Doctoral Thesis - Development of circular solutions for a sustainable agricultural sector in Africa

This PhD research explores how circular agriculture can make farming in Africa more sustainable. Agriculture is key to Africa’s development, but farmers face the challenge of producing enough food without harming the environment. Circular agriculture offers a way forward by reusing resources, improving soil fertility, and reducing waste.

The thesis is built around three case studies. The first looks at how circular practices, especially in maize farming, can help African agriculture become more sustainable. The second presents a real example from Morocco, where waste from date palm trees is turned into compost to enrich the soil showing both the environmental and economic benefits for farmers. The final study focuses on the Democratic Republic of Congo, where data analysis helps identify how social, economic, and environmental factors affect maize yields. It also shows how circular solutions and digital tools can support better farming decisions.

Overall, this research shows that circular agriculture is not just an idea it is a practical path toward more productive and resilient farming systems across Africa.