Insights from Bidibidi: A holistic approach on Biowaste
How can organic waste in refugee settlements be transformed into a valuable resource for sustainable energy and circular economies? As part of the SUNNY Work Package 1 (WP1) Comparative analysis of local context which (UMAK), explores the cultural and socio-environmental landscape of the demo site, ReFuse is tackling this question with a holistic approach on Biowaste. With support from CTEN and Makerere University (UMAK), our team conducted field assessments using Semi-Structured Questionnaires (SSQ),
Key Informant Interviews (KII), and Geo-tagging/co-Mapping (MAP).
In places like Bidibidi Settlement and the surrounding Yumbe District in Uganda, poor waste management poses a daily challenge for both refugee and host communities. Open dumping and burning have become the norm, posing serious health and environmental risks. Yet, this problem also holds untapped potential. In Uganda, biowaste can account for up to 88.5% of total waste generation. Despite this massive volume, there’s still a significant knowledge gap in how organic waste like food scraps and agricultural residues is managed from disposal to recycling.
Handling biowaste as a resource
Through proper treatment and valorization, organic waste can be transformed into valuable bioproducts and bioenergy, creating economic benefits while reducing environmental impact. Authorities such as NEMA and MEMD highlighted in their national policies how they recognized the potential of biowaste. Efforts were put to promote composting and reprocessing through initiatives that could contribute to a more sustainable energy mix, lessening reliance on firewood.
On the Front line
For two weeks, a team of 6 researchers surveyed and mapped all five zones in Bidibidi Settlement. We spoke direclty with community members who shared everyday struggles. Conversations with refugees highlighted the urgent need for biowaste management and disposal solutions. Most refugees revealed that organic waste coming from foodleftovers, vegetables peels and green stems are thrown in mixed rubbish pit – a dug hole in the ground. One resident from the host community shared that these pits are often uncovered and exposed to wind and rains which causes waste to spread, building up near homes, contaminating water sources, harming soil, and triggering health issues like diarrhea and respiratory infections. they then added, that pests and animals scavenge through the waste, making the situation worse. Despite these difficulties, there’s momentum on the ground. Refugee-led initiatives experimented with composting and making briquettes as alternatives to charcoal. But these efforts were lost due to lack the infrastructure, technical training, and support to thrive.
Our assessment covered 105 SSQs, 42 KIIs, and 40 MAP activities. This data underscore tthe urgent need and the potential for better biowaste management. However, several challenges like the vast distances between zones, the absence of organized collection systems, and low awareness are real.
Through SUNNY, ReFuse aims to support the integration of SUNNY technologies and minimize waste related socio-environmental impact. To address this aspect of the problem, ReFuse will provide expertise in creating circular value chains. The focus of the next field visits will be on two key actions:
(1) Empower existing and/or new local entrepreneurship projects/ initiatives (building market based solutions)
(2) Advise a waste management plan together with the development organisations working in Bidibidi, Yumbe district, and community members.
Our role is to contribute in increasing SUNNY’s capacity on waste management while championing local circular economies that leave no one behind