Connected Circularity - Role of livestock in circular food systems

The consumption of animal-source food (ASF) is expected to increase in developing countries due to the need for supply of essential nutrients to prevent malnourishment. However, ASF production negatively affects the environment (e.g. via greenhouse gas emissions, land use change, loss of biodiversity, etc.), and therefore should be produced in a more sustainable manner. A circular food system is seen as a promising way to use resources effectively and to reduce the impact on the environment. One of the backbones of circular food systems is the utilization of low-opportunity cost feed (LCF; i.e. by-products, waste-products, grass resources) by livestock, who can turn these products into food, manure and other ecosystem services. Currently the contribution of livestock farming systems to circular food systems in Kenya is unknown. Via interviews with farmers and other actors (e.g. processors, distributors, retailers, etc.) of the food system of Nakuru county we want to identify the flow of products through the system and the circular practices applied. The concept of circularity addresses the environmental pillar of sustainability, but it is also important to look into the economic and social pillars of sustainability. Via the application of a sustainability assessment tool at livestock farming systems we will measure the effect of circular practices on performance, and the trade-offs and synergies within and between the different pillars of sustainability. With a linear optimization model, we aim to examine the contribution of ASF in a human diet, by using only LCF, while minimizing land use and meeting the human nutritional requirements.