Cost Benefit Analysis of Human Urine Recycling Systems in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This study examines the potential of large-scale urine recycling as a sustainable solution to address sanitation challenges, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve food security in Bahir-Dar, Ethiopia. The approach involves establishing urine recycling systems (URS) that collect urine from onsite sanitation facilities and convert it to dry urine-based fertilizer (UBF) near collection sites for local farmers. Using a combination of primary and secondary data sources, this study performs a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to evaluate the financial viability of implementing URS in Bahir Dar, focusing on direct monetary costs and benefits. The assessment includes metrics such as net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and payback period (PBP) and is supplemented by sensitivity and scenario analyses to account for varying assumptions.

The findings reveal that, under the set assumptions of this study, implementing urine recycling systems is not financially viable in Bahir Dar. The financial feasibility is highly dependent on the capacity of the urine recycling technology and the fees charged for using the toilet facilities. Higher dehydration capacity significantly improves financial outcomes, as does charging users for each use of the facilities. Charging higher fees per use enhances the economic viability of the system. Based on these findings, the study recommends further research on integrating indirect benefits, which include social and environmental benefits. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the value of the urine recycling system.