Benefits of The Circular Economy in African Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and economic livelihood of about 60 percent of the population. However, the sector faces numerous challenges related to environmental degradation and inefficient resource management. The circular economy presents a sustainable framework to address these issues, promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste, and unlocking new economic opportunities. The circular economy replaces the linear “take, make, dispose” model with one focused on reusing, recycling, and regenerating resources. In African agriculture, this approach enhances productivity, reduces waste, and supports sustainable development.
- The Circular Economy in Agriculture
A circular economy in agriculture focuses on minimizing waste and optimizing resource use through closed-loop systems, including organic farming, regenerative practices, agroforestry, and the reuse of by-products.
- Waste Reduction and Resource Efficiency
Circular agriculture optimizes resource use. In Africa, post-harvest losses can reach 37% of production. In Africa, methods such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting/ channelling are improving crop yields and conserving water, particularly in water-scarce areas like the Sahel.
- Creating Economic Opportunities
The circular economy turns agricultural waste into valuable products, creating jobs while reducing waste. Examples include Kenya’s Sanergy, which makes affordable fertilizers from urban waste, and composting, which enhances soil fertility and crop yields.
Regenerative agriculture also restores soil health, boosts biodiversity, and captures carbon, helping to fight climate change. The World Economic Forum predicts that this could 30% by 2030.
- Support from International Organizations
Organizations such as GiZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), KfW Development, FAO, The EU, USAID, and the World Bank have been promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the continent. GiZ has been active in promoting sustainable agriculture through its “ProEcon” initiative, which fosters inclusive business models that use waste products to produce bioenergy and organic fertilizers. Similarly, KfW is working to finance projects that build circular agricultural systems, including waste-to-energy projects and water recycling initiatives. The World Food Programme (WFP) is also supporting smallholder farmers to adopt regenerative farming methods.
Conclusion
The circular economy should be promoted more widely in Africa. With continued support, it can drive resilience and development.
Further reading:
- World Economic Forum. “Circular Economy for Food.” WEF.
- GiZ. “ProEcon: Supporting Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Africa.”
- Sanergy Kenya. “Transforming Organic Waste into Valuable Resources.”
- World Food Programme. “Promoting Regenerative Agriculture in Africa.”
- FAO. “Post-Harvest Losses and Food Security in Africa.”
Keren Obara.
Digital Marketing Associate.