10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

This study evaluated the effects of untreated, composted, and incinerated animal wastes on the physicochemical properties, microbiological safety, nutritional quality, growth, and yield of Talinum triangulare (waterleaf), while assessing farmers’ awareness, utilization patterns, and perceptions of manure management. Physicochemical analyses showed that untreated wastes contained high moisture (70–85%) and nutrient contents, whereas composting improved nutrient stability and incineration resulted in nutrient-poor ash. Waterleaf cultivated with untreated wastes recorded high faecal indicator counts (2.55 ± 0.12 × 10³–8.77 ± 0.46 × 10³ CFU/g), with Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Klebsiella sp. confirmed by PCR detection of uidA, invA, and hns genes. Composting significantly reduced microbial loads (1.10 ± 0.10 × 10³–1.95 ± 0.29 × 10³ CFU/g), while incineration produced the lowest counts (0.4–0.7 × 10³ CFU/g). Compost-treated plants consistently produced the highest growth and yield across all parameters, particularly with combined cow, poultry, and pig manure, whereas incinerated treatments performed least effectively. Growth was generally enhanced during the rainy season. Compost treatment also produced the highest crude protein (6.0%) and mineral contents (Ca, Mg, K, Fe, P, and Na). Socio-demographic factors significantly influenced manure utilization (p < 0.05). Although 91.67% of farmers were aware of animal waste use, only 22.22% understood its microbiological risks, while 55.56% preferred incineration despite composting demonstrating superior productivity, nutritional quality, and microbial safety. The study concludes that composting is the most effective treatment method. The disparity between farmers’ perceptions and empirical findings highlights the need for targeted extension services and improved awareness of safe manure management practices.