The aim of this article is to analyze how the concept of circular economy and especially the business model of industrial symbiosis can contribute to sustainable development in Uganda. We aim to add to emerging debates around green industrial policies by shedding light on a low-cost solution that can potentially promote a more sustainable industrialization in the Sub-Saharan African context. After sketching the regulatory and policy environment in Uganda, three indicative examples of industrial symbiosis in Uganda are analyzed, based on the result of field research and an online survey. We have found significant mismatch between the supply side of green industrial policies in Uganda (government aims and measures), and the demand side, what local green entrepreneurs would need to improve their competitiveness. Only an incentive and regulatory framework, that takes into account local specificities, builds upon the exploration of existing local good practices and incorporates bottom-up initiatives can successfully promote green development in low-income economies.
Sub-Saharan Africa is facing multiple challenges regarding waste management, economic productivity, and climate change, all of which seriously endanger sustainable development. The concept of circular economy provides potential solutions for addressing this complex, multidimensional challenge. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the academic research and understanding of the circular economy’s status, its application, and its limits in the Sub-Saharan African context. Therefore, the study presents seven Ugandan businesses and entrepreneurs which apply circu- lar economy practices in their operations based on field research conducted in May 2021. The examples touch on plastic recycling, agriculture, carpentry, textile, and paper and packaging industries. The main economic benefits generated are lower input costs, saved waste management costs, and better products for consumers. The improvement of waste collection as well as the reduction of waste landfills and GHG emissions can be considered the most significant environmental benefits. Beside job and additional income creation, better hygienic conditions and improved food nutrient content represent important social benefits. The primary challenges are formed by machinery and production problems which, along with fierce competition over imported products, limit the achievement of economies of scale to support economic sustainability of these initiatives.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.