Food Waste in Tanzania: A growing threat to climate, public health

Dar es Salaam. "Food waste sent to final disposal sites decomposes, releasing methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases (GHGs)," according to a climate change resilience expert with the Dar es Salaam Urban Resilience Project (DURP), Dr Rebecca Parrish.

She adds that waste burning and the transportation of waste within the city also contribute to emissions, with fossil fuel consumption from waste vehicles playing a significant role.

Dr Parrish's remarks underline the risks posed by waste generation and management in Tanzanian municipalities with studies revealing that food waste is a major source of GHG emissions.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food waste accounts for around 8 percent of global human-made GHG emissions, with approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted each year, resulting in 3.3 billion tonnes of GHGs.

In Tanzania, solid waste generation ranges from 14.4 million to 20.7 million tonnes annually, according to the Vice President’s Office responsible for the environment.

This equates to 241 kilogramme to 347 kilos per person annually. The same source reports that 63.4 percent of solid waste is organic, including food and fruit waste.

Other waste includes plastics (12 percent), paper (6.1 percent), glass (4.2 percent), and metals (1.5 percent).

Urban areas produce more waste than rural ones, with much of it ending up in landfills.

The DURP’s 2024 report, funded by the UK government, shows that Dar es Salaam with over five million population, generates around 5,300 tonnes of mixed solid waste daily.

Investigations reveal that many residents lack adequate knowledge of organic waste management, often mixing it with other waste or leaving it for municipal collection.

Also read: Experts work to convert food waste into green energy

A resident of Mbezi, Ms Elizabeth Mlowe, reveals that she collects her waste in bags, which are then picked up either by municipal trucks or individuals for a small fee.

"In Mbezi-Maduka Tisa, we might not see a municipal truck for a month. Since organic waste decomposes quickly, we give it to an elderly man who charges between Sh500 and 2,000 per sack," she says.

A resident of Vingunguti in Ilala District, Ms Mariam Hassan, says waste is collected by municipal trucks that visit the area once a week.

Ms Hassan who is also a food vendor says municipalities need more resources and support to enhance food waste management in line with national climate goals.

A DURP 2024 report highlights waste management issues in Dar es Salaam’s three largest fruit and vegetable markets: Ilala Boma, Buguruni, and Mabibo, which generate 55 tonnes of organic waste daily.

Each market uses different waste collection systems, whereas in in Mabibo, a private company manages waste, while in Buguruni, municipal staff handle the collection.

The waste is then transported to the Mabwepande Compost Plant, while those from Ilala and Mabibo markets are taken to the Pugu dumpsite.

Furahisha Kambi, secretary of the Buguruni market traders, points out that there is no designated waste storage area.

"Most of the time, waste is only taken to the truck when it arrives she says.

At the Tazara-Veterinary market in Ilala, waste is dumped in an open area without sorting.

A trader, Mr Kashinde Rajabu, explains that young men are hired to gather the waste before municipal trucks transport it to dumpsites.

The Vice President’s Office estimates that 70 percent of solid waste is recyclable, but only five to 10 percent is processed.

Recycling efforts mainly target plastics, paper, metal, glass, and electronic waste.

Municipal councils collect only 45 to 50 percent of the total waste, leaving the rest in the environment, where it poses public health and ecological risks.

Environmental engineer at the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), Mr Boniface Kyaruzi, notes that food waste emits methane, contributing to climate change.

Mr Kyaruzi advocates for waste minimization, "In Mabwepande, we have a composting facility that could process up to 50 tonnes of organic waste per day," he says, suggesting that food scraps could be repurposed as animal feed to cut GHG emissions.

Ilala Municipal Council Principal Environmental Health Officer, Mr Geophrey Zenda, agrees that food waste from homes, markets, and restaurants can be repurposed for animal feed, even on a small scale.

"At home, you can set up a bucket for food scraps, drill holes at the bottom, and let insects breed. This helps manage organic waste effectively," he explains.

Parrish highlights that DURP, in collaboration with local and international partners, is researching ways to improve waste management and reduce climate risks.

"By enhancing waste collection, segregation, and recycling, as well as promoting composting, the city can become cleaner and healthier while also cutting GHG emissions," she says.

DURP has explored IT-driven waste collection solutions, increased investment opportunities, strengthened waste policies, and integrated small recyclers into major projects.

"Food waste solutions include diverting organic waste from manufacturers to processing facilities, improving market infrastructure, and promoting community composting," Parrish says, stressing the importance of inclusivity.

She also mentions initiatives like Africraft, which repurposes waste into art and household products.