Nigeria is still burdened with huge responsibilities of waste disposal because the potential for benefits of proper waste management is yet to be harnessed. The paper evaluates the capacity of the Sabo Cattle market in producing the required quantities of waste from animal dung alongside decomposed fruits with a view to generating renewable energy possibilities for lighting, security and other business activities of the market. It is estimated that about 998 million tons of agricultural waste is produced yearly in the country with organic wastes amounting to 80 percent of the total solid wastes. This can be categorized into biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. The paper evaluates the capacity of the Sabo Cattle market in producing the required quantities of waste from animal dung alongside decomposed fruits with a view to generating renewable energy possibilities for lighting, security and other business activities of the market. The Sabo market was treated as a study case with the adoption of in-depth examinations of the facility, animals and products for sale and waste generated. A combination of experimental, interviews (qualitative) and design simulation (for final phase) was adopted to extract, verify and analyse the data generated from the study. Animal waste samples were subjected to compositional and fibre analysis with results showing that the sample has high potency for biogas production. Biodegradable Wastes are human and animal excreta, agricultural and all degradable wastes. Availability of high quantity of waste generated being organic in Sabo market allows the use of anaerobic digestion to be proposed as a waste to energy technology due to its feasibility for conversion of moist biodegradable wastes into biogas. The study found that at peak supply period during the Islamic festivities, a conservative 300tonnes of animal waste is generated during the week which translates to over 800kilowatts of electricity.
2. Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Waste: A Study of Sabo Market, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
Samuel et al. 357
Figure 1: Average Monthly Tonnage of Waste Generation in Some Nigerian Cities -Source: Department of Sanitation/Solid
Waste Management, Federal Ministry of Environment Abuja Nigeria (2010 Estimated Values)
Ikorodu, a city located North East of the state with
estimated population of 535,619 as at 2006 census is one
of the fastest growing part-exurb of Lagos metropolis with
entry from Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Mile 12 end of the city.
Ikorodu is taken as study city with population majoring in
trading and farming. It is a major contributor to waste
generated in Lagos State as a whole, being 80%
residential settlement. The city house Sabo market which
is a major depot for cows, rams and goats from the
Northern part of the country and thus generates a lot of
cow dung. It doubles as a major fruit market which can be
annexed alongside the cow dung inform of biomass for
energy generation. Agricultural wastes from residues of
growing and processing of raw agricultural products such
as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, and
crops are readily available in most major markets in the
country as Sabo market being one of them.
MARKET STRUCTURE IN NIGERIA
Market structures refer to the different market
characteristics that determine relations between sellers to
each another, of sellers to buyers and more. It is no other
place than a specific space, carved out for both buyers and
sellers to assemble and exchange goods and services
(Omole, 2002). Varying degree of activities is initiated
within the market square that ranges from economic,
religious, sociocultural and cult related activities (Adejumo
et al., 2012). Aside from economic roles, the market also
acted as a religious centre, as well as a meeting place for
the perpetuation of lineage rights and obligations in
Yoruba land (Olorunfemi, 1999; Omole, 2004). Markets
are used for other social related activities including
dancing, drumming, reuniting, carnivals, and other
festivities. It should be noted that each market day is
regarded as a social gathering. (Omole et. al. 2014) Aside
from economic roles, the market also acts as a religious
centre, as well as a meeting place for the perpetuation of
lineage rights and obligations in Yoruba land (Olorunfemi,
1999; Omole, 2004). The operation of the activities within
the market vested solely on the responsibilities of the
market men and women leaders (Iyalojas and Babalojas)
who are appointed by the incumbent King (Oba). In view
of this, all the shop owners and other market vendors
belong to this umbrella body
Nigeria has a unique typology of market structure. Starting
from the pre-colonial periods, market square symbolizes a
distinctive neighbourhood landmark features created by
villagers with the approval of King (Oba) and his kinsmen,
therefore, the period devoid of planning concept and
expertise. (Oluwagbemiga Paul Agboola et.al. 2017).
