Agroecological valorization of slaughterhouse waste in West Africa

Lead Organization:

Institut de l'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA)

Partner Organizations:

Institute for Research in Applied Sciences and Technology (IRSAT), Nazi BONI University, National Agricultural Training School of Matourkou (ENAFA de Matourkou)

Community of Practice:

West Africa

Countries:

Burkina Faso

Duration:

11/2024—11/2027

Overview:

Demographic growth is increasing in West African countries. This growth is accompanied by an ever-increasing demand for food, resulting in a very high level of waste production. In the cities of Bobo Dioulasso and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, population growth is leading to a pressing demand for meat, which is a staple food for these populations (Olanjewaruju, 2004). However, this high demand for high-protein food leads to a high production of waste in slaughterhouses (Yelemou, 2011). Sanitation services are currently finding it extremely difficult to evacuate this waste, which in the long term is a public health problem because it causes not only noise pollution, but also visual and olfactory nuisance (Zerbo et al., 2021). However, such waste could be used to ensure good agricultural production in a context where soils are mostly poor in organic matter, total and available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity. The aim of this project is to look at ways and means of making better use of slaughterhouse waste in two major towns in Burkina Faso. The work of Ouattara et al. 2022, Ouedraogo et al. 2020, 2019 has shown the need to add matter to the soil in order to improve agricultural yields and soil fertility levels in Burkina Faso. In Burkina Faso, sorghum is a cereal crop that receives little fertiliser. Yet sorghum is a staple food in Burkina Faso. The proper use of slaughterhouse residues to fertilise sorghum would improve soil characteristics.

Grant Aims:

  • Reduce environmental pollution caused by slaughterhouse waste.
  • Propose effective biofertilizer formulations derived from slaughterhouse waste.
  • Improve soil properties and agricultural yields in sorghum-based systems using biofertilizers.
  • Enhance agro-pastoral productivity in mixed farming-livestock systems.
  • Raise awareness about the socio-economic importance of agro-ecological practices.
  • Train farmers, internally displaced persons, and students in the co-designed agro-ecological practices.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs

  • Environmental pollution from slaughterhouse waste is reduced through an effective waste management mechanism.
  • Effective biofertilizer formulations are proposed.
  • Soil properties and sorghum yields in sorghum-based cropping systems are improved through biofertilizers derived from slaughterhouse waste.
  • Agropastoral productivity in mixed farming-livestock systems is improved.
  • The socio-economic value of agro-ecological practices, incorporating biofertilizers, is well understood by local communities.
  • Farmers, internally displaced persons, and students are trained in agro-ecological practices that utilize slaughterhouse waste as biofertilizers.

Outcomes

  • Better waste management practices in slaughterhouses lead to reduced environmental pollution.
  • Biofertilizers based on slaughterhouse waste improve soil fertility, leading to higher agricultural yields.
  • Improved agricultural productivity and sustainability in sorghum farming and mixed farming-livestock systems.
  • Enhanced awareness and adoption of agro-ecological practices, improving local agricultural resilience.
  • Increased capacity of local farmers, displaced persons, and students in applying sustainable farming techniques.