Emissions from Street Meat Polluting Ugandan Urban streets

December Free Report
By
Emmanuel Joster Ssenjovu

In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in food-induced emissions. A significant percentage of these emissions have been attributed to urban centers. Researchers have reported that a huge percent of these emanate from the heightened consumption of meat among urban residents compared to their counterparts living in rural areas (The Guardian, 2021).

As many capitals advance at a rapid pace, there is a simultaneous increase in the demand for food and meat at large. In developing countries, this progress often coincides with the expansion of suburbs – urban sprawl. Life in the suburbs normally compels many residents to turn to street food vending as a way to earn a living. This is because this job actually requires minimal capital and a high potential turnover. They prepare and sell cheaper meals and fried meat in open-air street settings to residents.

In Uganda, street food plays a crucial role in feeding a substantial portion of the urban population, primarily owing to its affordability. Among the frequently prepared local dishes are “Katogo,” “Matooke,” and “Irish Potato.” Popular takeaways include “Chips & Chicken,” “Mamba fish,” as well as dishes featuring “cow spleen” and “liver.” These are sourced raw from rural areas.

Street food vending, especially the roasting and frying of chicken and meat, poses threats to both health and the environment. Large frying pans, several centimeters in diameter, line the roadside. Chunky pieces of fish, beef, and goat meat are dipped into these pans for frying, emitting a smoky gas that forms a cloud in the air. Additionally, the use of very large charcoal stoves for roasting meat is harmful to the environment.

Picture a location like Nansana, Uganda. In the evening, the streets are filled with thick smoke from burning chicken. To make matters worse, heavy traffic jams exacerbate the pollution with emissions from passing cars. I often find myself needing to wear a mask when stepping out in the evening. (Ps: Picture to be added.)

The way food is prepared in this location poses health risks, contributing to increased air pollution. People in this area are more likely to experience respiratory disorders. Do we need carbon capture technology? Do we need stronger policies? Is unplanned urban sprawl making it worse? Something to think about.