Sustainable Development

The Sustainable Development component is informed by the growing challenges that the Eastern Africa region is facing from the effect of environmental degradation and pollution. We work with state and non-state actors through research, public dialogue, networking, in-country and regional knowledge-sharing forums to strengthen community resource rights, campaign around ending plastic pollution and promotion of renewable energy.

The Global Plastics Treaty must address social and environmental injustices across the plastics lifecycle.

Article

Despite African countries leading in plastic bans, they remain vulnerable to the plastic pollution crisis. The petrochemical and plastics industry lobby sees Africa as an opportunity for their growth. Increased plastic production continues to weaken Africa’s regulations, turning them into hubs for unregulated plastic waste dumping. As we approach the final session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, focus must be on addressing the social and environmental injustices of plastic pollution across its lifecycle. Discover how vulnerable communities, especially women and children, are disproportionately affected and what steps are needed to create lasting change.

Gender-Equitable Employment amidst Kenya's Plastic Predicament

Article

In Kenya, there are more waste pickers than men. This clearly indicates that women, bear the brunt of the impact of plastic pollution, which is not merely environmental but deeply intertwined with pre-existing gender inequalities. Many women find themselves relegated to the informal waste sector, where job security is uncertain, wages are inadequate, and workplace conditions are not unsafe. The rise in plastic waste only complicates these inequities, disproportionately affecting women who are already vulnerable.

By Faiba Kombo

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Recent Publications

Choices, Challenges and Dilemmas in Tanzania’s Energy System

Reserch paper

This context paper captures diverse perspectives from a consultation held in Dar es Salaam in December 2023. The paper outlines Tanzania's current energy mix and the energy choices facing its society. It also addresses energy investments aimed at reducing energy poverty and improving the well-being of Tanzanian citizens. Additionally, the paper discusses the consequences of today's energy choices and outlines a research agenda, highlighting key thematic areas and energy topics that require thorough investigation for the Sustainable Energy Futures Tanzania Report.

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Combatting Global Plastic Pollution

Infobrief

A critical look at the entire plastics cycle is also of crucial importance from a feminist perspective, because the plastic problem cannot simply be reduced to consumer use patterns or to harmful microplastics in cosmetic products. On the contrary, every stage of the plastics cycle reflects different gender-specific experiences and exposures.

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