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ADNews- Grand Bassa, County-Liberia: Green Cities Inc., a leading Liberian environmental organization, has concluded the first phase of a transformative composting training in Buchanan aimed at tackling organic waste challenges and creating opportunities for farmers and residents.
The two-day classroom training held August 22–23, brought together more than 75 participants selected by the Buchanan City Corporation, zonal heads, women’s groups such as WIPNET and What the Women Say, as well as local youth volunteers.
The initiative forms part of Green Cities’ Solid Waste Management Transformative Pilot, which directly supports the implementation of Buchanan’s Local Climate Action Plan (LCAP).
Throughout the training, participants acquired knowledge of composting principles, sustainable solid waste management, waste auditing, value chain development, and health and safety measures.
The participants further underwent a two-day practical session, where they built and managed compost piles using organic waste collected from households and markets in Buchanan.
Project Manager Oliver Williyan noted that the program goes beyond reducing waste.
“Buchanan has a growing waste problem, and much of it is organic waste that ends up in landfills or is burned, creating pollution and health risks,” Williyan explained.
“Composting allows us to turn this waste into something valuable, natural fertilizer that can improve soil health and increase crop yields.”
For many participants, the training is both a solution to urban waste and a pathway to new livelihoods. Modules also included packaging, pricing, and marketing compost for customers such as urban gardeners, nursery operators, and commercial farmers.
Green Cities CEO, Marie Kpoto, praised participants for their commitment, stressing that the initiative empowers communities to generate income while addressing environmental challenges.
“This training helps communities be part of the solution, making Grand Bassa and Liberia a better place through income generation,” Kpoto said.
Community leaders also welcomed the project, highlighting its impact on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“This training is equipping us with skills we can use every day in our homes and communities. It will help our city become healthier and more productive,” said a participant representing a local women’s group.
Buchanan, like many Liberian cities, continues to struggle with poor waste disposal practices, where much organic waste is either dumped or burned. By converting organic waste into compost, the project contributes to Liberia’s climate goals, reduces methane emissions, and promotes green entrepreneurship.
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