Waste Characterization, Quantification and Composting in Cape Maclear - Malawi

Abstract

This study examines the challenges of waste management, soil quality and food security in Cape Maclear, Malawi. Rising waste volumes, inadequate waste treatment, as well as declining soil quality and rising fertiliser prices are putting pressure on villagers, their agricultural activities and threatening food security. The research questions aim to investigate the sizen and composition of waste streams, the current disposal routes of the waste, the condition of agricultural land, the current integration of compost in agricultural practice and the potential of composting to solve the challenges of rising waste volumes, soil degradation and increasing fertilizer prices. Through characterisation and quantification of the waste, soil analysis and interviews with households, lodges and farmers, as well as the development of a conceptual model, the data basis was created to answer these questions. The results show that organic waste is the dominant waste fraction and that the soils are depleted in nutrients N, P, K and organic matter. Although composting is not yet part of agricultural practice, there is a high willingness to implement and use compost as a fertiliser alternative. Moreover, it could be shown that the minimum necessary knowledge can be provided by simple means. The model developed indicates that potential composting is nitrogen-limited and would have to be supplemented by additional nitrogen sources. Should this be achieved, composting has the potential to treat the majority of the waste generated in the village, improve soil quality and contribute to solving the fertiliser situation.