Accelerating the adoption of circular sanitation demonstration systems for improved health outcomes (ACTUATE)

Lead Research Organisation: Lancaster University
Department Name: Lancaster Environment Centre

Abstract

ACTUATE will co-deliver two community-based pilot demonstration bioenergy systems in Ghana and Nigeria that will support an accelerated uptake of a safe circular water economy connecting waste, human health and energy, food and soil security. It will to grow transformational impact from the current Lancaster GCRF funded portfolio with West African partners and provide practical evidence that working with, in and for communities will deliver the most sustainable solutions for waste management in sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa generates thousands of tons of solid waste daily, most of which ends up in open dumps and wetlands, contaminating surface and ground water and posing major health hazards. Waste is culturally seen 'not in my backyard (NIMBY)' issue. The mindset of considering waste as a 'please in my backyard (PIMBY) philosophy is at its infancy, if exists at all. Most people do not know, hence undervalue, the energy, food production and soil enrichment potential of waste. They also are unaware of the health danger of invisible enemies such as drinking water and food contamination from poorly managed waste.

There is a critical need to show that small scale, off-grid bioenergy systems do work, that they are sustainable and are capable of delivering solutions to waste management, power generation, food and soil security and improve people's health and well-being in peri-urban/informal and rural communities. The demonstrator pilots will encompass the collection of waste materials, their sustained processing through AD and the realisation of product values. They will be integrated into 2 distinct community-based settings: a small, domestic system associated with a community school in Accra, Ghana and a larger university campus-based activity in UniBen, Nigeria. Evidence from the demonstration pilots will enable potential investors and policy makers in both Nigeria and Ghana to have the technical and social evidence and confidence that these systems can work in situ beyond the laboratory. They represent the first and vital step for our partner organisations (CGE Nigeria, UNiBen, CSIR and LU Ghana) to take a lead in commercially growing business opportunities through entrepreneurial leadership in this domain.

The ambition, objectives and workplan for ACTUATE emerge from Lancaster's deep engagement with researchers and research users in sub-Saharan Africa through several GCRF-funded research and capacity-building projects. Africa is a strategic priority for Lancaster which is currently the only UK University to have a campus on the continent. In addition to our long-standing partnership building in Ghana and Nigeria, Lancaster University has grown national leadership in eco-innovation - innovation supporting both business growth and the environment. It has the capacity to translate high quality research into "real world impacts" as demonstrated by Lancaster's double award-winning Centre for Global Eco-innovation (CGE) http://www.globalecoinnovation.org . CGE has demonstrated that eco-innovation can deliver positive benefits to both the economy and the environment and is fundamentally underpinned by the need for end-user driven research. At the heart of our eco-innovation vision for Africa is the needs to promote medium-to-long term economic growth that is both resilient to future climate and where possible able to mitigate the impact of environmental change.

Planned Impact

This project represents the first community-based demonstrator systems for circular waste to energy solutions in Ghana and Nigeria that will also support sustainable agriculture and positive community health outcomes.

Who might benefit from this research?
CSIR and LU Ghana and UniBen represent our core partners for this translation demonstration project as we have excellent working relationships with them (operational, management, financial) and considerable enthusiasm in place to accelerate the technology readiness of our existing GCRF research to scale and grow impact. The translation and impact activities build logically on our low carbon innovation platforms including the award winning Centre for Global Eco-innovation at LU and our recently formed Centre for Global Eco-innovation (Nigeria).

Ghana: Umar Bun Hatab Islamic school at Madina Zongo, Accrawill host our demonstrator site and will directly benefit from the biogas energy produced. The community which the school services will provide the necessary feed stocks for the AD plant. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Safi Sana (a waste-to-energy SME) will provide the technical expertise to co-design and co-deliver the technology. Accra-based NGO Green Advocacy will work to mobilise the local community. LU Ghana will work with the community to develop a new value chain and business model for the AD system.

Nigeria: UniBen will host the demonstrator and benefit from the energy produced. Feedstocks will come from the campus. Colleagues at UNiBen and the National Centre for Energy and Environment (NCEE) will provide the technical expertise to co-create and optimise the technology. The Nigerian Environment Society will disseminate the project progress and case study material across its 500+ membership. CGE Nigeria as an SME will drive the expansion and commercialisation of the technology. Influencing local/national policy makers is key to expanding the impact of our demonstration pilot. At the local level, we will engage with community leaders, government representatives for water and waste management and invite their participation in local stakeholder workshops. Nationally, we will engage at ministerial and advisory levels throughout the project via our existing RECIRCUATE Steering Group.

