Organic waste from fruit and vegetable markets in Dar es Salaam is being processed into fertiliser through a waste separation initiative promoted by the Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA). Market traders at Tandale Market, which generates approximately 10 tonnes of biodegradable waste daily, are placing separated organic materials into designated collection areas before transport to a composting plant in Mabwepande, Kinondoni, where they are converted into fertiliser for agricultural use.
The TFRA has expanded awareness campaigns throughout October as part of activities marking World Fertiliser Day, observed annually on October 13. The authority's Principal Quality Controller, Ms Esther Kapakala, said the campaigns encourage proper waste separation to obtain clean raw materials suitable for producing quality fertiliser. She noted that when biodegradable materials are mixed with plastics and other substances, it becomes difficult to obtain suitable materials for fertiliser production.
Tandale Market Manager Mr Awadhi Shabani said the market has established a system for separating biodegradable waste from dry waste, with collected materials transported to the fertiliser production plant operated by Kinondoni Municipal Council. However, implementation faces challenges, as some traders and residents struggle to distinguish between biodegradable and dry waste, requiring additional sorting at collection points.
Kinondoni Municipal Council Sanitation Officer Mr Alban Mgabuso said waste should be separated into three main categories: biodegradable waste, dry waste and hazardous waste. He noted that biodegradable waste is particularly valuable because it can produce fertiliser and be processed to generate Black Soldier Fly larvae for livestock feed. The waste-separation system is being implemented in other markets within the municipality, including Magomeni, Mwananyamala and Nyuki Market in Tegeta.