Technical And Financial Feasibility Of On-Site Tea Organic Waste Usage: A Case Of Tea Estates In Mulanje District, Malawi

Abstract

Hygienic waste disposal poses a significant challenge in developing countries, especially those with high population densities, such as Malawi. Inadequate waste management across all types (solid, liquid, and thermal) and from diverse sources impacts various industries worldwide, including agriculture, mining, and construction. The Tea industry in Malawi faces similar challenges due to inadequate waste management practices, particularly with regards to the organic waste generated from tea factories. Lack of knowledge on utilizing this waste has led to improper disposal in dumpsites. Additionally, the high costs associated with purchasing and applying inorganic fertilizers in tea fields have prompted the need to explore alternative waste management solutions. This study specifically aimed to assess the levels of NPK nutrients in organic tea waste and examine the financial feasibility of using it onsite in Mulanje District, Southern Malawi. Samples were collected from three tea estates in Mulanje District. The technical analysis focused on determining the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in the organic tea waste, as these are essential primary nutrients for plant growth. A financial analysis was conducted to evaluate potential cost savings if inorganic fertilizers were replaced or co-applied with organic waste. The study revealed that the average proportion of nitrogen in the organic tea waste was 3.19%, phosphorus was 0.58%, and potassium was 0.43%. These NPK nutrient contents were significantly lower than those found in chemical fertilizers (T-compound). The application rate of tea waste required to supply the same amount of nitrogen as chemical fertilizer (T-compound) was determined to be 1935 Kg/ha. Furthermore, the use of tea waste would result in total savings of 22.2% of the total cost of chemical fertilizer. The study provides evidence of the NPK nutrient levels in organic tea waste and highlights the financial feasibility of its onsite usage for tea production. To address the issue of poor waste management, it is recommended that tea factories focus on increasing the value of tea waste over time through industrial processing activities aimed at producing useful products or sources of energy, such as through reuse, recycling, or composting. By implementing these recommendations, the tea industry in Malawi can contribute positively to the country's economy while addressing environmental concerns related to waste management.