Researchers, government officials, cassava processors and environmental and energy experts from Nigeria and the United States (U.S.) have explored innovative ways of converting cassava wastewater into renewable energy during a three-day transdisciplinary workshop in Ibadan.

The workshop, titled “From Cassava Effluent to Energy: A U.S.–Nigeria Transdisciplinary Water–Energy–Food Nexus Workshop in South-West Nigeria,” was held from August 17-19, 2026, bringing together researchers, government representatives, technical experts, M.Sc. and PhD students and other stakeholders to examine sustainable solutions to cassava wastewater management.

Dr Foluke Olatoye highlighted the purpose of the workshop, which focuses on the potential of cassava effluent as a feedstock for biogas and renewable energy production, while examining its implications for environmental protection, water resources, food security and sustainable development.

The first day, themed “Cassava Wastewater Management and Biogas Opportunities in Nigeria,” featured discussions on biodigester deployment, renewable energy solutions and technologies for managing cassava wastewater.

Also, Mr Noel Jagaba shared practical experiences in biodigester deployment and renewable energy solutions in Nigeria, while Prof. Gbolabo Ogunwande examined biogas technologies for cassava wastewater management, focusing on opportunities and technical considerations for their application in Nigeria.

Dr Tosin Bamigboye contributed to the technical discussions, while Dr Jafaru Egieya introduced participants to the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, highlighting the connection between cassava wastewater, water security, energy production, food systems and environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, at the Renewable Resource Centre, Abadina, University of Ibadan, participants witnessed a hands-on demonstration of the conversion of cassava effluent into biogas.