REUSE OF ORGANIC WASTE AND HUMAN EXCRETA IN KUMASI, GHANA

Management of solid waste and human excreta in in many low-income countries has so far been appalling, leading to generally poor sanitary conditions. Co-composting (composting different kinds of organic waste) is a good choice in helping solve the waste problem while at the same time promote sanitation, improve agricultural output and thus reduce poverty among peasant farmers. Thus, a research was carried out in Kumasi, Ghana to ascertain the possibilities of cocomposting to enable address sanitation and agricultural problems concurrently. The findings reveal that farmers and the community leaders perceptions about the co-composting and its product is good. The farmers are willing to participate in co-composting project as well as pay fro the co-compost product while the community leaders are willing to provide the necessary managerial support. The viability and sustainability of this endeavour will, however, depend on the appropriateness of the technology; the quality and affordability of the product; and the eventual marketability of the product.

Autorentext

Dr A. Nkansah has PhD Civil Engineering, UK; Msc Environmental Engineering, Denmark; Bsc (Hons)Hydrogeology, South Africa; Bsc Agriculture, Ghana. He is the director of AAES International. He is consultant and specialist for hydrogeology/hydrology, Sanitation, Agriculture wastewater, solid waste and environment.