<p>Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological but engineered process in which micro-organisms break down the organic matter in wet biomass waste (sewage sludge, animal and food waste &amp; slurry) in the absence of O2, to produce biogas (CH4, CO2, H2S &amp; H2 ) and digestate (a nutrient-rich biofertilizer). The aim is to understand the dynamics of AD by determining how pH and nutrient characteristics affects AD for process optimization. To achieve this, an AD laboratory-scale semicontinuous continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) fed at OLR;1.5gVS/L.d with food waste of&nbsp; 18%&nbsp; total solids, (TS) and 16.5% volatile solid (VS) were subjected to Mesophilic (350C) conditions and Hydraulic residence times (HRTs) of 28days at pH values of 6.0, 6.6, 7.2 and 7.8. Based on bio-kinetics of 1st order degradation, a statistical non- regression tool (R2=0.95) was used to predict the biogas production (BGP). Results showed that at 350C and pH; 6, 6.6, 7.2 and 7.8, biogas production was 625.5ml/gVS, 696.5ml/gVS, 709ml /gVS and 685ml/gVS destroyed respectively indicating optimum performance at pH, 7.2.&nbsp; Again, to optimize the process, partial pressure of H2 was reduced below10.132Pa and pH maintained by buffering with KHCO3. CH4 production was 62.5% (350C) at pH 7.2 and 48.5% (350C) at pH 6. The system efficiency of removal at pH 7.2 was 60% VS at 350C indicating the most destroyed nutrient character determining BGP. The CH4 can be used to generate electricity by piping it to a combined-heat and power (CHP) engine while the heat produced can be used for space heating. Further research should be undertaken; for a different waste and in thermophilic condition and to develop an AD expert control system to enhance the process in future.</p>