TANZANIA – AB InBev Foundation, in collaboration with AB InBev, Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL PLC), Unilever, Chanzi, and P4G Partnerships, has announced a US$2.3 million (TZS 5.76bn) in funding for the “Building Circular Food Systems” partnership.
In a LinkedIn post, the AB InBev Foundation announced that the program will contribute to its efforts in sustainable agriculture and food security, which are key pillars of the ABIF’s support for SDG2, Zero Hunger.
Addressing the media at the Chanzi facility in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Menani Jangu, the Director of Environment Research and Management at the National Environmental Research Management Council (NEMC), stated that 40% of food produced in Tanzania goes to waste.
“Such initiatives, like this one launched through a partnership, are crucial in addressing the challenges of solid waste management,” he said.
The ‘Building Circular Food Systems’ project will see the creation of 56 direct green jobs, 36% of which are held by women.
According to the partners, a portion of the funding will be utilized to expand the waste management facility in Dar es Salaam.
The facility in Tanzania is designed to convert food waste into valuable protein for animal feed and produce biofertilizer for crops.
Dr. Menani stated that the facility not only protects the environment but also supports the government’s initiative to ensure food security in the country.
“It is my hope to see such a facility established in other parts of Dar es Salaam, as the amount of waste produced is still significant,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chanzi CEO Andrew Wallace said that this initiative creates sustainable value by empowering women and directly addressing the waste management challenges faced by the community on a daily basis.
“We can create value for waste management in society. Tanzania and other African countries are facing this significant challenge. Our goal is to process over 2,000 tonnes of waste daily,” he said.
Acknowledging the importance of proper solid waste management, TBL’s Managing Director, Mr. Jose Moran, added, “We are aware that we are currently experiencing an environmental crisis, with organic food waste reaching unprecedented levels.”
“It is our duty, as responsible corporate citizens, to challenge ourselves to find innovative solutions.“ We have worked diligently with our partners to establish this partnership and would like to share it with all of you.
Since January 2023, the partnership has collected over 2,840 tonnes of organic waste in Tanzania. This waste has been transformed into 71 metric tonnes of high-value, low-carbon protein for animal feed and 313 metric tonnes of BSF Frass biofertilizer.
That has significantly benefited crop and livestock farmers and avoided 1,477 tonnes of CO2.
Expanding beyond Tanzania
Beyond Tanzania, the partnership aims to address waste management and promote sustainable food systems in Africa.
The AB InBev Foundation has announced plans to invest a specific amount in building facilities in Kenya and South Africa, as well as expanding existing facilities in Tanzania.
This is expected to help manage waste in Kenya. Illegal dumping has, for a long time, been the main challenge facing the sector.
The country, through the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), has been implementing policies and regulations to enhance solid waste management and promote sustainability.
These policies include the National Solid Waste Management Strategy, Plastic Waste Management Regulations, and The Waste Management Bill 2020, among others.
The National Solid Waste Management Strategy, curated by the government in collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), promotes sustainable waste management practices by encouraging participation from various stakeholders.
The Waste Management Bill 2020 provides a legal framework for the management of solid waste in Kenya, which includes the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste.
It also outlines the responsibilities of various stakeholders, such as the government, local authorities, private sector, and citizens, in waste management.
