How can we develop shared, future scenarios for a circular bioeconomy in Kenya's dairy sector? And why is it important?
A graphic artist illustrating future scenarios for a circular bioeconomy in Kenya's dairy sector under the VALORISE project which aims to examine how principles and practices of circular bioeconomy can be leveraged in the sector.
The concept of a circular bioeconomy is gaining traction globally as an innovative approach to sustainable development, and Kenya stands at a pivotal point to harness its potential.
Embracing a circular bio-economy especially in Kenya's food sector, can address pressing issues such as waste management, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. However, This transformation requires a collaborative effort to envision and develop shared future scenarios that align with the unique socio-economic and environmental contexts of the country.
How, then can we develop shared future scenarios for how we can integrate CBE in Kenya, and why is it important?
It is in this context that the VALORISE project - a partnership of ACT, Roskilde University, Egerton University, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, East Africa Dairy Association and Arla Food Ingredients. VALORISE project is exploring the Creating future scenarios for circular bioeconomy in Kenya's dairy sector opportunities for integrating CBE principles in the growing Kenya dairy processing industry. The project organized a roundtable workshop as first step toward developing scenarios and pathways toward CBE in the dairy sector.
The workshop was organized using participatory scenario building approach and integrating the SEEDS method.This involved stakeholders exploring initial ideas that would need to be “planted” to develop alternative future scenarios of the Kenyan dairy industry development to shift towards circularity and sustainability envisioning pathways that enhance valorisation of side-streams.
Specifically, the workshop was designed to understand the status of processing in the dairy sector, highlighting recent trends in growth and diversity of dairy processing that are resulting in high volumes of side-streams. In addition,participants discussed optimal pathways for integrating side-stream valorisation in the industry.
