Shaping circular economy in the built environment in Africa. A bibliometric analysis

Policies are imperative in assessing how certain proposed actions or practices can be implemented. In the context of the circular economy, public policies have been influential in determining the way practices are adopted and implemented. In specific contexts, policies can be used to assess a country's preparedness to transition to the circular economy by examining how those that are formulated support the transition. This study examines Kenya's circular economy policy landscape by looking at the strides made by the country to embrace the concept and principles of the circular economy and focusing on the policies formulated so far. Using the thematic analysis approach, the study examines relevant circular economy laws, policies, and regulations to capture the initiatives the country has taken to embrace circular economy principles. The study's overall finding points to environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, sustainable economic development, and stakeholder engagement as the four primary policy areas shaping Kenya's transition to a circular economy. However, there persist certain obstacles to the effective implementation of circular economy principles. These challenges encompass the prevailing dominance of the government in the circular economy sector, which ought to be a collaborative endeavor involving both the private and public sectors. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of financing mechanisms to support circular economy initiatives, inadequate infrastructure to effectively implement circular economy practices, and a lack of capacity to propel progress in both the public and private sectors. Given that many of these challenges revolve around the financial aspect, the study recommends that the Kenyan government considers providing financial incentives to foster dynamism in harnessing the environmental and economic potential offered by the emerging circular economy.

Section: Circularity In Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Transitioning circular economy from policy to practice in Kenya

Muriithi

Ngare²

2023

“…In contrast, CE research in the Global South is mainly unexplored (Muchangos, 2021), even more so in African countries and contexts (Mhlanga et al, 2022). Despite this, CE practices and initiatives exist in African countries at different levels of society.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Toward a preliminary research agenda for the circular economy adoption in Africa

Nijman-Ross,

Umutesi,

Turay

et al. 2023

Circular economy (CE) research plays an important role in accelerating the CE transition globally and is an essential tool to contribute to climate change adaptation. However, prior CE research is primarily focused on countries in the Global North, whereas CE research in the Global South has been largely unexplored, especially in African countries and contexts. Therefore, this study aims to develop a preliminary research agenda for CE development in African countries by identifying the current body of knowledge on CE, the existing CE research gaps and barriers to conducting CE research in African countries. This research applied a mixed method research design, whereby this study reviewed a total of 275 English and French articles from Google Scholar through a scoping literature review and carried out a quantitative and qualitative survey with 38 CE industry experts working on CE projects in African countries. The findings suggest that South Africa is the front-runner in CE research, with the most relevant publications and ongoing research projects conducted by CE experts. The dominant focus on CE research in South Africa is an urgent call for scholars to conduct country-specific research for additional African countries, especially since a significant number of publications do not distinguish between countries. Based on findings, this study concludes that the current body of CE knowledge is primarily focused on one aspect of CE, circulating materials and products (keep products and materials in use), while there is consensus from published journal papers that there are meaningful gaps in other CE principles such as designing out waste and pollution and regenerating natural systems. Therefore, this paper suggests a list of research topics that can be further investigated. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first attempt to establish a preliminary research agenda for CE across African contexts and countries.

“…Similarly, the United Nations with Global Ghost Gear Initiative and other developed countries including India have already adopted the CE model (Gill and Verma, 2021). However, the concept is still novice in Africa (Mhlanga et al, 2022). Kenya (Muriithi and Ngare, 2023), South Africa (Republic of South Africa, 2020) and Nigeria (Olukanni et al, 2018) are among the few countries in Africa reported having policies and practices that align with CE.…”

Section: Challenges To Circular Economymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The CE model serves as a countermeasure to the wasteful and unsustainable practices of the conventional LE model (Furkan, 2017;Gill and Verma, 2021). The CE paradigm is versatile and can be applied in numerous industries including seafood waste (Erasmus et al, 2021;Cooney et al, 2023), wastewater (Morseletto et al, 2022) and car manufacturing (Despeisse et al, 2015). The CE model aims at minimizing industrial waste while using resources sustainably (Principato et al, 2018;Gill and Verma, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The potential contribution of end-of-life fishing nets, lines and ropes to a circular economy: the Namibian perspective

Erasmus,

Johannes,

Amutenya

et al. 2024

Using data collected through survey questionnaires with fleet managers of 16 (61.5%) Namibian fishing companies, we explored the current practices, challenges, and opportunities in promoting Circular Economy (CE) in the context of End-Of-Life (EOL) fishing gear. Most fishing companies (56.2%) have been in operation for more than 25 years. A majority of fishing companies (62.5%) are involved in demersal trawling, mostly targeting hake (Merluccius species). Survey findings reveal that the companies import fishing gear mostly in a semi – complete format (50.0%). The current durability of fishing nets and lines/ropes is about 3 and 2 years respectively, highlighting a continuous generation of fishing gear waste. We estimated (that) approximately 104 tons of EOL fishing gear, lines/twine and ropes (are) generated annually by the Namibian fishing industry, however about 10% of some parts of the EOL fishing gear are recovered and reused. None of the fishing companies recycle EOL fishing gear, which is mostly attributed to a lack of recycling facilities. Current standard practices of EOL fishing nets, lines and ropes management include selling to employees, donating to other institutions, or disposal at dumping sites. Although some of the EOL fishing nets, lines and ropes are sold at open markets, they are not converted into value-added products, thus they are not fully utilized to significantly contribute to the CE. We recommend the implementation of circular practices such as converting EOL fishing nets, lines and ropes into value-added products such as clothing, shoes, and accessories, i.e., sunglasses, thereby reducing environmental pollution, minimising energy usage, and promoting sustainable production and consumption.