Arba Minch University, through its RUNRES Project, officially launched and transferred advanced waste-to-compost technology in Birbir Town, Gamo Zone, to scientifically convert municipal solid waste into high-quality organic fertilizer. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and ETH Zürich. Click here to see more photos.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation at Arba Minch University, stated that the RUNRES Project is a large-scale research-for-development initiative supported through substantial funding from the Swiss government. Operating across Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and South Africa, the project integrates scientific research, innovation, and practical technology transfer to address environmental and agricultural challenges.
Dr. Teklu noted that during its first phase, the project introduced modern composting equipment to local associations in Arba Minch and established a pioneering cooperative that transforms green banana into high-quality banana powder using advanced processing technologies. He further explained that the donation of three modern waste management trucks to Arba Minch City Municipality significantly modernized urban sanitation services by replacing labor-intensive waste collection systems with efficient mechanized operations.
According to Dr. Teklu, the newly launched technology in Birbir Town represents a strategic expansion of the project’s earlier achievements. He emphasized that the initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for organic fertilizer across the wider Mirab Abaya area, a region known for intensive banana production. Beyond improving urban cleanliness, the project is also expected to strengthen organic agricultural production aimed at both domestic and export markets while supporting Ethiopia’s broader green economy ambitions.
Representing the Gamo Zone Administration, Mr. Mageso Mashole, Head of the Agricultural Department, commended Arba Minch University for its continued contribution to regional technology transfer and community development. He stated that ongoing efforts to transform agricultural and municipal waste into productive resources are already generating visible economic benefits and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Mayor of Birbir Town Administration, Mr. Abraham Ayka, expressed appreciation to the university and its international partners for introducing a scientific and modern waste management system to the town. He noted that the project is contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more attractive urban environment while enabling local farmers to access affordable organic fertilizer to improve agricultural productivity.
Representing the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Mrs. Vivien Osele expressed satisfaction with the project’s rapid implementation progress. She highlighted that within only one year, the composting cooperative had been established, launched production activities, and become ready to supply the market. Describing the transition from planning to practical implementation as a major achievement, she praised all stakeholders involved and called for continued collaboration to ensure the project’s sustainability and long-term impact.
Mr. Abayneh Feyso, Project Manager of the RUNRES Project, delivered a detailed presentation on the initiative’s achievements and operational framework. He explained that the project is grounded in circular economy principles, transforming municipal waste into valuable agricultural inputs while restoring nutrient flows between urban and rural areas to strengthen resilient city-region food systems.
Mr. Abayneh further revealed that the newly established “Birbir Compost Production Association” has the capacity to process 133.76 tons of solid waste every 25 to 30 days and produce approximately 86.95 tons of premium organic fertilizer. In addition to its environmental contributions, the enterprise has created direct employment opportunities for 26 local residents.
Participants and beneficiaries attending the ceremony emphasized the project’s significant contribution to strengthening rural-urban linkages and called for wider expansion of similar waste-to-value technologies across the region.
The event concluded successfully with the official handover of modern tractors and equipment for compost production, followed by a joint field visit showcasing the innovation and operational activities of the project site.
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