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Exploring biogas and biofertilizer resource recovery potential from kitchen waste and fecal sludge in decentralized settings: the case of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Author

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  • Halla, Franella Francos
  • Appels, Lise
  • Kihila, Jacob Mabula
  • De Vrieze, Jo

Abstract

Most peri-urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa and similar regions do not incorporate sustainable organic waste management towards integrated resource recovery. Here, we explored the potential of kitchen waste and fecal sludge for the production of biogas and biofertilizers through anaerobic digestion at Kizito Huonjwa Street, Kigamboni Municipality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A questionnaire was carried out, combined with interactive interviews with key informants and focus group discussion. The biogas and biofertilizer production potential from kitchen waste and fecal sludge were analyzed in three scenarios, focusing on kitchen waste only, fecal sludge only, and their combination. The highest biogas yields were achieved from the co-digestion of kitchen waste and fecal sludge, related to the available estimated feedstock quantities. Biogas production could reduce energy costs by up to 2.07 USD.day−1 for households currently relying on charcoal, and up to 0.79 USD.day−1 for households using liquefied petroleum gas for cooking and heating. The produced biofertilizers could reduce fertilizer costs by up to 72.6 % by replacing the currently used synthetic fertilizers. Overall, kitchen waste and fecal sludge offer great potential in bio-energy recovery and biofertilizer production, and decentralized resource recovery approaches in sub-Saharan Africa could be both sustainable and economically feasible.

Suggested Citation

  • Halla, Franella Francos & Appels, Lise & Kihila, Jacob Mabula & De Vrieze, Jo, 2026. "Exploring biogas and biofertilizer resource recovery potential from kitchen waste and fecal sludge in decentralized settings: the case of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:262:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126001813
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.125356
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    References listed on IDEAS

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