Circular Economy or Circular Hype? What Africa’s Food Systems Really Need
Let’s start with what it is not. Circular economy is not just about reusing plastic bags or recycling PET bottles. It’s not simply about composting, nor is it about trendy apps that track food expiration. Those are tools. The true essence of circularity lies in redesigning systems so that waste does not exist by design, but in food systems where the paradox of hunger and surplus coexists, making the design both urgent and complex. The Waste We Don’t See Across Sub-Saharan Africa, up to 50% of fresh produce is lost post-harvest due to poor infrastructure (Sibanda & Workneh, 2020). This isn’t just waste but lost income, lost nutrition, and lost climate resilience. At the same time, innovations like blockchain for traceability, cold chain IoT solutions, and AI-driven shelf-life prediction are emerging. Yet most of these tools are not developed with African ecosystems in mind. We risk building another layer of exclusion into a system already shaped by colonial value chains. Food Tech: A Tool, Not the End From biodegradable packaging made from cassava starch to apps redistributing leftover meals, food tech holds promise. But it must be anchored in context. A cold-chain app means little if a market woman doesn’t have access to electricity. A food traceability blockchain is moot if farmers are not part of the data value loop. Circularity demands we ask: who benefits, who participates, and who owns the data? So, what is a real circular economy? A real circular economy does not start at the landfill. It begins upstream at the farm, in local markets, in policy rooms, and within the technologies we design. It is not a linear chain retrofitted with a recycling loop. It is a regenerative system by intention, not coincidence. It starts at the farm, not just by reducing waste, but by closing nutrient loops and minimizing input dependency. Many smallholder farmers in Africa still rely on imported synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, which degrade soil health over time and expose farmers to volatile global price shocks. A circular economy flips that logic viewing organic matter, crop residues, and local knowledge as assets, not leftovers. Across East and West Africa, there’s growing momentum around agroecological approaches and on-farm composting. In parts of northern Ghana, farmers are trialing integrated compost pits that recycle livestock manure and crop waste into soil-enriching inputs reducing cost while restoring fertility. These are small changes with systemic potential: they build resilience into production, reduce emissions from synthetic inputs, and localize value creation. In Burkina Faso, SMEs processing dried mango are using cashew nut shells as an energy source to power their dryers. This approach being part of a multi-country research initiative called BioStar is led by CIRAD and local partners (CIRAD, 2023), creating new income streams and extending product life. This isn’t just about shelf life it’s about agency. When farmers are equipped to own more of the value chain, circularity becomes embedded, not imposed. But it doesn’t end at the farm. Circularity lives in local economies through short supply chains and shared infrastructure. In contrast to globalized food systems that extract value and leave behind dependency, circular systems retain value within the communities that produce it. In Ghana, Farmerline uses mobile technology to provide last-mile farmers with timely agronomic advice and access to inputs, plugging a critical gap in extension services. These interventions aren’t about “tech for impact” photo ops. They address embedded inefficiencies with tools that meet people where they are not where we imagine they should be. And when food is wasted, it does not need to stay wasted. A truly circular economy reimagines waste as a resource for energy, soil health, and innovation. In Kenya, Sanivation turns fecal sludge and organic waste into fuel briquettes, reducing indoor air pollution and deforestation (World Economic Forum, 2020). In Ghana, youth-led startups are pioneering black soldier fly farming, converting municipal food waste into high-protein animal feed and organic compost. These are not theoretical ideas; they are already happening just under-supported and under-financed. All of this must loop back into technology and transparency but on our own terms. Technology should enable regeneration, not reinforce exclusion. Platforms like SourceTrace offer real-time tracking of inputs, outputs, and sustainability metrics. But in many African regions, digital tools remain out of reach not because the tech is too complex, but because access, cost, and literacy barriers are not accounted for in the design. A real circular system doesn’t just use the most sophisticated tools it uses the most appropriate ones. Whether it’s a blockchain interface or a bulk SMS system, the question must always be: who does this include and who does it leave out? References Biofuel from agrifood waste? A gamble that is paying off in Burkina Faso | Cirad This Kenyan company is saving forests by turning human faeces into fuel | World Economic Forum Sibanda, S., & Workneh, T. S. (2020). Potential causes of postharvest losses, low-cost cooling technology for fresh produce farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 16(5), 553-566.
