Environmental Impacts of Artisanal Attiéké Production’s Effluents in Daloa, Central-West, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Artisanal attiéké production supports food supply and livelihoods in Côte d’Ivoire, but the wastes generated during cassava processing can adversely affect surrounding urban spaces. This study examines the environmental impacts associated with artisanal attiéké production in Daloa, with particular attention to production-site locations, wastewater disposal and reported nuisances. The investigation combined documentary research, field observations, guided interviews and questionnaire-based surveys. A total of 232 production units were surveyed using snowball sampling. Field observations indicated that processing is predominantly artisanal and generates solid residues and wastewater during peeling, washing, fermentation and other operations. Wastewater was frequently discharged directly onto the ground, where stagnant pools and muddy surfaces were observed near production sites and adjoining public spaces. Production units were distributed across the city, including densely populated neighbourhoods and areas close to major roads. Weekly production volumes were 50–100 kg for 63% of units, above 100 kg for 25% and below 50 kg for 12%. Reported nuisances included air pollution (82%), health-related or sanitary concerns (63%) and noise (23%). The findings indicate that inadequate waste management is associated with local environmental deterioration and perceived nuisance. Improvements in wastewater collection, disposal practices and production-site sanitation are therefore relevant. Because the evidence is primarily observational and survey-based, it does not establish physicochemical contamination levels.