ABSTRACT
The reuse of wastewater in urban agriculture in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon, is a constant source of the spread of waterborne diseases. The wastewater which comes from households, hospitals, and markets, contains high levels of faecal bacteria (more than 106 CFU of coliforms and 100,000 CFU of Streptococci per 100 ml water). Parasitological analyses revealed the presence of protozoan cysts (Entamoeba histolytica: 2-62/litre water, Giardia: 0-7/litre water) and helminth eggs (0-37/litre water). Analyses of stool samples from a cohort of 50 individuals revealed that all categories of people concerned by market gardening (the market gardeners, vendors, and consumers) were affected by intestinal amoebiasis uniformly (about 20% of the individuals in each category were infested). Moreover, some cases of cholera and typhoid fever, as well as dermatitis, were reported in those involved in market gardening directly and consumers alike. This chapter presents the results of a study based on the Ecohealth approach, which revealed some risky behaviours and practices that amplify the deteriorating local health conditions. Focused measures taken by state authorities (such as the building of a wastewater treatment plant), nongovernmental organizations (through information and awareness-raising campaigns), and the various parties involved in market gardening (e.g., following good practices and rules of hygiene) could usefully be put into effect to promote safe urban truck farming as a way to meet various environmental, social, and economic concerns to meet the population’s needs most effectively.
