Abstract:
The present study was based on a pilot biogas plant of 6 m
3
installed at College of Agriculture and
Rural Transformation campus in University of Gondar. The ideal feed size for food waste was 2.5 cm.
The co-digestion of food waste with fresh cow dung as a starter gave significantly better results. The
process was successfully demonstrated by using temperature controlled system to maintain
thermophilic conditions. The process resulted in the production of nutrient rich slurry with high NPK
content and high C/N ratio. This slurry can be used as a natural fertilizer. Thus the food waste proved to
be a valuable alternate source of energy. The setup confirmed to be cost effective as it was not only a
cheap source of energy but also a source of nutrient rich organic fertilizer. In the long run it will help in
minimization of solid waste disposal and ultimately the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from
the waste. Therefore, the application of biogas technology has economic, environmental, health and
social benefits. It ultimately contributes towards sustainable development.
