Composting as A Waste Valorization Approach for Sustainable Waste Management in Ethiopia- A Review Paper

Abstract

Saba Kifle Mulugeta (MSc), Kewani Alemsegede Gebrelibanos and Teklay Asgedom Teferi (PhD)

Rapid urbanization and population growth in Ethiopia have intensified solid waste challenges, with organic matter dominating waste streams. Conventional disposal methods, such as open dumping, pose significant environmental and public health risks. This review examines composting as a sustainable waste valorization strategy, emphasizing resource recovery and the transition toward a circular economy. By synthesizing scientific literature and policy documents, the study explores the biological principles of composting and its potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and generate employment.

The Ethiopian context is analyzed through organic waste generation patterns, existing composting initiatives, and the institutional frameworks governing them. Despite its potential, the review identifies critical barriers to scaling these practices: inadequate source segregation, limited technical capacity, insufficient infrastructure, and weak market linkages for compost products. Furthermore, gaps in regulatory enforcement and public awareness hinder widespread adoption.

The study concludes that composting is a low-cost, contextually appropriate solution for sustainable waste management in Ethiopia. Integrating composting into national climate action plans and agricultural strategies offers a pathway to enhance environmental resilience and socio-economic development. However, realizing this potential requires coordinated policy support, targeted investment, and capacity building to bridge the gap between waste generation and productive resource recovery. By fostering an enabling governance framework, Ethiopia can transform organic waste from a liability into a valuable asset for sustainable development.

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