Nasarawa: The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) has unveiled plans to harness biowaste for climate-smart agriculture and greener communities in Nasarawa State. Dr Michael David, Executive Director of GIFSEP, announced this during a Waste-to-Wealth awareness workshop in Karu Local Government Area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop, titled ‘Unlocking the Hidden Value of Biowaste to Power Climate-Smart Agriculture and Greener, Stronger Communities,’ received support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Nigeria. The initiative’s primary goals are to promote sustainable waste management, enhance food security, and create green jobs.
Dr David highlighted that biowaste offers a practical pathway to climate-smart agriculture, community resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. When properly managed, biowaste can be transformed into valuable products such as compost, biogas, biochar, and organic fertilisers. These products have the potential to improve soil fertility, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, cut down greenhouse gas emissions, and create opportunities for small enterprises and green jobs.
He pointed out that despite global discussions often centering on plastics and other waste streams, biowaste from kitchens, farms, and livestock remains a largely untapped resource. The training aims to empower selected women and youths to convert waste into useful products, including bio-fertilisers, biogas, and coconut-shell byproducts. Dr David encouraged participants to view biowaste as an untapped resource that can drive sustainable development.
Officials from Karu LGA and Nasarawa state expressed support for the initiative. Mr Ibrahim Wali, Director of Works, Land and Survey in Karu LGA, stated that the waste-to-wealth concept is timely for improving public health and boosting the local economy. He highlighted that in Karu, where most of Nasarawa State’s population resides, significant sums are spent on waste management to maintain a clean environment. With this initiative, waste could be transformed into cooking gas, bioplastics, and other products that strengthen the economy.
Mr Ishaq Ibrahim, Director of the Nasarawa Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, noted that approximately 75 percent of waste generated in the state is organic. Currently, these wastes end up in disposal sites in Ado and Tudun Wada, but with the right technical expertise, they can be easily converted into organic fertiliser.
Representatives from the private sector and community also pledged their support. Mr Alfa Aliu, representing traders at the Maraba Orange Market, called for a government-supported waste collection centre to facilitate proper disposal and recycling. Mr Victory Obehi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member representing Karu LGA, praised the training, stating that the knowledge gained on biowaste was an eye-opener for youth empowerment.
The workshop is part of GIFSEP’s broader effort to promote climate action, food security, and sustainable development in Nigerian communities.