The Circular Economy in Tanzania: A Self-referential System

This paper presents, discusses and analyses Circular Economy (CE) in Tanzania by focusing on waste management in particular organics, plastics and agricultural types of wastes. CE is a term used beyond sustainable development agenda in many countries such as China and EU. Economic growth, which uses the orthodox neo-classical economist concepts that was promoted by the IMF and the World Bank, is not sustainable for natural resources utilization in developing countries. The CE admits the existing of a nature that is finite, and resources are circulated and moved from a linear economic model. This paper defines the concept of CE and two schools of thought. CE is discussed: system thinking (open systems) and social biology, and uses a theory on self-differential system that is operative closed. Waste is an Autopoietic system and CE is seen from a closure operative system lens and social inclusions of waste pickers who are the main actors in solid waste management in developing countries where they operate informal and are not recognized by municipal authorities. Waste pickers or scavengers are part and parcel of CE in these countries. CE is redefined in Tanzanian context. This paper points out most societies in developing economic which had recycled, reused and remanufactured wastes before the CE concept appeared on the global agenda in developed countries. The CE has not penetrated at macro-policies, regulations and strategies in developing countries and has not been put in action as in China and European Union (EU). Lessons can be learned from these countries on how CE can be applied in developing countries by considering the socio-economic and cultural situations. Overhauling of policies, regulations and strategies are required that are aligned to current macro-policies economic growth and poverty reduction that has been implemented in Tanzania since 2005. Regulations that are incentive driven, with technological innovation which is the missing link in the country development, and behavioural changes are essential to CE by inclusion of informal waste recycling and reuse especially women in organized and formalized waste management system. Innovation is the key to CE and national development shall support and with financial imputes without donor funds. There are opportunities in CE for the country transformation which can inspire and stimulate youths to engage in, for example, waste recycling, industries in utilization of agriculture wastes and urban centres in recycling centres by integrating waste scavengers/pickers in upstream and downstream of solid waste management. At the same time, composting and waste to energy from dumpsites are developed for producing fertilizers and energy to minimize greenhouse emissions. CE is able to create innovation and entrepreneurship in all sectors of the economy. Cases of Katani Gas Project and Pyrolysis of waste to energy from Dar es Salaam dumpsite are presented as examples to be followed by stakeholders in government, private sector and NGO as key promoters in CE. The existing research and technology development institutions like Centre of Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Technology (CARMATEC), Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO) and National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) should work and develop technologies and innovations which are compatible with CE agenda. The government is recommended to implement CE at macro-, meso- and micro-levels using local knowledge, skills, experiences, innovations and finance to strength management of wastes and natural resources considering the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the country development vision.