The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme in Nigeria, has partnered with Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State to promote the use of biowaste for climate-smart agriculture.
Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr. Michael David, made this known at the “Waste to Wealth” workshop, themed “Unlocking the Hidden Value of Biowaste to Power Climate-Smart Agriculture and Greener, Stronger Communities”.
Dr. David stated that biowaste presents a practical pathway to achieving climate-smart agriculture, building community resilience, and promoting food security.
He noted that, if properly managed, biowaste could be transformed into compost, biogas, biochar, and organic fertilisers.
“There has been global attention on other waste streams, leaving out biowaste. Biowaste—whether from our kitchens, farms, or livestock—should not be seen as waste but as a valuable resource.”
“These products not only improve soil fertility, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions, but also create opportunities for green jobs and small enterprises within our communities.”
“By recycling and reusing biowaste, we can protect our environment, reduce pollution, and, at the same time, empower local farmers, women, and youth to generate income,” David said.
He emphasised that the workshop comes at a crucial time when communities across the country are seeking sustainable solutions to both environmental and economic challenges.
“We will be training selected women and youths on the conversion of biowaste into useful products like biofertilisers and manure, biogas production, and the transformation of coconut shells into useful items.”
“I encourage every participant to see biowaste not as a burden but as a blessing—an untapped resource that can drive sustainable development.”
“Together, let us commit to protecting our environment, enhancing our livelihoods, and leaving a healthier planet for generations yet unborn,” David added.
Director of the Nasarawa Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Mr. Ishaq Ibrahim, noted that 75% of the waste in the state is organic in nature and could be easily converted into organic fertiliser.
“What we do currently is collect this waste at designated collection points daily and transport it to our final disposal sites in Karu.
We have two sites—one in Ado, which spans about 14.5 hectares, and the second in Tudun Wada, covering about 7.6 hectares.
If you visit these sites, you’ll see large dumps of waste that have not been recycled. Anytime we have partners with the knowledge and technical expertise to convert this waste into organic manure, we are ready to collaborate,” Ibrahim said.
Director of Works, Lands, and Survey, Karu LGA, Mr. Ibrahim Wali, acknowledged the efforts of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, stating that the governor has done exceptionally well in waste generation and management.
He explained that the sensitisation workshop would educate individuals on waste management, reducing over-reliance on the government.
“In Karu, where the majority of Nasarawa State’s population resides, the Nasarawa Waste Management Agency channels millions of dollars daily to ensure a clean environment and prevent health issues.
A dirty environment leads to poor health, so this ‘waste to wealth’ initiative is very welcome.
With awareness like this, people will learn how to manage waste effectively. You can generate cooking gas, bioplastics, and more.
This training will significantly boost the local economy,” Wali said.
He promised to support ongoing collaborations aimed at turning waste into wealth.
Mr. Alfa Aliu, a representative from the Maraba Orange Market, expressed concerns over waste disposal in the market and assured support for the biowaste initiative.
He called on the Nasarawa State Government to establish a waste collection centre within the market to enable proper waste disposal.
Mr. Victory Obehi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member representing Karu LGA, expressed satisfaction with the workshop and the knowledge gained on biowaste.
The sensitisation workshop aimed to promote the idea that managing biowaste is a practical way to address both environmental and economic challenges—ultimately leading to a healthier planet and more sustainable livelihoods.
The workshop was organised by GIFSEP and supported by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) in Nigeria to support waste management in Karu Local Government Area (LGA).
GEF SGP provides financial and technical support to local civil society organisations (CSOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs), with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, to develop and implement innovative local actions that address global environmental issues while improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
SGP is currently implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and Conservation International (CI).