Africa, Sub-Saharan

Consumption Patterns

The region has witnessed a decline in agricultural output since the 1970s and relies heavily on importation to feed its growing population. The patterns of consumption have tilted toward imported foods, including livestock (such as frozen foods and dairy) and staple foods (such as rice). This development has raised the consumption of mostly high-waste-generating imported food and has also led to increasing numbers of fast food restaurants. The volume of waste generation among fast food operators within the region is high, with very passive or no government regulation.

According to 2004 United Nations Economic Programme (UNEP) reports, countries in sub-Saharan [Page 12]Africa are facing serious problems related to natural resource management and environmental pollution owing to rapid growth in urbanization and industrialization. High consumption levels and a propensity to consume are putting a strain on the environment. However, excessive and indiscriminate consumption of resources is not limited to urban people; a disproportionately growing number of rural dwellers in sub-Saharan Africa engage in arbitrary consumption of resources such as deforestation and bush burnings. But the patterns and trends mark the difference. The contribution of urban and rural activities to harmful consumption of resources is a critical factor.

Consumption is clearly an essential property of human settlements. In industrialized countries, consumption of resources will mainly continue in the pursuit of a better of life, while in developing countries, such as sub-Saharan Africa, consumption is primarily driven by the desire to meet basic needs, increase economic growth, and sustain the development process. In economic terms, higher consumption levels lead to higher investment, which further leads to higher per capita income in the long run. Consumption will arguably contribute to human development when it enlarges the capabilities and enriches the lives of people without adversely affecting the well-being of others. Consumption becomes a positive factor in the development process when it is done in a sustainable manner. But the links between consumption and development are often broken. When they are, consumption becomes inimical to human and environmental development. The consumption pattern of the early 21st century is undermining the environmental resource base. If the patterns of consumption in sub-Saharan Africa are not changed, the problems of unsustainable and excessive consumption of resources and human development will worsen. Therefore, the real issue is not consumption itself, but rather its patterns and effects, including emissions and wastes that pollute the Earth and destroy ecosystems, and deplete and degrade renewable resources, undermining livelihoods and future development.

...