Climate Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

The Zero Waste Market project at Simu2000 Market in Dar es Salaam was launched in 2024 to reduce methane emissions from unmanaged organic waste in urban markets. Previously, food waste accumulated due to irregular collection and was dumped at landfill sites, where it decomposed and released methane, contributing to climate change.
The project takes a community-driven approach by promoting waste segregation at source and on-site composting. Market vendors are trained to separate organic waste, which is then processed into compost within the market, substantially reducing the volume of waste sent to dumpsites. By combining behaviour change, local infrastructure, and collaboration with stakeholders, the project provides a practical, scalable solution for mitigating methane emissions.
Beyond climate benefits, the project improves sanitation, creates livelihoods through waste management activities, and enhances environmental sustainability. It demonstrates how urban markets can efficiently manage organic waste while supporting community well-being and climate resilience

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

The Simu2000 Zero Waste Market project actively engages and empowers groups often underrepresented in climate action, including Waste pickers, youth, and low-income communities. In Dar es Salaam’s urban markets, women comprise a large share of vendors but often lack access to training, resources, and decision-making platforms. The project provides women with training in waste segregation, composting, and resource recovery, enabling them to lead sustainable waste management efforts while improving their livelihoods.
Youth are engaged as community mobilizers and environmental champions, gaining leadership experience, employment opportunities, and climate education. Vulnerable communities benefit from access to organic waste for animal feed and compost, creating income-generating opportunities and strengthening local food systems.
Within our organization, women and youth hold key leadership and operational roles, including community engagement, monitoring, and project coordination. Their involvement ensures project strategies are inclusive, responsive, and equitable.
By combining capacity building, leadership opportunities, and economic empowerment, the project positions underrepresented groups as active drivers of urban climate action, rather than passive beneficiaries, enhancing both social equity and environmental impact