Abstract
This paper addresses the missing link between the circular economy and energy production from agricultural residues in central Uganda. Using wasted agricultural residues for decentralized electricity generation has the potential to sustainably address some of the biggest development challenges in the Global South. To understand which residue types are wasted, the author surveyed smallholder farmers in Masaka District, Uganda. Using the percent of each residue type wasted and the existing gasification technology, it was determined that the region’s energy potential represents 14% of the existing electricity capacity of Uganda. The results are interpreted within the agricultural and socioeconomic context of the studied area. Finally, recommendations are made for the realization of a circular economy in Uganda and other African countries with similar patterns of resource generation and use.
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Apanovich, N. (2024). Circularizing Livelihoods: Transforming Agricultural Residues to Electricity in Low-Income Peri-Urban Areas of Uganda. In: Okyere, S.A., Abunyewah, M., Erdiaw-Kwasie, M.O., Boateng, F.G. (eds) Urban Slums and Circular Economy Synergies in the Global South. Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-9025-2_8
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