Ethiopia stands as one of the richest countries in terms of its livestock resources in the world. Considering the large amount of revenue that can be obtained from these resources, they are economically beneficial to the country. Yet they are also sources of environmental and air pollution risk.
One of the risks associated with animals is the huge volume of manure they release to the ecosystem. The cattle manure is a source of greenhouse gas that is accountable for a significant portion of climate change and/or global warming. Therefore it is important to make sure that the manure and other wastes released from the animals are disposed of safely to avoid environmental and air pollution.
One of the ways to safely dispose of these wastes is to add value on them and utilize them to generate extra income. Especially in Ethiopia people are well known for the use of animal products like meet, milk and egg despite varying levels. Furthermore they are used to celebrate holidays where they slaughter large number of cattle as part of the feast. Such practices are not carried out with due care to dispose the wastes like blood which is another fluid that contributes to pollution of the environment.
The poor habit of waste management has attracted a lot of attention in recent years as societies work to address the effects of their activities on the environment. While this tradition holds deep cultural and religious meaning, it also generates substantial organic waste, which, if not managed properly, can have detrimental environmental consequences.
During festive periods, the amount of waste generated from sacrificial slaughter increases significantly. Improper disposal of animal slaughter waste can lead to pollution of water sources, emit foul odors, attract pests, and contribute to the spread of diseases. Additionally, the decomposition of organic waste without proper management can release greenhouse gases, further exacerbating climate change.
According to the Addis Ababa Abattoir Company report, there isn’t much waste to be disposed of for unwanted products from animal slaughter.
Atakilti Gebremichael, Head of Communications for Addis Ababa Abattoir Enterprise, stated to The Ethiopian Herald that the slaughter organization generated revenue from the by-products of slaughtering livestock by protecting them from negatively impacting the environment and recycling them.
Due to this, we use our equipment to turn livestock slaughter byproducts into other animal feed and it provides other byproducts of slaughter to companies as raw materials, he said. For instance, there are times when we contribute blood and dung from slaughter for the composting process, he added.
Recycling animal slaughter waste, such as bones, trimmings, and leftover organic matter, can be composted to create high-quality fertilizer for agricultural purposes. Through implementing community-based composting initiatives, individuals can actively participate in waste reduction and contribute to the enrichment of soil health. Moreover, these fertilizers provide essential nutrients to the soil, improving its fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Local farmers and agricultural cooperatives can benefit from the availability of organic fertilizers, reducing their dependence on chemical-based alternatives and contributing to long-term soil conservation.
According to him, the company generates revenue by converting animal slaughter remaining products into value-added products. In this sense, he further stated that during the last fiscal year, the enterprise has obtained some 210 Million birr from the sale of by-products like fats, soup bones, tails, horns, and other unwanted byproducts.
And also, it is a renewable energy source that can be generated by the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. By capturing the methane gas emitted during the decomposition process of animal slaughter waste, communities can produce clean and sustainable energy for cooking, heating, or even electricity generation.
Furthermore, with composting and biogas production, there are opportunities to explore recycling initiatives for animal slaughter waste. The bones can be processed into bone meal for other animals like hens and dogs, which has applications in various industries, including domesticated food, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer production. The skins and hides can be utilized in the leather industry, supporting local craftsmanship and economic growth.
Animal hides are primarily used to produce leather, which is a durable and versatile material. Like in the manufacturing of items such as shoes, bags, belts, jackets, furniture upholstery, and various other leather goods.
Also, he said that the skin and hides can be processed to obtain other by-products such as gelatin, which is used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Fatty substances like tallow, which is rendered animal fat, can be used to make soap, candles, and lubricants.
In some cultures, animal hides are used for traditional purposes such as making drums, shields, clothing, or as part of ceremonial or religious practices.
In this sense, local communities can benefit from job creation and income generation through waste collection, sorting, and processing activities. Moreover, the adoption of sustainable waste management practices can enhance community pride and foster a sense of environmental stewardship.
As to him, societal health issues are carried on by illegal slaughter, particularly when dangerous meat products are provided. And he also claimed that because unlawful activities are not kept adequately clean, the local air is polluted, which leads to many different kinds of health problems.
Through adopting proper waste management techniques, Ethiopians can not only mitigate the environmental impact of holiday celebrations but also unlock economic opportunities and promote a circular economy. The government can be developing taken practical steps to the at the individual, community, and governmental levels to ensure a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
Furthermore, the potential benefits of animal slaughter include waste management, encompassing environmental conservation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health, and even job creation and income generation within local communities.
In this regard, supportive policies and measures from the government are essential to effectively handle the waste management issues related to holiday celebrations. A key factor in encouraging the adoption of animal slaughter waste management solutions is providing infrastructure for waste collection and processing as well as encouraging sustainable practices.
Using implementing these strategies and initiatives, Ethiopia can achieve a holistic approach to waste management during holiday celebrations. This approach not only addresses the environmental impact of animal slaughter waste but also contributes to resource conservation, sustainable energy production, agricultural development, and socio-economic progress.
Ethiopia could rethink its holiday customs into sustainable practices that support both economic development and environmental preservation by realizing the potential of animal slaughter waste as a useful resource. By adopting cutting-edge waste management strategies, Ethiopia can open the door to a greener, more sustainable future and serve as an inspiration for other nations.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2023
