Development of circular solutions for a sustainable agricultural sector in Africa

This PhD thesis focuses on the development of circular agriculture solutions to enhance sustainability in African farming. The first chapter examines the broader potential of circular agriculture, particularly in maize farming, across Africa. Agriculture is essential to the continent's development, but the challenge remains in balancing productivity with sustainability. Circular agriculture, with its emphasis on restoring soil fertility, reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers, and minimizing ecological footprints, presents a promising solution. Through a literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, this chapter identifies successful case studies and underscores the need for effective indicators to measure circularity, specifically in maize production. Building on this foundation, Chapter 2 explores a practical application of circular agriculture in Morocco, where a composting station dedicated to recycling date palm by-products was established. This chapter investigates the economic viability of such circular solutions, analyzing the compost’s impact on soil fertility and its adoption by local farmers in the Figuig Oasis. A detailed cost-benefit analysis reveals that, despite challenges, the project offers significant environmental and socio-economic benefits, with potential for replication in other similar agro-ecosystems. Finally, Chapter 3 focuses on maize productivity in the Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Using a data-driven approach, this chapter assesses the socio-economic and environmental factors that influence maize yields in these regions. The study emphasizes the role of data in informing on agricultural practices and suggests that circular solutions, informed by predictive modeling, could play a crucial role in improving productivity and food security in the DRC. Together, these chapters highlight the potential of circular agriculture to transform African farming into a more sustainable and productive system.