A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of how Social Narratives Sustain Second-hand Goods Dumping in West Africa

Abstract The export of Second-Hand Goods (SHG) to West Africa is largely influenced by social narratives. The framing of these social narratives is shaped by a complex mix of political, economic, cultural and technological forces. Using a critical interpretive synthesis framework grounded on environmental justice, this study aims to uncover and critically interrogate the social narratives influencing the export of SHG to West Africa. Specifically, it critiques the social narratives that shape the export of SHG to West Africa, examines how these narratives legitimise dependence on SHG and the resultant environmental justice outcomes. A total of 24 articles were identified for the study. The analysis revealed that narratives on charity, circularity, dumping ground, affordability, livelihood creation, pro-poverty initiative, weak governance, environmental racism and sufficiency of international conventions have sustained the export of SHG to West Africa by legitimising dependency, leading to increased waste export and environmental injustice outcomes. These narratives masked waste displacement and externalisation, perpetuated power imbalance, shielded exporting countries from extended producer responsibility, shifted the waste burden to marginalised West African countries, leading to environmental harm. This study recommends a justice-oriented reconfiguration of circular economy, strengthening of weak clauses in the Basel and Bamako conventions, extended producer responsibility, effective environmental governance, strict monitoring and inspection of exported SHG, industrialisation and self-reliance initiatives.