Agroecology and circular food systems: decoupling natural resource use from rural development in sub-Saharan Africa?

Abstract

This paper proposes transitioning food systems in sub-Saharan Africa to circularity and greater diversity, using agroecology principles and shifting mental models of development from scale to scope. We argue that integrated dryland and irrigated agroecosystems can increase production efficiencies when aligned with local food demands and cultures. Synergies between food enterprises, their products, byproducts and waste will generate further enterprises and tighten resource cycles, closing nutrient, water and energy loops while reducing reliance on external inputs. This will generate more economic benefits per unit of land, labour and water, decoupling local economies from natural resource use and environmental impact.