MUKONO, December 12, 2024 – The Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum [ESAFF] Uganda has unveiled a practical guide titled “Human Pee is Liquid Gold” that advocates for the use of human urine as an organic fertiliser and pesticide. This groundbreaking initiative follows extensive research on human urine’s efficacy in enhancing crop growth and protecting plants.
According to Julius Engwedu, ESAFF’s Field Assistant Extension Officer, the reliance on industrial fertilisers poses significant risks, including health concerns, environmental pollution, and ecosystem damage.
However, with the growing demand for organic farming methods, Engwedu emphasised the potential of human urine to promote sustainability and resilience in farming.
“Human urine can be a cornerstone in agroecological processes, paving the way for resource-efficient and circular food systems. By reimagining waste as a valuable resource, we can achieve a sustainable agricultural model,” he explained.
Farmers’ experiences with human urine as fertiliser
Small-scale farmers in Uganda have started adopting human urine as fertiliser with promising results. Christopher Wali, a farmer from Mukono district, has demonstrated the effectiveness of human urine on crops like maize, bananas, and nakati. His trials revealed that urine-treated plants were healthier and more productive than untreated ones.
“We do not apply urine directly to the plants to avoid scorching. Instead, we dig small holes about 10 centimeters away from the plants, pour the urine, and cover it,” Wali explained.
Similarly, Iren Kajoba, another farmer in Mukono district, noted that human urine significantly boosts crop yields while reducing the dependency on expensive synthetic fertilisers. “Human urine is readily available and cost-effective, making it ideal for small-scale farmers like us,” she remarked.
How to use human urine as fertiliser
Engwedu outlined the steps for safely converting human urine into a potent fertiliser and pesticide:
- Collection:
Collect urine in clean containers such as jerrycans or drums. Fresh urine is preferred for its higher nitrogen content. - Fermentation:
Allow the urine to ferment for 2–6 weeks in a covered, shaded container to reduce pathogens and ammonia concentration. This process enhances its nutrient content and safety for plants. - Processing and storage:
Filter the fermented human urine and store it in sealed containers in a cool, dark place. Avoid long storage to maintain quality. - Dilution and application:
Dilute the urine with water at a ratio of 1:8 or 1:10. Apply the mixture around the base of plants or spray it on leaves for pest control. Always apply during early mornings or late afternoons to prevent nutrient evaporation. - Frequency and timing:
Apply every 2–4 weeks during the growing season, but stop 15–21 days before harvest to avoid odor contamination. - Monitoring:
Regularly observe plant responses to adjust application frequency or concentration. Overuse may cause nutrient burns. - Safety precautions:
Use urine from healthy individuals, clean collection tools thoroughly, and avoid using urine on crops close to harvest.
Expanding the practice beyond Uganda
The use of human urine as a fertiliser is gaining traction in other countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] and Malawi. In Shasha village in the DRC, farmers have successfully used urine to combat soil degradation and adapt to climate challenges.
The use of human urine as fertiliesr and pesticide presents a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic agricultural inputs. As more farmers embrace this practice, it offers a pathway to sustainable farming, improved yields, and environmental protection. With continued research and adoption, “liquid gold” could revolutionize small-scale farming across Africa.
https://thecooperator.news/affm-commits-more-than-us-2mln-to-improve-farmers-access-to-fertilisers/
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