Browsing by Author "Kizito, Babi Gerald"

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    Valorizing cassava peel waste for sustainable bio-plastics production : market dynamics and starch yield potential in Kampala, Uganda
    (Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-07) Kizito, Babi Gerald
    This study confronts the global environmental crisis caused by non-biodegradable plastics by investigating the potential of bio-plastics as sustainable alternatives. It focuses on the valorization of cassava peel waste for bio-plastic production in Kampala, Uganda, employing a mixed-methods approach. Specifically, the study aimed: to quantify the mass of cassava peel waste generated and examine the cassava supply chain in selected Kampala markets; to evaluate the starch content of cassava peels from three improved varieties NASE 14, NASE 19, and NAROCCAS and a market sample, for use in developing biodegradable bioplastics; and to assess the properties and performance of the resulting bioplastic materials. Cassava peels were collected from pure varieties obtained at the National Crop Resources Research Institute (NACCRI), Namulonge, and randomly from Busega market. These samples were processed to extract starch, which was analyzed for suitability in bio-plastic formulation. Concurrently, field data were collected through a questionnaire survey administered to 35 end-users, 76 vendors and 35 transporters across Busega, Nakawa, and Kasubi markets. Data were collected electronically using questionnaires uploaded in KOBOcollect app installed on mobile phones, allowing for real-time digital capture of responses. Findings reveal that most respondents generate about 20 kg of cassava waste daily, with peels accounting for the largest proportion (73.6%). Busega market produced the highest amount of cassava peels waste, a trend linked to socioeconomic conditions such as poverty and slum settlements resulting into poor waste management. Mubende district was the primary cassava supplier (38.3%), followed by Hoima and Kibaale, NASE 19 consistently outperformed others in starch yield (3.40%) due to its genetic optimization for starch accumulation. It also demonstrated the highest water absorption and solubility when combined with additional cellulose, indicating that cellulose’s hydrophilic nature enhances both properties. Additionally, NASE 19 showed the highest biodegradability in both buried and unburied conditions when cellulose was present, likely due to its high amylopectin content. Notably, the same variety exhibited the highest tensile strength in samples without additional cellulose, attributing it to a more cohesive molecular structure. The market sample, although produced the lowest starch yield (2.16%), performed well in solubility, water absorption, biodegradability, and tensile strength indicating its suitability for use in bioplastic production despite the lower starch content. In conclusion the study successfully quantified cassava peel waste, identifying Busega as Kampala’s central hub for cassava trading and waste generation, the primary source of cassava was Mubende district while NASE 19 emerged as the most promising variety for bioplastic development, offering high starch yield, favorable mechanical properties, and enhanced biodegradability to support sustainable bio-plastic development, the study recommends expanding cultivation of high-starch varieties like NASE 19, implementing supportive policies such as tax incentives for biodegradable plastic producers. Encourage investment in bioplastic production facilities and promote collaboration among research institutions, government agencies and private sector players to scale up production.