256 T.C. DAVIES, M.M. IKIARA, A.M. KARANJA, C. FUREDY
Among the problems Grace faces is occasional dispute with the neighbours over the
aesthetic quality of the land and the emission of foul odour. But these disputes are
often settled in her favour.
12.11. CONCLUSION
It is clear from the foregoing arguments that recovery and utilisation of urban organic
waste in Nairobi could provide a very real opportunity to ameliorate some of the
problems of waste management in the City. In addition, this may be considered a key
strategy to minimise waste since this is a substantial fraction of the total waste load
generated in the City.
A strategy for sustainable recovery and utilisation of organic waste must employ a
participatory and cyclic process of planning and action to achieve economic, environ-
mental and social objectives in a balanced and integrated manner. The strategy should
aim to achieve all three concerns. The process should encompass the definition of
policies and action plans, their implementation, monitoring and regular review. Much
more effort by city managers is desired in organising the reuse of organics generated
by households and institutions so that they do not enter the municipal waste stream. If
this is done effectively, it would greatly help solid waste management.
Initiatives by composting groups are supported by various national and international
NGOs and donors who finance particular components within the integrated commu-
nity development programme. By 1997, there were 15 groups in Nairobi involved in
composting and other initiatives towards integrated social development of their
community. Today, these groups number more than 20 and are mainly concentrated
in the low-income areas where they undertake commendable activities in their contri-
bution to the enhancement of environmental integrity. The potential of composting
groups to contribute to such awareness in their neighbourhoods is gratifying and
compensates somewhat for the present lack of viable and steady markets. Good
management, i.e. proper selection of wastes, soils and crops, and proper reliance on
soil and plant testing, can avoid most of the identified potential problems from
waste-borne microelements.
Lines of communication must always be kept open to all stakeholders so as to drive
home the virtues of urban agriculture, but also to raise awareness on the pitfalls of
improper application. Knowledge of the source of various toxic elements and their
relative strength is necessary for taking effective control measures to prevent pollution
in the application of urban organic wastes and compost to agricultural fields. An inves-
tigation of this subject must surely be advocated.