Authors: Vincent Abe-Inge, Raphael Aidoo, Ebenezer Miezah Kwofie, and John M. Ulimwengu A Nutrition-Sensitive Circular Bioeconomy for Food Systems Transformation in Africa John M. Ulimwengu, PhD

#2024ReSAKSS #2024ATOR Research Approach (I)

#2024ReSAKSS #2024ATOR Circular bioeconomy pathways •Edible Mushrooms & Insects: • Waste-to-protein pathways: Using agricultural waste to grow edible mushrooms and insects for nutrition. • Environmental and nutritional benefits: High protein, iron, and low carbon footprints. •Aquaponics & Biowaste Utilization: • Combining fish and vegetable production to boost micronutrient-rich vegetable and fish supply. • Sustainable use of food waste for protein production in insect farming.

#2024ReSAKSS #2024ATOR Key findings (I) Comparison of crude protein (left graph) and iron (right graph) contents of edible insects with conventional plant- and animal-based foods

#2024ReSAKSS #2024ATOR Key findings (II) • Black soldier flies and edible mushrooms surpass conventional nutrient sources in terms of both micronutrient supply and global warming reduction. • These trends conform with existing literature, which positions edible insects and mushrooms as sustainable, high-value nutrient sources for achieving environmental–nutrition co-benefits.

#2024ReSAKSS #2024ATOR Key lessons •Opportunities: oAfrica has vast bioresources and biowaste for upcycling into nutrition-sensitive products. oPrograms like mushroom and insect farming show promise in combating malnutrition. •Challenges: oTechnological and investment gaps. oLack of consumer acceptance for biowaste- derived products (e.g., insect-based foods).

#2024ReSAKSS #2024ATOR Recommendations •Encourage public and private sectors investment in bioeconomy technologies. •Promote education and awareness on the benefits of nutrition-sensitive biowaste products. •Implement robust policy frameworks that support the scaling of circular bioeconomy pathways.

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