Market squares (also known as Oja in Yoruba parlance)
are the prominent trading space in most cities and towns
across Nigeria, acting as an avenue for traders and
shoppers to exchange goods and services (Omole et al.,
2014). The spatial characteristics of market square remain
the vital landmark that is of significance and importance to
the effective planning, management, and design.
Figure 2: Typical Yoruba community layout plan indicating
the market square and Kings’ palace (Afin) (Source:
Boateng, 2011).
LAGOS KADUNA PH ABA NSUKKA
ADO-
EKITI
BENIN UYO
MADUGU
RI
ILORIN JOS
ABEOKU
TA
LAFIA
TONNES 280,000 170,000 130,000 90,000 80,000 25,000 90,000 45,000 70,000 45,000 230,000 20,000 15,000
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
MONTHLY
TONNAGE AVERAGE MONTHLY TONNES WASTE GENERATION IN SOME NIGERIAN CITIES
3. Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Waste: A Study of Sabo Market, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
J. Environ. Waste Manag. 358
A typical spatial configuration of the market square and
Kings’ palace as identified by Boateng (2011) is shown in
figure above. Reasons for closeness were to protect the
inhabitants from external aggression during the feud and
for proper dissemination of information. Aside from this,
the market acts as a converging point for various roads
network, streets, and routes. However, as the
neighbourhood expands and develops, so also the market
does. Market squares can also be categorized as
identified by Akinbode (2003), based on three major
criteria, viz: First is the nature of goods and services
transacted within the market. Second, the sectorial
classification, which includes agricultural markets,
industrial markets, commercial or services markets and
thirdly the size or geographical capacity of market. In
another perspective, classification of the traditional rural
market in Nigeria is based on frequencies and intensity of
their operations (Omole et al., 2013). It can also be
classified as daily and periodic. The daily market can
elaborately be divided into four depending on the time of
day the market takes place. These classifications include;
(i) morning (ii) Day (iii) Night and lastly (iv) Day/ Night
markets (Omole, 2012). In sum, the periodicity of the rural
market includes (i) periodic daily market (ii) periodic night
markets, and (iii) daily markets. Major differences that
evolved between the traditional rural market and modern
shopping complex are in terms of facilities, planning, and
cultural root. The traditional rural markets rested on the
cultural origin (Zakariya et al., 2016). According to Ajayi,
Oladapo and Ogunleye (2014), the most common feature
of Nigeria market are lock-up shops (permanent
structures), make-shift structures made of wood and old
zinc roofing sheets (temporary structure) or simply tables
made of wood, disorderly arrange in open areas with no
superstructures.
AGRICULTURAL WASTES IN ENERGY PRODUCTION
Energy generation from biomass is the global move to
reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuel. Fossil
fuels are a non-renewable energy source by burning
carbon fuels that produce large amounts of carbon dioxide,
which causes climate change not easily recycled why
biogas is a type of biofuel that is naturally produced from
the decomposition of organic waste such as agricultural
waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage,
green waste or food waste and has high content of
methane (typically 50-75%).
Agricultural waste is biodegradable and organic. They
comprise of wastes from animals, food, fruits and every
other agricultural products. Organic waste primarily
composed of food waste, especially in the major cities in
countries which are faced with solid waste problems
because of an increasing population and urbanization
(Muhammad S.et.al, 2013). He further reiterated that the
fruit and vegetable markets produce large amounts of
waste each year, and the disposal of these wastes is
costly, both financially and environmentally. Biomass is an
interesting renewable energy source of bio-energy that
can contribute to sustainable development (Van den B. R,
2000). It is burned to generate heat or used in combustion
engines to produce electricity. It is flammable, and
therefore produces a deep blue flame and used as an
energy source. Other organic residues (biomass) which
comprise of materials of plant, animal and human wastes
are also readily available. Van den B. R, (2000) is of the
opinion that by utilizing the physiochemical properties of
these wastes, they can be upgraded to products of higher
value that have a place in the market. Javed A, et. al.,
(2016) however stated that biodegradable organic
biomasses are a potential source of renewable energy
when biologically converted into biogas under anaerobic
conditions.
