Cape Verde: Life and Survival Found in Municipal Landfill
In São Vicente, Cape Verde, the municipal landfill has become a primary source of livelihood for many individuals who scavenge for survival. For decades, men and women spend up to 10 hours daily sifting through waste for food, recyclable materials, and items with resale value. Joana, 55, has been collecting from the dump for forty years, raising five adult children with her findings. She lives in the nearby "Iraque" neighborhood and often finds food like potatoes, chicken, and fish, which she consumes or uses to feed her pigs. She also collects scrap metal to sell for necessities. Over the years, Joana has made grim discoveries, including at least 10 deceased infants. Nigel, 42, began scavenging at age 10 with his mother and continues to rely on the landfill when work is scarce, having supported his 20-year-old son through his efforts. "Chefinho," 25, has worked there for a decade, seeking scrap, pig feed, and recyclables, expressing no complaints about the place. Despite the harsh conditions, many, like Joana, Nigel, and "Chefinho," would welcome opportunities for a different life. Yakouba Bamba, originally from Ivory Coast, transformed his four years of scavenging into a successful recycling business, now employing others from the landfill. He also advocates for better organization and potential relocation of the dump due to its proximity to residential areas and associated health concerns like smoke.
The situation at the São Vicente municipal landfill highlights systemic failures in social and economic support structures, pushing vulnerable populations into hazardous informal economies. While individuals demonstrate resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, as seen in Yakouba Bamba's transition to business ownership, the reliance on landfill scavenging points to a lack of accessible education, housing, and formal employment opportunities. The psychological toll, as noted by psychologist William Lemos, creates a cycle of dependency and stigma. Future interventions must address these root causes through multidimensional policies, including improved waste management infrastructure, robust social programs, and economic development initiatives that offer dignified alternatives, rather than merely managing the symptoms of poverty and neglect. The long-term sustainability of communities depends on proactive, integrated approaches that empower individuals and break intergenerational cycles of hardship.
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