Agricultural Waste Utilization and Adoption of Biodigesters in Cassava Processing in Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/desarrollo.v1.i0.3Keywords:
agricultural waste, biogas, environmental sustainability, cassava processing.Abstract
Inadequate agricultural waste management has become a growing environmental problem in developing countries, especially in regions where cassava production and processing represent important economic activities. This study aimed to analyze the current practices of cassava waste management in rural areas of Ecuador and evaluate producers’ willingness to adopt sustainable waste management technologies, particularly biodigesters for biogas production. The research was conducted under a quantitative descriptive and correlational approach using surveys administered to 240 cassava producers and processors from the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Manabí. The findings revealed that the predominant waste management practices include discharging liquid effluents onto the soil, open dumping of solid waste, and burning agricultural residues, generating environmental pollution, unpleasant odors, and the proliferation of insects. In addition, a low level of knowledge regarding biogas technologies was identified; however, after receiving information about their environmental and economic benefits, most participants expressed willingness to adopt this sustainable alternative. Statistical analysis showed that factors such as access to technical training, financial support, educational level, and participation in productive associations positively influence the intention to adopt sustainable technologies. The study concludes that the sustainable utilization of agricultural waste through biodigesters can significantly contribute to environmental protection, renewable energy generation, and the strengthening of sustainable rural development in Ecuador.References
Mukaila, R., Umaru, I. I., Otekunrin, O. A., Omeje, E. E., & Awoyelu, F. E. (2024). Adoption of biogas technology by cassava processors: Implication for environmental sustainability. World Development Sustainability, 4, 100132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wds.2024.100132
Achi, C. G., Hassanein, A., & Lansing, S. (2020). Enhanced biogas production of cassava wastewater using zeolite and biochar additives and manure co-digestion. Energies, 13(2), 491. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13020491
Cruz, I. A., Andrade, L. R. S., Bharagava, R. N., Nadda, A. K., Bilal, M., Figueiredo, R. T., & Ferreira, L. F. R. (2021). Valorization of cassava residues for biogas production in Brazil based on the circular economy: An updated and comprehensive review. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 4, 100196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2021.100196
Kemausuor, F., Addo, A., & Darkwah, L. (2015). Technical and socioeconomic potential of biogas from cassava waste in Ghana. Biotechnology Research International, 2015, 828576. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/828576
Mama, C. N., & Agunwamba, J. C. (2017). Biogas production from blends of cassava waste water and cow dung under changing meteorological parameters. Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, 14(4), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.3233/AJW-170039
Lin, H., Borrion, A., da Fonseca-Zang, W. A., Zang, J. W., Leandro, W. N., & Campos, L. C. (2021). Life cycle assessment of a biogas system for cassava processing in Brazil to close the loop in the water-waste-energy-food nexus. Journal of Cleaner Production, 316, 126861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126861
Olukanni, D. O., & Olatunji, T. O. (2018). Cassava waste management and biogas generation potential in selected local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. Recycling, 3(4), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling3040058
Omilani, O., Abass, A. B., & Okoruwa, V. O. (2019). Smallholder agroprocessors’ willingness to pay for value-added solid-waste management solutions. Sustainability, 11(6), 1759. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11061759
Oghenejoboh, K. M., Orugba, H. O., Oghenejoboh, U. M., & Agarry, S. E. (2021). Value added cassava waste management and environmental sustainability in Nigeria: A review. Environmental Challenges, 4, 100127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2021.100127
Coker, A. O., Achi, C. G., & Sridhar, M. C. K. (2015). Utilization of cassava processing waste as a viable and sustainable strategy for meeting cassava processing energy needs: A case study from Ibadan City, Nigeria. Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management, 41(4), 628–639.
Ubalua, A. O. (2007). Cassava wastes: Treatment options and value addition alternatives. African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(18), 2065–2073. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB2007.000-2319
Onifade, T., Adeniran, K., & Ojo, O. (2015). Assessment of cassava waste effluent effect on some water sources in Ilorin, Nigeria. African Journal of Engineering Research, 3(5), 56–68.
Omotosho, O., & Amori, A. (2015). Caustic hydrogen peroxide treatment of effluent from cassava processing industry: Prospects and limitations. International Journal of Engineering Technology and Innovation, 5(2), 121–131.
Wang, Z., Ali, S., Akbar, A., & Rasool, F. (2020). Determining the influencing factors of biogas technology adoption intention in Pakistan: The moderating role of social media. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7), 2311. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072311
Geddafa, T., Melka, Y., & Sime, G. (2021). Determinants of biogas technology adoption in rural households of Aleta Wondo district, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Energy, 2021, 9934942. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9934942
Atinkut, H. B., Yan, T., Arega, Y., & Raza, M. H. (2020). Farmers willingness-to-pay for eco-friendly agricultural waste management in Ethiopia: A contingent valuation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 261, 121211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121211
Foguesatto, C. R., & Machado, J. A. D. (2022). Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in Brazil: Understanding the influence of socioeconomic and psychological factors. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, 12(2), 204–222. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-11-2020-0256
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 John Alfredo Idrovo Campoverde (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Unless otherwise stated, associated published material is distributed under the same licence.