Renewable waste materials from agriculture, industries,
and domestic sources are converted to useful energy
forms such as bio-hydrogen, biogas, and bio-alcohols
through waste-to-energy routes for global sustainable
growth (Muhammad S.et.al, 2013).
UNDERSTANDING BIOGAS PRODUCTION
Biogas is the name given to energy generated from
biodegradable waste through anaerobic digester that
treats farm wastes or energy crops (Javed A, et. al, 2016).
Biogas technology is best suited to convert the organic
waste from agriculture, livestock, industries, municipalities
and other human activities into energy and manure. It can
be considered as a waste management technique
because the anaerobic treatment process eliminates the
harmful micro-organism as efficient waste management
produces renewable energy which inturns improve the
image of any area (Tomperi J., Pongrácz E., 2012). It is a
renewable and clean source of energy. Anaerobic
digestion can convert energy stored in organic matter
present in manure into biogas using anaerobic digesters
(Ukpai, P. A. et al, 2012). Biogas is the mixture of gases
produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the
absence of oxygen, primarily consisting of methane and
carbon dioxide. The methane and carbon dioxide content
of biogas is usually 55-70% and 30-45%, respectively
(Tomperi J., Pongrácz E., 2012). Biogas plants
significantly curb the greenhouse effect as the plants lower
methane emissions by capturing this harmful gas and
using it as fuel (Ukpai, P. A. et al, 2012). The technology
of production of biogas has become quite popular in the
developing countries especially in China, India and Nepal
and is best suited to convert the organic waste from
agriculture, livestock, industries, municipalities and other
human activities into energy and manure (Karki, A.B., et.
al 2005).
Biogas is considered carbon neutral, since carbon emitted
by its combustion comes from carbon fixed by plants
(natural carbon cycle). (Muhammad S.et.al, 2013). It is a
renewable and clean source of energy. The biogas plant
receives all kinds of organic wastes, typically livestock
4. Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Waste: A Study of Sabo Market, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
Samuel et al. 359
manure and organic industrial waste in form of cow dung
as manure and agricultural waste. The potential is
generally based upon the cattle population and quantity of
dung actually collected from these animals (Karki, A.B., et.
al 2005). Cow dung has high nitrogen content and due to
pre-fermentation in the stomach of ruminant, and has been
observed to be most suitable material for high yield of
biogas through the study made over the years (Chonkor
P.K 1983). The manure and waste are mixed to slurry in
the plant's receiving tank before being heated to 38-
52°C/100-125.6°F and pumped into the digester in which
the biogas is produced (Aadam I. H, et. al, 2018). Slurry is
a mixture of equal parts water and a solid material that
forms a paste. Other agricultural wastes like food compost
matter are then added to the slurry if necessary. In the AD
process, biodegradable material is broken down by micro-
organisms in the absence of oxygen. Carbohydrates, fats
and proteins are digested into their component parts by
different bacteria in four separate consecutive phases:
hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and
methanogenesis. (Deublein D., Steinhauser A, 2008).
Fayyaz A. S et. al, (2014) reiterated that the
microbiological process involves microorganisms which
affect anaerobic digestion, including acetic acid-forming
bacteria (acetogens) and methane-forming archaea
(methanogens). These organisms promote a number of
chemical processes in converting the biomass to biogas.
Gaseous oxygen is excluded from the reactions by
physical containment. The final product of this
fermentation process is biogas with methane as the main
ingredient. Biogas is comprised primarily of methane and
carbon dioxide with smaller amounts of hydrogen sulphide,
nitrogen, hydrogen, methylmercaptans and oxygen
(Ukpai, P. A. et al, 2012).
