Challenges and lessons learnt from a community-based food waste composting project in Johor

Abstract

A series of Low-Carbon Society (LCS) Blueprint has been launched in Iskandar Malaysia (IM) region since 2012. The public must be equipped with fundamental knowledge and skills related to the LCS work conducted collectively through a structured network of like-minded individuals and receive technical support and monitoring from experts and practitioners. This paper presents the lessons learned from a community-based food-waste composting program, a low-carbon action outlined under the IM LCS Blueprint, at Layang-layang, Johor as a case study. Selected volunteers in SC Jaya Sepakat, with the support by Mini Rural Transformation Centre (MRTC) have been trained and were given home composting kits. A centralised composting site was set up where one volunteer has been identified as the key player to manage daily composting operation. Food waste bins were collected and converted into compost through a five-step process at the composting site. A technical advisor from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia transferred the knowledge and technology to the villagers in terms of hands-on training, overall operation, compost quality analysis and post-application study of compost on plants. This study aims to empower the community to implement the food waste composting practices in a sustainable manner that would fulfill the societal and economic needs. The challenges and lessons gained through the 8 months engagement are reported. Post-training and end of project surveys were conducted to assess the performance of the community engagement. The survey concluded that the volunteers require extrinsic motivation from external organisations to continue the LCS initiatives until a tangible economic impact is generated. Community’s daily commitment and limited communication facilities in rural areas made continuous engagement a challenge. The project also drew a lesson of importance in collaboration with different stakeholders for greater impact and optimisation in resources that would require further study.