The Circular Bionutrient Economy Conference
The Circular Bionutrient Economy Network (CBEN) held its third annual conference at the Kisumu Hotel in Kenya on 15 – 17 Janauary, 2024. This marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture and waste management solutions. It was hosted by a collaborative effort of Cornell University and Poverty and Integrated Health Solutions. The conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders from across the globe, united by a common goal: the production of biofertilizers from human waste.
Fostering Collaboration Across Sectors
There were attendees representing over 50 organizations from 14 countries. This presented a nexus for collaboration, drawing participants from governance, academia, non-profits, and for-profit sectors.
The overarching objective was to investigate the entire agri-value chain, from waste collection and processing to fertilizer production, marketing, and sale. By dismantling barriers and fostering open dialogue, CBEN aimed to cultivate a robust “community of practice” within the circular economy industry in East Africa.
This workshop presented unique and practical learning experiences on how to program and implement different circular economy solutions for rural communities. We also had a lot of opportunities to discuss collaborations with different experts!
From Knowledge Exchange to Field Visits
The conference yielded a wealth of outcomes. These included expanding knowledge on carbon markets, insightful keynote presentations, and industry product exhibitions. Additionally, attendees embarked on field visits to prominent facilities. We had activities at the Circularity Empowerment Centre, visited SaniWise Ltd., Fresh Life Ltd., and the Kisumu sewage treatment plant. These provided attendees with firsthand insights into innovative waste management practices.
One particularly engaging session involved a role-play activity on carbon markets. It was designed to demystify the complexities of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market integration, from small to large-scale production. Additionally, the interactive approach fostered a deeper understanding of the potential opportunities and challenges within the global CDR market.
Cultivating Social Connections
While the conference delivered on its traditional objectives, it also emphasized the importance of non-traditional outcomes. It fostered social connections and moments of professional intimacy. Further more, CBEN incorporated unique activities into the agenda, including evening exercises and morning yoga classes.
The conference organizers comprised an 8-person committee. They prioritized the formation of cohesive teams and encouraged participants to engage in host session groups tailored to their interests. This proactive approach not only facilitated deeper connections but also promoted a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie among attendees.
Towards a Circular Bionutients Economy
As the CBEN conference drew to a close, participants left energized and inspired, armed with new insights, connections, and strategies to drive progress in building a circular economy in East Africa. By embracing both traditional outcomes and non-traditional practices, CBEN continues to serve as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the circular bionutrients sector. It is therefore paving the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future for sustainable agriculture and waste management in East Africa. This is particularly important for mitigating some of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.