Compositional analysis and Fibre analysis of organic
waste samples are beneficial in determining constituents
and potency of raw material in the generation of Biogas
and Biofuels in general. (Ukpai et al, 2012; Williams,
Emerson and Tumuluru, 2017; Kucharska, Slupek,
Cieslinski & Kaminsk, 2020). This energy release allows
biogas to be used as a fuel that can be used for any
heating purpose, such as cooking and also in a gas engine
to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH
BIOGAS PRODUCTION
Panwar, Kaushik, & Kothari (2011) pointed out that
renewable energy technologies provide an exceptional
opportunity for mitigation of greenhouse gas emission and
reducing global warming through substituting conventional
energy sources (fossil fuel based). Conversion of biomass
to biogas is one of the renewable technologies that should
be explored for a better and greener environment. 2013
Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering (JUEE)
stressed that effective biogas programme in Nigeria will
remarkably reduce environmental and public health
concerns, deforestation, and greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions and in turn enhance sustainability. The need to
work towards environmental sustainability which is
concerned with whether environmental resources will be
protected and maintained for future generations could be
enhanced through waste management system with the
use of anaerobic digestion system as it reduces the
emission of landfill gas into the atmosphere. The
continuous availability of biodegradable waste which can
be converted to renewable energy thus keeping the
environment clean and pollution is the feasibleas currently,
nothing can be considered as waste as they are only waste
when they lack the useful technology for their
transformation and right application as biomass wastes
can be converted to biogas (Ukpai, P. A. et al, 2012).
METHODOLOGY
The research adopted a case study approach which
involves the detailed study of the market, agricultural
waste generated and the capacity to produce renewable
energy for power supply in the market and its ability to
affect other positive aspects of the stakeholders in that
commercial area. The study identifies potential in
environmental and economic sustainability within the Sabo
commercial area. Data concerning number of animals
available for sale per week and data of peak periods in the
year were derived and cross checked during the
Christmas, and New Year and period of the Islamic
festivals. The exercise was carried out between October
2019 and March, 2020 a period of six months.
Prominent market leaders and livestock dealers were
consulted for permission to ascertain facts regarding
procurement and sales record of the animals during the
study period. The records form the basis of the capacity
calculations that inform some of the deductions of this
study. The second/next phase of the study shall document
the process and product of the design Biomass plant and
power storage/distribution network appropriate for the
entire market. The design shall take into consideration the
average volume of waste generated on daily and weekly
basis.
Usually cows, rams, sheep, goats are transported from
livestock dealers from the northern parts of the country to
this market to be sold to individuals for private or religious
activities; and butchers for the meat markets. The data
extracted was used to determine the size and capacity of
the biogas plant to be proposedfor this project. Similar
studies use experimental approach; Ukpai and Nnabuchi
(2012) support this ideology. However, this study realizes
the need to utilize established experimental results to
propose useful solution to environmental and energy
challenges faced by such communities in Lagos, Nigeria.
The second phase of the study shall pursue the
implementation of the proposal while identifying donor
agencies, sponsors of sustainability projects and relevant
government agencies in order to actualise it.
5. Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Waste: A Study of Sabo Market, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
J. Environ. Waste Manag. 360
DISCUSSIONS AND FINDINGS
An Overview of the Study Area
Sabo market is the most popular commodity market and
the biggest in Ikorodu, Lagos, covering an area of about
19,500sqm. The market is categorized under the daily
basis market, dominated by Hausa traders who sell all
things ranging from livestock to fabrics, tomatoes and
onions. Generally, the markets in the western part of
Nigeria are lock-up shops (permanent structures), make-
shift structures made of wood and old zinc roofing sheets
(temporary structure) or simply tables made of wood
disorderly arrange in open areas with no superstructure
with the market having all this categories infused together.
The Sabo market comprises over 200 purpose built lockup
shops and car-parking spaces for buyers and suppliers
within the fenced premises of the market. The livestock
dealers display their animals outside the fence along the
roadside, however their activities overshadows the other
variety of wares that are sold within the structured space.
