Cassava Waste Management and Biogas Generation Potential in Selected Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural products such as cassava produce huge amounts of waste when processed into consumable goods. The waste generated is generally considered to contribute largely to environmental pollution. This study therefore investigates the waste management practice that is adopted by cassava processors in Ogun State, Nigeria. Five local government areas (LGAs) dominant in processing cassava were selected for the study on the basis of spatial location distribution, landmass, and population. The survey involved the use of structured questionnaires administered to cassava processors of the selected LGAs. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software application and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results of the analysis show that the majority (70%) of the cassava processors are females. Cassava peel constitutes 10% of the waste produced, of which 91% is heaped at refuse dumps in most communities. Results also reveal that 86.3% of cassava residues are used for animal feeds. Other findings show that the peels, when dried, are used as biofuel for cooking and there is a significant potential for biogas production. From the data captured from respondents during the study, most processors are willing to pay for an improved waste management system. The study therefore recommends the proper waste management of cassava waste to minimize environmental pollution.

1. Introduction

Solid waste management is the most pressing environmental challenge faced by urban and rural areas of Nigeria, with a population exceeding 170 million people. Among several wastes generated by this huge population is agricultural waste. Improper handling of agricultural waste has raised a significant challenge in the past decades. In 2016, agriculture contributed 19.17% to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Nigeria and it also generated large amount of waste materials. Nigeria is involved in growing and producing many food crops. One of such crops is cassava, a starchy staple food crop which has the ability to resist drought and diseases. In 2012, the production of cassava worldwide was estimated at over 260 million tonnes, with Nigeria being the largest producer, contributing over 20% of the global production [1,2]. In Nigeria, cassava is mostly produced and processed by small-scale farmers at the family or village level. Cassava provides a reliable and inexpensive source of carbohydrates for people in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria, where its production, processing, and consumption is most predominant and significant on a global scale [3,4]. It also provides different job opportunities for both men and women from the production stage until it gets to the final stage. There are indications that the domestic demand for cassava, particularly as a staple food, tends to outweigh the demands of the industrial sector. As farmers are unable to meet their demand, some industries are now engaging in the direct production of their cassava requirements.

Globally, 60% of the cassava produced is mostly used for consumption in numerous forms by humans, while the animal food industry uses about 33% of the world production. The remaining 7% is used by industries to produce products such as textiles, paper, organic acids, flavor and aroma compounds, and cassava bagasse [5]. Three main types of residues are generated during the industrial processing of cassava: peels, solids, and wastewater. These wastes are poor in protein content, but their residues are very rich in carbohydrate and are generated in large amounts during the production of ‘garri’ and cassava flour from the tubers. The cost associated with the handling and disposal of these wastes constitutes a huge financial burden to the cassava-processing industries in most rural regions of the country. As a result of this challenge, most rural cassava processors choose to dispose the cassava-processing wastes generated into the environment. These wastes have been identified to be toxic to the environment [2,4,6].

The technology of processing cassava roots predominantly includes peeling, grating, dewatering, fermenting, drying, frying, etc. The type and composition of the waste depend on the processing method and type of technology used [7]. In most cassava-processing communities, several tonnes of cassava peels are generated as a waste product from the processing activity and are generally considered to contribute largely to environmental pollution [8]. With an expected increase in cassava production, it is also expected that waste generation will continue to rise. Even though cassava peels can be used as feed for livestock, the quantities generated and the remoteness of many of the communities where processing takes place leave behind a lot of waste, which is burnt or left to rot, with many environmental consequences [9]. Tonukari et al. [10] presented a report of a cassava starch production center which produces 100 tons of tubers per day, with an output of about 47 tons of byproducts. This output may cause environmental problems when abandoned in the surroundings of processing plants or carelessly disposed. The basic form of cassava flour production comprises sorting, weighing, peeling, washing, grating, machine/milling, detoxification, dewatering, granulation, drying milling, sieving, and packaging [11,12].

