Organic waste poses substantial challenges in Ethiopia, primarily due to factors such as inadequate infrastructure, a lack of public awareness, and economic limitations. The country generates a significant volume of organic waste, which is neither collected nor processed effectively.
This mismanagement leads to severe environmental degradation, poses health risks to communities, and results in missed opportunities for valuable resource recovery.
In this context, Eco-justice Ethiopia is enhancing the capabilities of waste pickers and small composting groups. By providing them with essential skills and training, Eco-Justice aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.
This initiative is part of the larger “Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries” project, which is being implemented by members of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) across various African nations. Funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the project seeks to mitigate methane emissions by promoting practices such as source separation of waste and the diversion of organic materials from landfills.
In this article, the third instalment of our ongoing series that highlights the impactful work of our members under this initiative (see stories from End Plastic Pollution & CEJAD) we feature an insightful conversation with Eskedar Awgichew, founder of eco-justice.
He shares his perspective and experiences as a partner in Ethiopia for the “Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries” project, shedding light on their efforts to tackle the challenges of organic waste management while promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being.
1. Can you provide an overview of your organisation and its mission, highlighting your key activities and focus areas?
Eco-Justice Ethiopia (EJE) is dedicated to promoting environmental justice and sustainable waste management practices in Ethiopia.
Our mission is to advocate for policies and initiatives that protect vulnerable communities, improve waste management systems, and support grassroots movements working toward a cleaner and healthier environment.
Our key focus areas include organic waste management, capacity-building for waste pickers, and policy engagement with local and national governments.
2. How has membership with the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) influenced your organisation’s work, and what benefits have you derived from this partnership?
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) has significantly strengthened our advocacy efforts. Through GAIA, we have gained access to global networks, technical expertise, and funding opportunities that have helped us scale our initiatives. The partnership has also enabled us to collaborate with other organisations working on zero-waste solutions, amplifying our impact.
3. What are your thoughts on the waste crisis that many countries in the region are facing?
The waste crisis in many African countries, including Ethiopia, is exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure, limited public awareness, and policy gaps. Informal waste pickers play a crucial role in recycling and waste reduction, yet they often lack recognition and support. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-stakeholder approach that includes government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
4. Your organisation is part of the Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries CCAC project in Africa. What has attracted your organisation to this project, and what are your hopes for organic waste management work in your country?
EJE joined the Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries CCAC project because of its alignment with our mission to promote sustainable waste solutions.
This project will lead to improved organic waste management practices, increased composting initiatives, and stronger policy frameworks that support waste reduction efforts in Ethiopia.
5. Under the CCAC project, what are the primary campaigns or initiatives your organisation is currently implementing to address organic waste management challenges? [i.e. Trainings on source separation and organics management, outreach to waste picker groups, policy work, local & national government engagement, education campaigns].
Under the CCAC project, EJE has implemented several key initiatives, including:
- Policy Engagement: Meetings and interviews with the Addis Ababa City Cleansing Management Agency to gather data on organic waste management.
- Composting Site Visits: Engaging with composting associations to understand best practices and challenges.
- Capacity-Building Training: Empowering micro and small composting groups with essential skills to improve their operations.
- Advocacy through Documentary Film: “Beyond the Trash: Portraits of Informal Waste Pickers in Addis Ababa,” highlighting the challenges faced by waste pickers. EJE produced this documentary before the CCAC project and used it during the project as one of our advocacy tools to show first-hand the injustices of current approaches.
6. What has been a personal milestone or most memorable moment for your organisation working on this project?
One of the most impactful moments was the meaningful engagements we had with waste pickers and compost manufacturers in Addis Ababa. Through the CCAC project, we further strengthened our functional working relationships with these groups and gained a deeper understanding of their perspectives. This project helped raise awareness and foster discussions on improving working conditions for waste pickers.
7. What are the most pressing issues related to organic waste management in your country, and how do these challenges continue to influence how your organisation works on the problems?
Challenges include limited infrastructure for composting, lack of policy enforcement, false solutions such as waste-to-energy incinerators, and insufficient public awareness. These issues shape our advocacy efforts, pushing us to engage with policymakers and communities to drive change.
8. Looking ahead to the next few years, what type of needs or support do you anticipate to continue advocacy in organic waste management in your country?
To sustain our efforts, we anticipate the need for:
- Increased funding for waste management projects
- Support to advocate for defunding incompatible solutions like waste-to-energy incinerators
- Stronger policy support and enforcement
- Expanded training programs for waste pickers and composting groups
- Greater public awareness campaigns
9. How does your organisation’s work on waste management intersect with social justice concerns, and how do you address these intersections in your advocacy and programming?
Waste management is deeply tied to social justice, as informal waste pickers and compost makers play a crucial yet often overlooked role in maintaining sustainable waste systems. These individuals frequently operate in unsafe conditions, face discrimination, and lack legal recognition, making them vulnerable to economic and social hardships.
At Eco-Justice Ethiopia, we advocate for the rights of waste pickers and compost makers by pushing for fair wages, safer working environments, and social protections.
Beyond improving immediate working conditions, we are actively working to ensure that these groups are recognised as key stakeholders in policy development at the city level. Their firsthand experience and contributions make them invaluable voices in shaping effective waste management solutions, yet they are rarely included in discussions that directly impact their livelihoods.
We operate with the understanding that systemic gaps in waste governance perpetuate inequality. Many waste pickers remain informal because existing policies do not account for their role in the waste economy.
Without recognition, they are excluded from formal employment structures, social security benefits, and legal protections. Similarly, compost makers, who contribute to sustainable waste diversion, often lack institutional support and funding, making their work precarious.
To address these injustices, EJE collaborates with policymakers, civil society organisations, and local communities to integrate waste pickers and compost makers into formal waste management frameworks.
By advocating for inclusive policies, organising capacity-building programs, and amplifying the voices of grassroots waste workers, we aim to reshape waste governance in Ethiopia into a system that respects the dignity and contributions of all who work within it.
Ultimately, waste management is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of equity, labour rights, and community empowerment. We envision a future where waste pickers and compost makers are recognised not as marginalised workers but as leaders in sustainable waste solutions.
10. Are there any quotes, mottos, or beliefs that the organisation tries to adopt in all its work?
Eco-Justice Ethiopia operates under the core belief that “A clean and healthy environment is a basic human right.” This principle guides our advocacy, partnerships, and community engagement.
We also embrace the idea that “Sustainability is built on inclusion.” Waste pickers, compost makers, and grassroots environmental workers are not just participants in the waste management system but essential leaders in shaping sustainable solutions. By prioritising their voices, we work toward policies and programs that recognise and elevate their contributions.
Additionally, our work is driven by the understanding that “Justice is at the heart of environmental action.” Waste management is not just about disposal and efficiency; it intersects with labour rights, economic equity, and social dignity.
Every initiative we undertake seeks to ensure that environmental progress does not come at the expense of marginalised communities, but instead uplifts and empowers them.
These guiding values continue to shape our projects, inspire our collaborations, and strengthen our commitment to building a just and sustainable future for all.
Ends.