This makes many passers-by assume that the market is
only for livestock and fruits. Many customers claim that it
took a while for them to know that market stalls exist within
the fenced facility.
The Sabo market, being a major depot for livestock
animals generates large quantities of cow dung daily which
is a major waste biomass material for the production of
biogas that is renewable good alternative to fossil fuel.
Figure 3: View of the open stalls in front of the Lockup shops at the market
(Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2020)
The increasing amount of waste generated in markets as
a result of human activities, possess the need for proper
waste management which will aid environmental
protection. The wastes are usually disposed-off
indiscriminately at a spot which support breeding of flies
and also constitute health hazards to the people and the
hygiene of the market also being adversely affected.
Worse, a good portion of the waste is actually burnt at the
fields, releasing Carbon dioxide (CO2) without any
attendant benefits. Adding more misery, such farm based
burning, in many cases incomplete, could emit significant
amounts of dioxins, a toxic pollutant.
Figure 4: View of the fruit and vegetable open stalls at Sabo market
(Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2020)
The availability of fruit and vegetable in Sabo markets
produce large amounts of waste, and the disposal of these
wastes are costly, both financially and environmentally.
6. Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Waste: A Study of Sabo Market, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
Samuel et al. 361
Figure 5: View of the cattle/livestock open stalls at Sabo market (Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2020)
Figure 6: Weekly Supplies per Season (Source: Authors’
Field Survey 2020)
TABLE 1: LIVESTOCK SUPPLY AT SABO MARKET
S/NO TYPE OF ANIMAL PEAK PERIOD QUANTITY
1 Sheep Muslim Festival 150,000
2 Cow December 450
3 Goat Not Defined 350
(Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2020)
A cow produces 29.5 kg of faeces or manure daily as a
cow can poop up to 15 times a day. At the average period,
250 cows will produce about 7,375kg weekly. One cow can
produce enough manure in one day to generate three
kilowatt hours of electricity whereas only 2.4 kilowatt hours
of electricity is needed to power one hundred watt light
bulb per one day (State Energy Conservation Of ce,
2009). Cow dung generated from 3–5 cattle/day can run a
simple 8–10 m3 biogas plant which is able to produce 1.5–
2 m3 biogas per day which is sufficient for the family 6–8
persons, can cook meal for 2 or 3 times or may light two
lamps for 3 h or run a refrigerator for all day and can also
operate a 3-KW motor generator for one hour (Werner et
al. 1989).
Owusu and Asumadu-Sarkodie (2016) identified the
opportunities associated with renewable energy sources to
include: energy security, energy access, social and
economic development, climate change mitigation, and
reduction of environmental and health impacts. This paper
touches on all the identified opportunities while
concentrating on energy access and sanitation which
impacts on improvement of health and environment. The
current environment of the Sabo market does not appear
presentable as the air quality is poor with the pollution from
animal waste. A useful application of the waste eventually
promotes a clean and healthy environment where social
and economic activities can be pursued under favourable
and comfortable conditions.
Figure 7: Weekly Waste Generations in Sabo Market
(Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2020)
CONCLUSIONS
The global shift to renewable energy is seen to be feasible
in the country with the use of agricultural waste to replace
fossil fuel if well harnessed. Hence, the proposal of biogas
plant that will results to proffer useful solution to
environmental and energy challenges faced by traders in
Sabo market. The 7000 MW capacity of the Nigerian
national grid is grossly inadequate for the population and
this creates opportunity for off grid energy production and
utilization. Agricultural wastes are biodegradable and
organic and comprise waste from animals, food, fruits and
every other agricultural product. Sustainable resource
management of these waste and the development of
alternative energy source are the possible and reliable
alternative to economic growth as development and the
standard of living of people in any city can be linked to the
supply and consumption of energy. The study found that
at peak supply period during the Islamic festivities, a
conservative 300tonnes of animal waste is generated
during the week which translates to over 800kilowatts of
electricity. This in return will enhance a better, cleaner
environment because of the recycling of biodegradable
waste conversion to energy for usage.