Lilongwe-based group of farmers, Gospel to All Organization (GAO) is transforming urban waste into a valuable resource.
The group, based in Chilambula village Traditional Authority Njewa, collects organic waste around Lilongwe city and convert it into thermothiric compost manure.
G.A.O chairperson Korinto Sadon has told ProjectM in an interview that the group started the initiative 2 years ago after noticing waste management challenges rocking Lilongwe city.
“As a group, we saw an opportunity to address two pressing issues, urban waste management and soil degradation,” Sadon said.
Sadon says production of the thermothiric compost manure has helped to reduce waste disposal challenges while creating nutrient-rich Fertilizer.
Production process of the organic fertilizers involves gathering organic waste from various markets in Lilongwe, which is then carefully sorted, mixed with water and covered in plastic paper for a period of 21 days.
“The end product is what we call the organic fertilizer and is applied in fields,” said Sadon.
Mary Chirwa, who is a member of the grouping has praised the manure, saying it has improved crop productivity in her field since she started using it 2 years ago.
“Since I started using this technique, my field has seen improved soil fertility, improved crop yields, reduced chemical Fertilizer usage and increased water retention,” said Chirwa.
Agricultural expert Tamara Mataka who is the coordinator for environmental think-tank, Center for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) has commended the organization for implementing the initiative.
“Malawi has reached a tipping point where soil organic matter is below minimum threshold for support of crop productivity, hence the need to promote usage of compost manure,” said Mataka.
The grouping has since set up plans to expand waste collection in a bid to produce more manure.