Management of cassava waste varies across several processing centers in the country, and over 55% of waste generated from its processing is disposed in dump sites. This implies that a great number of cassava processors do not get benefit from the waste they produce [13]. The majority of the cassava peels in Nigeria are abandoned close to the processing site, while some are used for landfilling or burnt. This approach causes a serious threat to the environment and a health hazard to processors and communities [2]. Oparaku et al. [14], from their experiment, expressed that cassava wastes can be used as a biogas substrate, either as a standalone raw material or in combination with livestock manure. Attempts have been made by various researchers to produce products such as organic acid, flavor and aroma compounds, methane and hydrogen gas, enzymes, ethanol, lactic acid, biosurfactant, polyhydroxyalkanoate, essential oils, xanthan gum, and fertilizer from cassava bagasse, peels, and wastewater [2,5,12,13,15,16].

Furthermore, prior studies on cassava waste management [2,4,13] focused on different aspects of cassava waste management; however, there is still a dearth in the literature of studies that combine the potential in the reuse of cassava waste, gender composition of cassava processors in Nigeria, and also factors affecting the willingness to pay for cassava waste management in Ogun State. According to Echebiri and Edaba [17], there is a high positive correlation between the increase of cassava production and the estimated demand for the commodity. It was also found that the waste disposal habits of the people, corruption, work attitude, and inadequate plants and equipment, among others militate against effective waste management in Nigeria [18]. From the foregoing, there is a need for better management and utilization of these waste residues through a better waste management system. It is against this backdrop that this research investigates the potential for an integrated cassava waste management strategy with a focus on Ogun State, Nigeria. Furthermore, this study examined the waste management systems presently in use by cassava processors and their willingness to pay for a value-added solid waste management system.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the cassava waste management methods in Ogun State. Other specific objectives of the study are to:

• find out the method of waste disposal that is adopted by cassava processors in the selected local government areas,
• find out what cassava residues are used for in the selected cassava-processing factories,
• find out the factors that influence processors’ willingness to pay for an improved waste management system, and
• investigate if cassava wastes generated in the selected local government areas have the potential for the generation of biofuel.

2. Materials and Methods

This study focuses on five local government areas (LGAs) (Yewa North, Odeda, Ijebu North, Ijebu East, and Remo North LGAs) (Figure 1). These local government areas are dominant in processing cassava. A total of 500 questionnaires were administered to selected cassava processors, with 100 questionnaires in each of the LGAs. Figure 2 shows the typical cassava crop harvest while Figure 3 (a–c) shows the activities in one of the cassava-processing factories. In line with Omilani et al. [2], a survey research design was used for this study as it was appropriate because the nature of the research requires the investigation of the opinions and experiences of a group of people by asking them questions.

2.1. Sample Size and Sample Technique

A good representation of the population was chosen from each local government area where cassava processing is prominent for proper evaluation and analysis. The questionnaire was constructed to provide precise and accurate answers through closed-ended questions. The questions were derived from the statement of problem, research questions, research objectives, and hypothesis for testing. Section A dealt with personal data of the respondents, while section B addressed hypothetical questions. The questionnaires were administered to participants that were educated, while those that were not literate had the questionnaires read and interpreted to them in order to get their responses. All the questionnaires administered were retrieved. A structured interview was also used to elicit information from the respondents.

2.2. Reliability of Instruments

The reliability test utilized in this research is Cronbach’s alpha reliability test. A result obtained for a sample should be of a reliability of 0.70 or even higher before the research instrument can be used. This study makes use of tables, percentages, and various statistical techniques in the presentation and analysis of the data collected at the significance level of 95%; that is, at the 5% error limit. The data generated through the questionnaire were analyzed through the aid of a computer application, Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). In specific terms, the frequency distribution, simple percentage, and mean were deployed in the data analysis.

