community organizations. Among the issues addressed by the South Africa Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) are safety and health issues affecting municipal waste handlers.

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Lagos in Nigeria provides training in MSWM to undergraduates. The Biology Department of Bunda College of Agriculture trains students and community groups in the practice of composting. Several other national universities across Africa provide curricular training to undergraduates in MSW-related fields.

The Environmental Council of Zambia promotes periodic public information campaigns on the safe handling of MSW. The health department also trains sanitation workers responsible for monitoring sanitary conditions at the landfill. Other health ministries across Africa also provide similar training for municipal health workers on the MSW detail. In addition, the sanitation or public works departments of major municipal governments often provide some period of probationary training for their new workers. This includes MSW collection truck crews as well as manual and supervisory staff at the landfill.

In summary, training and human resource development for MSWM may be broken into three main areas of need. First, ground-level process, operations, and maintenance personnel require occupational training targeted to the duties to which they are assigned and will be held accountable for. Next, supervisors and mid-level managers require the necessary education and experience to prepare them for the job of managing people, equipment, time, and money in the provision of MSWM services. Finally, system managers should be assigned to the planning and implementation of MSWM systems on the basis of their expertise in the area. MSWM in Africa rests largely in the hands of government agencies. It is from this source that the main thrust of training and human resource development is likely to be most effective.

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