Indigenous bone fertilizer for growth and food security: A local solution to a global challenge

We examine the process of recycling the phosphorus that naturally occurs in animal bones, compare the cost of recycled phosphorus to that of conventional phosphorus fertilizer, and measure farmers’ willingness to pay for recycled phosphorus. In our research setting of rural Ethiopia, we reach three conclusions. First, we demonstrate that it is possible to make a suitable pelletized P fertilizer from animal bones. Second, we estimate that the recycled P fertilizer costs 16% to 39% less than importing conventional fertilizer. Third, we find that farmer’s willingness to pay for recycled phosphorus fertilizer is the same as that for conventional fertilizer. •We collect animal bones that are a nuisance waste in peri-urban Ethiopia.•We pyrolyze these animal bones and create a pelletized phosphorus fertilizer.•Independent laboratory testing finds the pellets are 32% phosphate.•This local P fertilizer costs 16%–39% less than nutrient-equivalent imported fertilizer.•Local farmers’ willingness to pay for recycled fertilizer is the same as imported fertilizer.