In livestock production, feed resources are very crucial, particularly in Africa where food security and sustainable development are major considerations. The incorporation of locally available novel feed resource alternatives can promote circular economy concepts, increase food security, and improve sustainable livestock production. This review attempts to compile the most recent information on the use of locally available novel feed sources found in Africa while assessing their potential benefits for circular economy principles and sustainable livestock production. We conducted a thorough literature search to find appropriate publications that were published between 2010 and 2022. The search was done using keywords relating to local novel feed resources, sustainable development, circular economy, livestock feed, and food security across a number of research databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After the search and screening, relevant publications were chosen for inclusion based on their applicability to this review design, topicality (Africa), and regional focus. This review discovered a wide range of locally available novel feed resources, such as native plants, agricultural byproducts, food processing byproducts, and weeds, all of which have the potential to serve as alternative supplements or substitute feed sources for livestock. These resources frequently have a good nutritional composition and advantageous phytochemicals and can be obtained locally, decreasing reliance on foreign feed components. By exploiting locally accessible resources, the inclusion of these materials in livestock feed has significant potential to enhance livestock performance, lower production costs, and promote circular economy concepts in Africa. African countries' sustainable food security and circular economies stand to gain significantly from the use of locally available novel feed resources in livestock feed. However, further investigation is required to determine their nutritional worth, safety, and the best inclusion rates in livestock rations. For their implementation to be effective, it will also be essential to comprehend the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental elements impacting their adoption. This review offers a thorough synthesis of the body of research, emphasizing the value of locally available novel feed sources in improving the production of livestock and advancing Africa's sustainable development targets.
Bagasse pulp is a promising material to produce biodegradable plates. Bagasse is the fibrous residue that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. It is a renewable resource and is widely available in many countries, making it an attractive alternative to traditional plastic plates. Recent research has shown that biodegradable plates made from Bagasse pulp have several advantages over traditional plastic plates. For example, they are more environmentally friendly because they are made from renewable resources and can be composted after use. Additionally, they are safer for human health because they do not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food. The production process for Bagasse pulp plates is also relatively simple and cost-effective. Bagasse is first collected and then processed to remove impurities and extract the pulp. The pulp is then molded into the desired shape and dried to form a sturdy plate. Overall, biodegradable plates made from Bagasse pulp are a promising alternative to traditional plastic plates. They are environmentally friendly, safe for human health, and cost-effective to produce. As such, they have the potential to play an important role in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices. Over the years, the world was not paying strict attention to the impact of rapid growth in plastic use. As a result, uncontrollable volumes of plastic garbage have been released into the environment. Half of all plastic garbage generated worldwide is made up of packaging materials. The purpose of this article is to offer an alternative by creating bioplastic goods that can be produced in various shapes and sizes across various sectors, including food packaging, single-use tableware, and crafts. Products made from bagasse help address the issue of plastic pollution. To find the optimum option for creating bagasse-based biodegradable dinnerware in Egypt and throughout the world, researchers tested various scenarios. The findings show that bagasse pulp may replace plastics in biodegradable packaging. As a result of this value-added utilization of natural fibers, less waste and less of it ends up in landfills. The practical significance of this study is to help advance low-carbon economic solutions and to produce secure bioplastic materials that can replace Styrofoam in tableware and food packaging production.
Consumers are looking for solutions to reduce waste at source, especially plastic waste from single-use packaging. Simply recycling packaging will not be enough and reduction at the source must be emphasized as part of a sustainable circular economy. Selling products in bulk using reusable containers is one of the emerging paths of the zero waste movement. To achieve this, it is necessary to change consumption patterns and behaviors. Our goal is to better understand how source reduction of plastic packaging can be an asset in a zero waste objective. Using a contingent valuation method, we conducted a large pan-Canadian survey on the purchasing preferences of 2002 Canadian households to analyze the willingness to pay (WTP) for different food and household products. Results indicate that most consumers do not appear to be willing to pay more for bulk products with reusable packaging even if they are interested in buying more bulk products. Different socio-demographic and attitudinal parameters, such as age, gender, sense of convenience, and pro-environmental behaviors, influence willingness to buy and pay. The originality of this work is to provide an economic perspective on the reduction of single-use containers and changes in consumption practices in the context of the zero waste movement and the circular economy.
The debate over innovation in sustainable food in Africa is multifaceted and complex since it is impacted by an array of issues, including social, cultural, religious, and environmental implications. The diversity of cultures on the continent, as well as religion, influence the foods that people eat. The architecture of agro-ecological zones influences food production and, as a result, the sort of innovation in sustainable food. Africa, in particular, has immense potential for the development of multiple sustainable food innovations, whether in terms of food, culture, or tradition. By sustainable food innovation, it may be possible to improve Africa’s food systems from the demand side while also mitigating the effects of climate change. For Africa, it is the food crisis that simply cannot be allowed to go to waste, hence the need for innovation in sustainable food solutions in its own context. Africa’s long-standing food crisis, recently worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and, increasingly, by climate change and heavily weighed on gender disparities in agriculture and food production, threatens to have dire consequences, especially on achieving the SDGs in Africa. Innovation in sustainable food is at the forefront of all Africa needs for its survival at every current stage of population evolution; this applies whether in industrialized or impoverished nations, rural or urban, village or metropolis, etc. It is false to believe that the only sources of innovation in sustainable food are cutting-edge research or the most recent developments in genomic science. The discussion gives an opinion on the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors and their implications for innovation in sustainable food in Africa.