The concept of Waste and Circular economy in Agri is based on ensuring that the final by products, normally treated as waste are reused as resources for other processes. This ensures that economic value is not lost from what would have otherwise ended up in a waste field.

One of the greatest challenges that exist in this sector is the lack of sufficient research and literature to better support farmers who want minimize wastage and reduce environmental impact. Therefore, the aim of circularity is to change the narrative where resources are utilized to make products and waste is discarded. A circular model is vital for the environment as “waste” can now be recycled, re-used, refurbished and upcycled into other products that have both economic and environmental value to the communities.

Circularity in Agri helps in closing the gap and ensuring resources are properly utilized, reducing waste and maximizing value. This can be done through practises such as regenerative agriculture, crop rotation that promotes soil health, improves farm yields and reduces the use of harmful chemical inputs.

Agricultural by-products such as crop residue, animal waste and food processing by products are great sources of circular initiatives. These materials can be used to produce bioenergy, organic fertilizers, animal feeds and biodegradable packaging.

Food waste disposal has become a great concern globally with the increase in population and climate change. Kenya alone produces 24,000 tones of waste per day with 65% of it being organic. Despite the high amount of generated waste, 90% of it is recyclable but only 10% gets recycled, ending up in landfills or incinerated. In addition, food waste after decay generates methane which can contribute to climate change in the form of green house gas emission.  

Experts note that another major contributor to waste lies with the inefficiencies in the agriculture supply chain. The food supply chain involves a number of players; suppliers, processors, traders, retailers and consumers. All these players are interconnected from upstream, distribution and downstream supply chain up to consumers and every stage of the supply chain generates waste.

Implementing key measures such as; improving food transportation in the form of refrigerated trucks, reusable heat-resistant bags, using technology to connect farmers to markets faster and taking advantage of AI to reduce food waste would play a key part in improving the efficiency of agri-food processing.

Key Principles of the Circular Economy:

1. Waste as a Resource: Waste can be converted into valuable materials or energy. Agricultural waste can be utilized and converted into biofuels, fertilizers and combined with Black Soldier flies have can be a great source of animal proteins.
2. Longevity and Reusability: Waste can be designed to last longer, reused or recycled.
3. Regeneration of Natural Systems: Instead of extracting resources, a circular economy supports practices that replenish and sustain the environment.

Benefits of a Circular Economy in Agriculture

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Minimizing waste decreases pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy use.
• Economic Opportunities: New business models around reuse, recycling, and upcycling create jobs and revenue.
• Sustainable Food Systems: Circular practices in agriculture promote sustainable farming by returning organic waste to the soil, which can improve soil health and crop yields.

The importance of circularity in our world cannot be overemphasised enough and companies like Agri Frontier Growth Hub are at the forefront of providing technical assistance and fundraising support to SMEs to further promote these initiatives. This not only enhances resource efficiency but also creates economic value from materials that might otherwise go to waste. Agri Frontier in collaboration with ANDE Network developed an accelerator program for Agri SMEs in the Waste and Circular economy keen towards supporting the SMEs to be investment ready and raise growth capital necessary to transform this sector. To apply, click the link https://agrigrowthhub.com/apply-now/

An ever-growing global population poses food security challenges that can only be mitigated by holistically applying circular economy principles. This will inevitably ensure the agricultural gap is closed, food supply chain management is improved and exploring innovative ways that promote circularity in the Agri sector.

By Brian Ndegwa, Senior Agribusiness Financial Consultant

Resources:

https://agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40066-020-00264-8

https://www.unido.org/sites/default/files/files/2020-09/Circular_economy_in_AGR.pdf

https://www.fao.org/land-water/overview/onehealth/circular/en