UNDP/GEF-SGP, SRADev waste to resource project to produce fertilizer, biogas
A pilot waste-to-resource project that will convert swine duck to organic fertilizer and biogas is about to kick off at the Oke-Aro Pig Farm Estate (OPFE), the largest concentration of pig farmers in West Africa, established by the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Agriculture.
The project is an initiative of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/ Global Environment Facility- Small Grants Programme.
Specifically, the project will operationalize the utilization of piggery waste for biogas generation, production of organic fertilizer towards increased economic empowerment of pig farmers for improved public health.
Other benefits of the project will include: generation of 1.5-2.0 tons (30-40 bags of 50kg) per day of organic fertilizer and cleaner biogas of about 7-10 cubic meter (m3); savings in waste management disposal cost of about N20,000 monthly; increased awareness of 2,000 pig farmers on agro-waste sound management, biogas and organic fertilizer production; employment and empowerment of at least 100 persons; over 2000 farmers will be provided with assess to off-grid energy solutions on long term through captive energy from biogas use at scale up; it will lead to about 60% reduction in the odour/foul smell, rodents and fly nuisance and reduction by half disease and deaths of pigs associated with poor sanitation in farm environment.
The pig farm which consist of over 2000 farmers is facing some challenges include: waste disposal and poor environmental footprint, lack of know-how on use of the waste resources, pollution of freshwater supplies by discharging waste into the Ogun River, air pollution and poor productivity of individual pig farms.
Under the project arrangement, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture is expected to provide facility including: windrow for composting, shed for housing the biofertilizer machine, cloak room and administration offices. Besides, it will also be expected to support in the construction of drainages and roads in the farm estate as its own counterpart support.
Executive Director, SRADev Nigeria, Dr. Leslie Adogame, said the project will lead to a clean environment in the farm and address the issue of waste management that has being a challenge to the farm. He added that there would be opportunity to scale up the project in the future.
On sustainability of the project, he said: “The ReUseBIOWaste project is highly sustainable. The project critical factor of sustainability 2-3 years after SGP funds is based on its -inclusiveness and transparency for ownership model. For sustainability, key factors include: Involvement of farm community in the implementation task team from inception and formation of an OPFE Enterprise Board at project end(composed of piggery farmers/community to manage the business aspects of the project”.
Senior Programme Officer, SRADev Nigeria, Mr. Victor Fabunmi, said “by providing financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods, SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the fine balance between human needs and environmental imperatives”.
Already, discussions are at final stage with consultants and other stakeholders to commence the 18 months project.