3. Results and Discussion

Figure 4 shows that the majority of the cassava processors are females, comprising over 70%. This, according to Popescu et al. [19] in their study titled “Managers’ gender and SMEs production”, implies that the productivity level of local cassava processors is expected to be higher, although this was not explicitly tested for in this study.

Figure 5 shows the age range of the respondents, with 14.2% of the respondents being between the ages of 20 and 29 years, 34% between the age of 30 and 39 years, and 30.5% and 20% aged between 40 and 49 years and 50 years and above, respectively. From the result in

Table 1. Cassava-processing operations in the selected local government areas (LGAs).

Major Type of Solid Waste Produced from the Cassava-Processing Operation		Percent	Valid Percent	Cumulative Percent
Valid	Cassava peel and cassava pomace	86.8	86.8	86.8
	Cassava peel	10.5	10.5	97.3
	Cassava pomace	1.6	1.6	98.9
	No response	1.1	1.1	100.0
	Total	100.0	100.0
How are the cassava solid wastes disposed?
Valid	Cassava waste dump site	90.5	90.5	90.5
	Burnt near the factory	4.2	4.2	94.7
	No response	5.3	5.3	100.0
	Total	100.0	100.0
What do you use cassava residues for?
Valid	Animal feeds	97.3	97.3	97.3
	Fertilizer	1.6	1.6	98.9
	No response	1.1	1.1	100.0
	Total	100.0	100.0
Willingness to pay for an improved waste management system
Valid	Yes	74.7 {F = 87.3; M = 12.7}	74.7	74.7
	No	24.2 {F = 17.4; M = 82.6}	24.2	98.9
	No response	1.1	1.1	100.0
	Total	100.0	100.0

, it is observed that a great number of cassava processors are in the age range of 30–49 years.

Figure 6 shows that the majority of cassava processors are married women who work very hard to earn a living in order to take care of their families.

Figure 7 shows that 46.2% of respondents have at least a primary or secondary education. However, the results show that the cassava sector does provide a livelihood opportunity for people with no schooling, with 17.9% of respondents having never attended school.

Figure 8 shows that 55.3% of respondents have more than 10 years of experience and 34.2% have more than 5 years of experience in cassava processing. However, the results show that cassava processing does provide new livelihood opportunities for locals, with 9.5% of respondents having joined this sector in the last 5 years.

Table 1 shows that over 86% of the respondents confirmed that cassava peels and cassava pomace are the major solid wastes generated, with 10.5% indicating that cassava peel is the major solid waste they produce. However, 1.6% indicated that cassava pomace is the major solid waste they produce. This result indicates that the majority of the cassava-processing units are involved in the production of ‘garri’ and ‘fufu’ [20]. Results obtained by Coker et al. [21] showed that the percentage and composition of solid waste (peels and bagasse) and liquid waste generated during cassava processing depends on the nature of the final product. The study conducted by Niringiye and Omortor [22] was on factors influencing willingness to pay (WTP) for waste management. They found that the age of the respondents has a negative and significant effect on WTP for waste management in Kampala city in Uganda. Coker et al. [21] conducted a study that focused on evaluating the cassava production activities in six selected cassava-processing sites in Ibadan city. Results showed that the percentage and composition of solid waste (peels and bagasse) and liquid waste generated during cassava processing depends on the nature of the final product. Irene and Richard [23], in their study, focused on the types of waste generated by cassava-processing plants. The survey showed that the wastes generated were cassava peels, fibrous material, chaff, wash water, and liquor. The study did not investigate the methods of waste management adopted.

