Disposable diaper consumption and waste in urban Ghana and Kenya: the role of manufacturing, distribution, and branding

Abstract

Studies have reported widespread disposable diaper (DD) consumption in parts of urban Africa, increasing municipal waste generation and with mismanaged DD waste impacting water quality. However, the DD manufacturing and distribution systems behind this trend are little studied, yet understanding these underlying systems is critical in informing efforts to promote extended producer responsibility. This study therefore aims to assess DD brand preferences and trends in international trade in absorbent hygiene products in two case study Sub-Saharan countries. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 440 carers of children aged 0-36 months attending health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana and Kisumu, Kenya. Survey analysis was supplemented by analysis of international trade in absorbent hygiene products for both countries from 2000-2021. Trade data showed DD imports to Ghana and Kenya increased from 2000-17 particularly from China, but declined thereafter. This coincided with Chinese foreign direct investment establishing DD production facilities within both countries in 2018-19, and increased DD exports from Kenya and Ghana to surrounding countries. Meanwhile, 93.0% and 94.2% of survey respondents in Greater Accra and Kisumu respectively reported using DD. In Greater Accra and Kisumu respectively, 62.4% and 45.3% of survey participants reported using the brand produced by these new domestic manufacturing facilities, with 29.8% and 40.9% using imported brands. In Greater Accra, approximately half of reported imported brands were unregistered with the regulator. Given its market dominance, we therefore recommend engagement with the leading manufacturer to identify product or waste management innovations to address water pollution from DD waste. We also recommend similar engagement with imported brand manufacturers and greater DD import regulation in Ghana, given lack of imported brand registration.

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ORCID for Mair L.H. Thomas-possee: orcid.org/0000-0003-1899-2434

ORCID for Jim A. Wright: orcid.org/0000-0002-8842-2181

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