The Challenges and Potentials of Circular Economy in Sub- Saharan Africa – Analysis of drivers and barriers for waste exchange and utilization based on five case studies

Kivonat, rövid leírás

The aim of this dissertation is to contribute to the research and understanding of sustainable development and green industrialization in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by focusing on the issue of waste utilization through the concept of circular economy (CE). As presented below, consumption and waste generation trends are concerning in the region. However, waste management research is underrepresented in this area, especially in fundamental research. There is little primary data available that could provide a basis for specific solutions and policy interventions related to local conditions and problems (e.g. waste types, technology, regulation, social perceptions and behavior). Consequently, the issue resembles a blind spot for research and for policy, as well. Therefore, the motivation of this thesis work is to explore this domain and provide primary data and develop a research toolkit which can be used in following research activities. Moreover, it is of highlighted importance to inform policymaking with the research findings in the form of policy recommendations. Accordingly, the nature of this dissertation is based on exploratory and fundamental research as well as grounded theory. Beyond, as emphasized below, the inspiration for the research derives from the waste generation trends and projections in Sub-Saharan Africa. This means that the work focuses on materials generated and used locally, not the ones imported (legally or illegally) to the continent. The research puzzle in this context centres around the challenges and opportunities of the exchange and utilization of waste and by-product materials. The dissertation clarifies this puzzle through five case studies, based on field research activities in Uganda, Zambia and Ghana.