Initiated by Green Habitat Botswana, this project focuses on the production of fertilizers from food waste to reduce greenhouse gas production in landfill sites. A particular emphasis is also placed on inclusion of women, youth, and the disabled as well as education of local communities. 

The amount of food waste produced by hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and households is on the rise in Botswana. As a result, local authorities often struggle with (food) waste collection. This creates a threat for the environment since food waste significantly contributes to environmental pollution in the country. What is more, Botswana is yet to develop an effective waste recycling industry and the public has few information on the harmful effects of (food) waste.

To address the problem of excessive food waste pollution in the country, Green Habitat Botswana decided to set up a project aimed at the collection and recycling of food waste. The project was enabled due to funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative based in the country’s capital city – Gaborone – collects food waste three times a week, places it to a compost pit where it is mixed with leaves from plants, saw dust from timber, and water to start the composting procedure. The other organic materials (leaves, saw dust) come from local landscaping companies. The compost pit is located on the premises of a secondary school which also allows the students to help with and get involved in the environmental initiative, as well as increase their awareness about food waste management.

Once the composting process is complete, the manure is donated to the school’s agricultural department and gardeners in the local community. This promotes the use of organic waste among local residents and is expected to decrease the use of toxic fertilizers. In other words, the initiative sets out to improve local waste management, reduce the effect of food waste pollution on local environment, and educate the public. Additionally, the project leaders organize regular workshops and training sessions where women, youth, and disabled are especially encouraged to take part with the prospect of later joining the initiative as employees. The project communication involves multiple local languages to ensure its wide accessibility.