Transforming urban transportation: Making Accra the cycling city of Africa
Amidst Accra’s heavy Monday morning traffic, on this day, worsened by dawn rain, we are caught up in the common yet arduous experience of extended waits for the next available Trotro (minibus share taxis) to no end. Taller, one of these notorious ‘roadside legends’, on one hand, is busy operating what looks like a personal seat reservation service, ridiculously protecting front row seats for passengers, Trotro by trotro—as if they had an exclusive pre-booking arrangement with a day before. For us who did not have the Ghanaian ‘whom you know privilege’ that Taller offered, fighting our way through these unclaimed seats while trying to evade skilled pickpockets was the way out. Alternatively, you may use your masculine strength to push your way through to the survival seat, revealing nuanced gender dynamics hidden in our transport sector. It is apparent that with our growing urban population, issues of access, affordability and limited transport alternatives are what are primarily steering our dependence on tro-tro a.ka. mini-buses. In fact, findings from Global think tank, Copenhagen Convention Center reveal that 70% of Accra’s urban population use these ageing minibuses, shuttling in a daily dance of destinations. Despite numerous plans to usher in a modernised transportation system like the Bus Rapid Transit system, these endeavours have evidently failed, with the 2007 World Bank and GEF Trust’s USD 52 million Grant Urban Transport Project(UTP) yielding little results. The fragility of our public transport system has on the other hand encouraged many city dwellers to opt for their own private vehicles. In the last decade alone, private car ownership has increased from 1.3M to about 3.2M sustaining the trend of politics of mobility – where control of the steering wheel of an automobile symbolises social power, class and opportunity in a typical African urban domain. Transportation as a means to move cars or a means of moving people? Ghana may be considered a relatively low polluter of Greenhouse Gas emissions on the global stage, however, it is often important to zoom in on specific sectors. The energy sector is obviously a major contributor to our emissions. Alone, it was responsible for a significant 35.5% of emissions in 2016 (Nyansapo, 2022). When we take a closer look at the breakdown of these emissions, it becomes evident that the transport sector is a major driver, accounting for a substantial 47.7% of energy-related emissions. Within this category, vehicles play a key role, contributing over 7.2 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, which corresponds to about 17% of the total emissions according to the Basel Institute for Sustainable Energy at the just-ended Africa Climate Week. Meanwhile, Ghana’s 2022 SDGs Budget and Expenditure Report showed an allocation of GHS4,823.35 million in 2022 to transport expansion. In our quest to address these issues, solutions should not be entrenched in the single known strategy of road expansion, noticeable in expansions happening in the metropolitan districts of Amasaman, Spintex-Palace Mall area and East Legon, definitive of car-oriented cities. It is true that investments towards improving Accra’s public transport have to be addressed, however associated issues like high volumes of traffic require that in proffering solutions, we avoid maladaptive solutions that can inadvertently steer us into ineffectual outcomes. Improving transport access must mean shifting to sustainable transport modes and lower transport-related Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions along the BRT corridor in Accra, addressing the common 2 hours peak-hour congestion to and from the Accra central business district which affects work productivity and stress levels accompanied by the long hours linked with non-communicable diseases, ensuring our security from pickpockets during after-work rush hours, while additionally saving USD15 billion in health and economics savings and giving better air quality outcomes for a city whose air quality on average is 1.7 times above WHO standards (Ghana’s Air Quality Index of 75 is considered to be potentially harmful to sensitive individuals) Embracing changes in the way we move around – active, shared and electric mobility options can improve the quality of our urban life and our environmental ecosystem How Accra has been a leader in urban culture and technological advancement? Over the years, Accra has proven itself as a leader in cultural representation and tech advancement. As early as the 1910s, drivers in colonial Ghana embraced the opportunities presented by technological advancements. They harnessed imported motor transport technologies to advance a wide range of local, social and economic objectives within the capital, showcasing its adaptability to change. The city also established itself as cosmopolitan, fostering cultural interactions within the global urban landscape. Accra has garnered a reputation as a highly sought-after destination for students for more than two decades. In the past decade alone, virtually every prominent American university, including prestigious institutions like Harvard, Michigan, Rutgers, and Colorado, sent its students to partake in various programs in Ghana. The nine-campus University of California for example, has been running year-abroad programs in the country since the early 1990s. While, New York University has a large property that regularly hosts students and professors from their campuses. Beyond Accra’s warm hospitality and destination for diverse visitors looking to savour the essence of Africa. The City hosts the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, one of the most significant and vibrant arts and cultural festivals in West Africa making it a hub for contemporary cultural dynamism. Accra’s vibrant nightlife is also a testament to its dynamism and the fusion of traditional and modern influences. Today, Accra continues to play host to those who want to enjoy the annual December in Ghana pilgrimage. Imagine what centring Accra’s urbanscape with cycling infrastructure will do for experiences like December in Accra. Ghanaian fashion Transforming Accra to become a bike-friendly city is not just about infrastructure and transportation; it’s about building an inclusive culture via cities across the world while we accommodate people from these diverse cities. Accra’s historical adaptability to technological advancements showcases our capability to embrace cycling fully. Our role as a cultural and artistic hub are indicative of our allure as a place of social interaction that cycling offers, ensuring that residents and visitors alike
