Circular Food Systems and Waste Management

Circular food systems and waste management is a critical topic for Zambian tertiary students in environmental science, nutrition, and food technology, addressing the imperative to reduce food loss and waste (FLW) and valorize by-products. The curriculum covers the scale, causes, and hotspots of FLW across different stages of the value chain, from production and storage in rural Zambia to distribution and consumption in urban centers. It explores innovative circular economy solutions such as bio-conversion (e.g., insect farming, anaerobic digestion), upcycling food processing sidestreams, sustainable packaging, and consumer-facing strategies to reduce waste. Students will evaluate the nutritional, environmental, and economic potential of these strategies, including their role in decoupling livestock production from land use. Understanding circular principles is essential for future professionals tasked with improving the efficiency and sustainability of Zambia's food system, contributing to both food security and environmental conservation goals outlined in national and international agendas.