Keypoints:
- Researchers demonstrate cassava-based biogas
- Processors discuss barriers to local adoption
- Nigeria–US partnership targets scalable solutions
NIGERIAN and US researchers have demonstrated a biodigester process designed to convert wastewater from cassava processing into biogas, opening a possible route towards cleaner waste management and rural energy production.
The demonstration formed part of a three-day workshop held in Ibadan from August 17 to 19, 2026, bringing together researchers, government officials, cassava processors, technical specialists and postgraduate students.
The initiative could offer small-scale processors a practical way to reduce pollution while producing energy. But moving from demonstration to widespread adoption will require affordable biodigesters, accessible financing, technical support and clear government policies.
Waste becomes an energy opportunity
Cassava wastewater, commonly known as cassava effluent, is produced during the processing of cassava roots. When discharged without treatment, the liquid waste can create environmental and public health problems for processing communities.
The workshop, titled From Cassava Effluent to Energy, examined whether the waste could instead serve as feedstock for biogas production.
Dr Foluke Olatoye told participants that the approach could connect environmental protection with water security, food production and renewable energy development.
The idea fits into a wider effort to extract economic value from agricultural waste as Africa explores a broader transition towards renewable energy.
Demonstration puts theory to work
Researchers moved beyond presentations on the second day by conducting a practical demonstration at the Renewable Resource Centre in Abadina at the University of Ibadan.
Dr Taiwo Hammed introduced participants to the main components of a biodigester and demonstrated its feeding, operation, monitoring and troubleshooting.
A biodigester uses microorganisms to break down organic material in an oxygen-free environment, producing gas that may be used for heating, cooking or other energy applications.
The session followed technical presentations on biodigester deployment and the opportunities and limitations surrounding cassava wastewater treatment.
Noel Jagaba shared practical experience of renewable-energy projects in Nigeria, while Professor Gbolabo Ogunwande examined the technical requirements for applying biogas technology to cassava effluent. Dr Jafaru Egieya placed the discussions within the Water–Energy–Food Nexus, which considers how decisions in one sector affect the others.
Processors confront practical barriers
Cassava processors from Kukumade in Oyo State’s Egbeda Local Government Area joined the workshop, giving researchers and policymakers an opportunity to hear about conditions within processing communities.
Their participation was important because the viability of the technology will ultimately depend on its affordability, ease of maintenance and ability to operate reliably outside research facilities.
Nigeria has pursued greater agricultural processing through investments such as its agro-industrial development programme. Better wastewater management could help ensure that increased cassava production does not create a larger pollution burden.
Government role comes into focus
Representatives from the Oyo State ministries responsible for environment and energy participated alongside the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.
Discussions focused on how public policy could support sustainable cassava wastewater management. No government-backed pilot scheme, financing commitment or deployment timetable was detailed in the workshop material provided to Africa Briefing.
Those details will be critical if the initiative is to progress beyond research and small-scale demonstrations. Comparable African projects, including Morocco’s proposed waste-to-energy development, show that financing and implementation remain decisive tests for promising technologies.
Partnership targets next phase
The final day explored collaborative research, academic publications, grant opportunities and knowledge exchange between Nigerian and US institutions.
Early-career researchers and MSc and PhD students also presented work connecting cassava processing with the wider relationship between water, energy, food security and environmental sustainability.
The organisers said discussions would continue beyond the workshop as researchers, government agencies, industry representatives and processing communities explored opportunities for closer cooperation.
The workshop highlighted the potential of cassava wastewater as a renewable-energy resource, although further evidence is needed on gas yields, cost, safety and performance under everyday processing conditions.
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