The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme in Nigeria, has partnered with Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State to promote the use of biowaste as a driver of climate-smart agriculture, food security, and green jobs.
Speaking at the “Waste to Wealth” sensitisation workshop themed “Unlocking the Hidden Value of Biowaste to Power Climate-Smart Agriculture and Greener, Stronger Communities”, GIFSEP Executive Director, Dr. Michael David, said biowaste offers a practical solution to environmental and economic challenges.
“Biowaste—whether from our kitchens, farms, or livestock—should not be seen as waste but as a valuable resource,” David said. “When properly managed, it can be transformed into compost, biogas, biochar, and organic fertilisers that improve soil fertility, reduce chemical dependence, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create green jobs for women and youth.”
Dr. David explained that the workshop would train selected women and youths on converting biowaste into products such as biofertilisers, biogas, and even reusing coconut shells. He described the initiative as timely, noting its potential to strengthen community resilience and support sustainable development.
Nasarawa officials back initiative
Director of the Nasarawa Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Mr. Ishaq Ibrahim, revealed that 75% of the state’s waste is organic and could easily be converted into fertiliser. “Currently, large dumps of organic waste remain unrecycled at our Karu sites. We are open to partnerships that will convert this waste into wealth,” he said.
Also speaking, Karu LGA’s Director of Works, Lands, and Survey, Mr. Ibrahim Wali, praised Governor Abdullahi Sule’s waste management efforts and welcomed the GIFSEP project. He noted that Karu hosts the majority of Nasarawa’s population, making waste management both a health and economic priority.
“This training will significantly boost the local economy. People will learn how to manage waste effectively and even generate cooking gas, bioplastics, and other products,” Wali said.
Community voices
Representing traders, Mr. Alfa Aliu of Maraba Orange Market called for the establishment of a waste collection centre within the market to aid proper disposal.
Meanwhile, Mr. Victory Obehi, an NYSC member representing Karu LGA, expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained.
GEF’s role
The initiative is supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), which provides financial and technical assistance to local civil society and community-based organisations. Implemented by UNDP, FAO, and Conservation International, the programme focuses on empowering Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth to create solutions that protect the environment while boosting livelihoods.
GIFSEP says the project will not only improve food security but also generate new income streams for farmers and small enterprises, reducing reliance on government spending and cutting environmental pollution.