Staple Foods in Nigeria and Ghana: The Cornerstone for Sustainable Food Systems
Staple foods are the unsung heroes of West Africa’s food systems, forming the foundation upon which nutritional security and economic stability are built. In countries like Nigeria and Ghana, staple crops such as yam, cassava, maize, and plantains play a critical role in daily diets and livelihoods. These foods are not only integral to the cultural identity of these nations, but they are also pivotal in addressing food security and poverty alleviation. In Nigeria, staples like yam, cassava, maize, and rice form the backbone of both rural and urban diets. Yam for example, is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, celebrated during the New Yam Festival, which marks the end of the rainy season. Cassava, another versatile crop, is used to produce various traditional foods such as gari and fufu. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava globally, with an annual production approximated to exceed 60 million metric tons. Maize, essential for its versatility, is consumed directly and used as feed in livestock farming, further enhancing food security. Rice, while a more recent staple compared to others, has grown in popularity and is crucial for feeding the growing urban population. Similarly, in Ghana, plantains, cassava, yams, and millet are the mainstay of the diet. Plantains are a dietary staple, featured prominently in dishes like kelewele and fufu. Ghana produces over 3.5 million metric tons of cassava annually, making it a significant contributor to food security. Yam, much like in Nigeria, holds cultural significance and is celebrated in festivals. Millet, though less prominent, is used in traditional porridges and beverages, contributing to the nutritional diversity. Staple foods are vital for meeting the nutritional needs of millions of people. They are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals necessary for health and well-being. According to the World Bank, staple crops are essential in fighting malnutrition, particularly in rural areas where access to diverse foods might be limited. These crops are also crucial to the local and national economies, creating employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain; from farming to processing and marketing. The cultivation and sale of staple crops are vital sources of income, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation and economic stability. However, the production of staple foods faces several challenges. Climate change poses a significant threat, altering weather patterns and affecting crop yields. Inadequate infrastructure and storage facilities lead to significant post-harvest losses, reducing food availability and affecting farmers’ incomes. For instance, it is estimated that up to 40% of food produced in Sub-Saharan Africa is lost before it reaches the market. Despite these challenges, there are substantial opportunities for enhancing the role of staple foods in sustainable food systems. Innovations in agricultural technology, such as drought-resistant crop varieties and improved farming practices, can significantly boost yields and resilience to climate change. Additionally, policy support and investments in agriculture can provide the necessary backing for smallholder farmers, ensuring sustainable production and food security. According to a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), targeted investments in agricultural infrastructure and research can substantially reduce food insecurity in the region. Staple foods are integral to the development of a sustainable food system in West Africa. By recognizing their importance, addressing the challenges they face, and harnessing opportunities for innovation and policy support, we can ensure that these vital crops continue to nourish and sustain communities in Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond.
Decolonizing Diets: Plant-Based Eating for Health and Liberation
In recent years, a growing movement has emerged among people of color, embracing plant-based diets not just for health but also as a means of reclaiming cultural autonomy and challenging colonial legacies. This movement, often termed “decolonizing diets,” represents a powerful intersection of dietary choices with broader social, cultural, and political aspirations. At its core, decolonizing diets prioritize health and wellness. Plant-based diets, with their focus on whole, minimally processed foods, offer a pathway to better health and vitality, addressing the prevalence of diet-related diseases in communities of color. Beyond health, decolonizing diets reject colonial legacies of dependence on imported and processed foods. Advocates promote reclaiming control over local food systems, centering traditional and culturally relevant foods, and asserting cultural autonomy. Environmental sustainability is also a driving force. Plant-based diets offer a more eco-friendly alternative to the unsustainable practices of industrial agriculture, with lower emissions and a smaller ecological footprint. Embracing plant-based diets is a way for individuals to reconnect with ancestral food traditions, asserting cultural identity and resilience. By centering locally sourced and culturally relevant foods, individuals reclaim their culinary heritage and resist cultural assimilation. Moreover, the decolonizing diets movement is rooted in broader struggles for social justice and equity. Advocates emphasize addressing intersecting oppressions and building solidarity across diverse communities in pursuit of food justice. Thus, the decolonizing diets movement offers a vision for transforming diets and relationships with food, culture, and the planet. By embracing plant-based eating as a form of resistance and liberation, individuals reclaim agency over their health while challenging systems of oppression and building more just and sustainable food systems for all.