Table 1 shows that the majority (90.5%) of the cassava processors dump the cassava waste generated at the cassava waste dump site. The table also indicates that 4.2% of the respondents burn the cassava solid waste generated near the factory, which is a major source of environmental pollution. Table 1 indicates that 97.3% of the respondents that use the cassava residue use it for animal feed or give to those that use them as animal feed. However, 1.6% of respondents that use the cassava residue use it as fertilizer. Table 1 shows that the majority (74.7%) of the respondents are willing to pay for an improved waste management system. The result further shows that 87% of the respondents who showed interest in paying for an improved waste management system are female. This is in line with the result of Omilani et al. [8]. Their result showed that the majority (68.73%) of the respondents who are female cassava processors were willing to pay for a value-added waste management system. The study compared the level of environmental pollution between small-scale cassava-processing firms and large-scale cassava firms. Investigations conducted confirmed that small-scale cassava processing affects the environment more than large-scale processing. Awunyo-Victor et al. [24] further revealed that the significant factors determining households’ willingness to pay for improved solid waste management (collection and disposal) are the posted cost of the service, age, educational level, household size, and household monthly expenditure. In addition, cost sharing of waste management is affected by family income. From the study of Oyegbami et al. [25] on the awareness of occupational and environmental hazards associated with cassava processing in south-western Nigeria, it was established that cassava processors were aware of occupational and environmental hazards associated with cassava processing.

Biogas Production Potential

Table 2. Biogas production potential from cassava peel.

Local Government (5 Factories)	Yewa North	Odeda	Ijebu North East	Ijebu East	Remo North
Cassava production per day (kg)	7500	10,000	12,000	8750	7500
Quantity of cassava peel per day (kg)	2250	3000	3600	2625	2250
Quantity of biogas (L/day)	(2250 kg × 497.01) = 1,118.273	(3000 kg × 497.01) = 1,491.030	(3600 kg × 497.01) = 1,789.236	(2625 kg × 497.01) = 1,304.651	(2250 kg × 497.01) = 1,118.273

shows the average cassava production capacity for factories in each of the LGAs. From 1000 kg of cassava, 300 kg of peel could be produced. Therefore, the weight of cassava peel in each LGA would be the equivalent of the (weight of cassava produced in kg × 300/1000). According to Wantanee and Rodtong [26], 1000 kg of dry cassava tubers could produce 497.01 L of biogas and 1000 kg of fresh cassava tubers could produce 235.1 L of biogas. Therefore, the weight in kg of cassava peel will produce (weight in kg × 497.01/1000) = volume in L of biogas.

4. Conclusions

The study revealed that there is no proper waste disposal method adopted by cassava processors in the selected LGAs in Ogun State. This is because the wastes generated are not properly disposed of. There was no significant difference in the waste disposal methods as adopted by the LGAs. This is because the majorities of the respondents either use the residues from the cassava processing for feeding their livestock or use them as fertilizer. It is therefore evident that the respondents are not exposed to the income-generating potentials of the cassava wastes. This was based on the responses on the questionnaire served and the focus group discussion. Most of them are local people with limited education.

The study concludes that the major waste is from ‘garri’ and ‘fufu’-processing production. Though the cassava processors have an awareness of the health hazards associated with improper waste management, they prefer to dump the wastes at dump hills or burn them near the factories. The study concludes that majority of the cassava processors are female. Therefore, gender is a major determining factor as it influences the processors’ willingness to pay. Also, the majority of the cassava processors do not generate income from the waste generated from the cassava residues.

Finally, the study concludes that based on the quantity of cassava peels generated which are dumped and burnt by the cassava processors in the selected LGAs, there is a huge potential for biogas production from these wastes generated. This biogas can be used as a substitute for the firewood which is currently in use by all the cassava processors.

5. Recommendations

From the findings, the study therefore recommends the following:

• That proper waste disposal methods should be adopted by the cassava processors in Ogun State to minimize pollution and reduce health risks.
• There is a need for awareness of the income generation potential of cassava waste among the cassava processors in Ogun State.
• It is highly recommended that the waste water generated from cassava processing undergoes proper treatment before it is discharged.
• Based on the biogas generation potential of the cassava-processing factories in Ogun State, it is important that this resource be harnessed.