Socio Economic Impact Assessment of Pre-harvest Sugarcane Burning: Empirical Data Around Wonji/Shoa and Matahara Sugar Factories

Gutema Bati Fedi

doi:10.7176/rhss/11-19-04

Abstract

In Ethiopia, the area of sugarcane is rising rapidly in response to increased sugar demand for human consumption. Despite considerable diversity in production systems and contexts, sugarcane is particularly high impact crop with significant positive and negative environmental and socio economic influences. Depending on a systematic review of scientific evidence combined with data that was collected through household interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observation and field notes of the researcher as well as secondary data from various sources to complement the primary data, the present study assess the socio economic and environmental impacts resulting from pre-harvest burning of cane in Wonji/Shoa and Metahara sugarcane estates. The results of study Show that the pre-harvest burning of cane harvesting practices have negative impacts on local economy in terms of human health (both local communities and sugarcane workers) resulting from smokes and dust particles. Moreover, the pre-harvest burning sugarcane practices have negative environmental effects as demonstrated by clearing of vegetation cover, depletion of water resources and soil degradation. On the other hand, sugarcane trash resources can be used for animals' feed and alternative energy sources like sugarcane briquette charcoal. Our findings then will help to guide sugar industries and policy makers with new insights/strategies in understanding the situated environmental and social impacts associated with alternative sugarcane harvesting system by using green harvesting technologies (either manual or mechanical) and at the same time opening job opportunity to the local communities by utilization of trash as animals feed, energy source and compost. Finally, recommendations have been provided in order to address the socio-economic and environmental effects on local communities and sugarcane workers and air quality management. Keywords: Pre-harvest sugarcane burning, Wonji/Shoa, Metahara, impact DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-19-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2021

Highlights

In the production of sugar from sugarcane, pre-harvest open burning of trash in commercial sugarcane fields was carried out in Ethiopia and others sugar producing countries
Study areas The study was conducted at Wonji/Shoa Sugar Factory (WSSF) and Matahara Sugar Factory (MSF)
Metahara Sugar Estate has a semi-arid climatic characteristic; it is located at about 200km southeast of Finfinnee /Addis Ababa, it is located in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia at latitude of 80 53’ N and longitude of 390 52’ E with an elevation of 950 meters above sea level

Summary

Introduction

In the production of sugar from sugarcane, pre-harvest open burning of trash in commercial sugarcane fields was carried out in Ethiopia and others sugar producing countries. The emissions from biomass burning practices of sugarcane trash is responsible for environmental, social and economical impacts that contribute significantly the emission of large quantities of pollutants that contributes to adverse effects on the health of workers and local populations (Ribeiro 2008) and exposes sugarcane cutting workers to several risks responsible for health problems (like respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, osteomuscular, ocular, and dermatological) and have significantly high mortality rate of workers employed due to illnesses (Leite et al 2018); to cause a reduction in air quality and have negative impacts on the potential energy value of the plant (Cançado et al 2006) To improve these human and environmental problems, Global sugar markets, sugar producer and supplier countries have signed the agreement called “green protocol” to stop burning of sugarcane fields. Many plantations that choose manual and/or mechanized harvesting without burning, increase productivity and income generation; reduce environmental harm and increase cogeneration potential

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