Manual sorting of waste, Mahajanga, Madagascar © Andriantomanga
  

Starting date: 2007
Waste treated in 2014: 3400 tons

BACKGROUND

The city of Mahajanga, in the north-west of Madagascar, produces almost 30,000 tonnes of household waste per year (only 30% are being dumped) and is currently faced with a major challenge in terms of waste management.On top of the resulting health problems, the decomposition of this waste contributes significantly to global warming through the emission of methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more powerful than CO2.
The composting of organic waste leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and provides local farmers with a natural fertilizer

ACHIEVEMENTS

The project was initiated in 2007 with a pilot composting unit.The Tananamadio NGO (Madagascar) was responsible for the management of the municipality dump and the French NGO “Association Internationale des Maires Francophones” (AIMF) contributed to the financial investment for the on site structure.

The same year, Gevalor asked GoodPlanet for a technical and financial support on carbon offset as sale of compost only covered 35% of the production costs.

In 2010, the project was deeply reorganized to increase activity efficiency and to allow its development. The Tananamadio association, local partner of Gevalor and GoodPlanet Foundation, became a LLC (Limited Liability Company) under Madagascan law with social and environmental purpose : Madacompost, incorporated in march 2011.

From 2010 to 2012, the project avoid the equivalent of 9,990 tonnes of CO2e *.
*Emissions for 2013-2015 are under evaluation.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

  • Production of a soil-enriching agent that helps replenish eroded soil (alternative to slash-and-burn agriculture);
  • Reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers;
  • Increase of sanitary condition of the city touched by plague and cholera;
  • Reducing the amount of waste dumped and prolonging the life of the present site.
  • Creating a company and 90 jobs for people previously living from informal activities;
  • Developing gardening activity which is mainly led by women thus fighting inequalities and developing farming;
  • Reducing the problems caused by a badly managed landfill site (human and animal diseases, pollution).