Turning waste into wealth in Vietnam: Dutch technology to convert livestock waste into valuable resources

The Netherlands, known for its dense livestock population, has been actively addressing this issue. As the “tiny country that feeds the world,” the Netherlands has the highest density of livestock in Europe, with more than 100 million cattle, chickens, and pigs. The country is also facing its own manure surplus crisis, and is taking strong steps toward sustainable manure management and nutrient recycling.

Livestock waste management, particularly manure management, has long been a key focus in Dutch agriculture. Dutch farmers are using technology to transform manure into mineral-based fertilizers, offering a more sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. The country is also exploring biogas production, a promising method to reduce methane and ammonia emissions while providing a renewable energy source.
 

On the other side of the world, Vietnam is also making progress in sustainable livestock waste management. As the country continues to expand its livestock industry, it faces challenges similar to those of the Netherlands. By 2030, Vietnam’s livestock population is expected to reach around 10 million cattle, 30 million pigs, and about 670 million poultry. The livestock industry emits around 18.5 million tons of CO₂ equivalent annually, accounting for 19% of agricultural emissions.

Today, livestock waste in Vietnam is seen as a valuable resource for biogas production, especially at the household level, where thousands of small-scale biogas systems can be installed for cooking purposes. The government and local farmers are increasingly recognizing that livestock waste can contribute to sustainable energy solutions and support both the economy and the environment. These efforts align with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and its orientation toward circular agriculture and green growth.

The seminar showcased Dutch bio-digester technology from Verdant Biogas B.V., a social enterprise dedicated to converting livestock waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizer. Coming with different sizes to suit waste management needs of most small and medium scale farms, Verdant Biogas’ hybrid bio-digester has been used and tested by Vietnamese smallholders farmers, especially in Mekong Delta. This approach not only protects the environment but also empowers smallholder farmers by creating new economic opportunities and driving a circular, sustainable agricultural economy.