Urban Farm DB
Research catalogue
Database research record2005·Ghana

The use of human waste for peri-urban agriculture in Northern Ghana

Olufunke Cofie, Gordana Kranjac-Berisavljevic, Pay Drechsel

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems

Urban Farm DB summary

This study investigated the use of faecal sludge (FS) for crop production in Tamale and Bolgatanga, Ghana, involving 90 farmers and sanitation officials. 64% of farmers used FS to improve soil fertility and increase maize and sorghum yields. While perceived to reduce pathogens, 22% of farmers reported itching feet and foot rot after working with FS without protective footwear. Constraints included foul smell, transport issues, and public mockery, yet competition for FS existed due to its benefits.