How might they benefit from this research?
This GCRF Translation award will demonstrate in two pilot projects that through working collaboratively, our research and user community partners will have the capacity to transform existing GCRF-funded research to a community-scale AD demonstration bringing technology and community co-design together from the start. Our programme will build on several GCRF projects to build capacity and capability and is fundamentally interdisciplinary bringing together microbiologists, environmental scientists, social scientists, engineers and health professionals. Optimisation of AD technology from RECIRCULATE is pre-commercial and demands demonstration in communities to enhance community acceptability and market uptake. Demonstration is urgently needed to show the commercial viability to those who might benefit from it directly, local/national policymakers and prospective businesses wishing to take advantage of the opportunity.

Demonstrators will be used to positively to highlight the technology as a credible option for management of waste, bioenergy and soil/food security and de-risk the opportunity for potential investors. These include local SMEs in Ghana and Nigeria schools and colleges, community groups, waste management and related industries and policy makers, NGOs and government officials.
 
Description The ACTUATE project is now finished. Here we report achievements since April 2021, in relation to the award objectives. Over this period, the pandemic has continued, but despite this colleagues in Nigeria and Ghana have continued to work on the construction of the anaerobic digester demonstrators, interact with the students and community stakeholders.
In Ghana, the anaerobic digester (AD) demonstrator construction has been completed, a Hazard and Operability Study (HazOp) has been carried out, the AD demonstrator has been tested and commissioned and is now up and running. It is producing high quality biogas with over 70% methane production from organic wastes generated by the Umar Bun Hatab Basic Islamic school. The team have linked waste management to education by providing a Show Lab where the gas use is demonstrated. There have been over 19 engagements which cut across community opinion leaders, media, policy makers, students, stakeholders in biogas industry, research and academia. The school has become an educational hub to which other schools in Accra.
In Nigeria, the anaerobic digester (AD) demonstrator construction has been completed, a Hazard and Operability Study (HazOp) has been carried out, the AD demonstrator has been tested and commissioned and is now up and running. It is producing high quality biogas which is being used to produce electricity from a generator. The electricity is being used to power lighting in the Centre for Global Eco-innovation Nigeria building. The team have the optimal fuel (biogas) to air ratio to ensure the maintenance of engine efficiency and consistent power supply. The biogas is being produced from organic wastes generated from cattle rumen content and food waste; these have been identified as sustainable feedstocks for biogas production in Nigeria. The optimal co-digestion ratio for these feedstocks has been established to ensure good operating conditions for improved biogas production and biomethane content. The AD demonstrator is being used effectively to build capacity and acceptance of waste to energy with the student body at the University of Benin, waste producers and a broader stakeholder community.
Exploitation Route Both demonstrators are now constructed and being operated on the sites of educational institutions: (i) a school in Accra, Ghana and (ii) a university campus in Benin City, Nigeria. There are several possibilities on how the outcomes may be taken forward:
(i) In education to build understanding and acceptance of the circular economy (waste management-sustainable energy-food security nexus) in young people, which will support generational and cultural change;
(ii) The adoption of anaerobic bioreactors in schools and universities in Ghana and Nigeria
(iii) Development of new entrepreneurial business models to maximise the economic benefits locally, regionally and nationally.
Sectors Education,Energy,Environment
URL http://actuate.global
 
Description COVID pandemic restrictions have been eased in Ghana and Nigeria, though protective procedures still remain. As a result, the partners have been able to engage the community and the students as planned. Since April 2021, the partners in Ghana and Nigeria have been involved in numerous engagement activities. The purpose of these meetings was to engage the school and university students, parents (in Accra), community and wider stakeholders to highlight the benefits of this project, including waste management and the health and sanitation of the community. An important element was to show Ghanaians and Nigerians positive, working examples of anaerobic digestion as a sustainable waste to energy technology and to engender cultural change towards the acceptance of the circular economy paradigm, specifically the waste-energy-food nexus. The project addresses SDG, 3-Good Health and Well-being, 6-Clean Water and Sanitation and 7-Affordable and clean Energy. Key highlights: In Ghana, the demonstrator biogas plant is utilizing food and other organic wastes, including faecal sludge generated in the school, to produce biogas and biofertilizer. The school has gained economic benefit by eliminating payment to waste management companies to lift waste from the school and dislodge faecal material from the septic tank. The aesthetic conditions in the school environment have improved with using the biofertilizer to grow ornamental plants thereby 'greening' the school environment. From educational and capacity building perspectives, the "show lab" is being used as a science resource center to train students in waste management and other science related topics. In training the students to manage, under supervision, the biogas demonstrator plant, equal opportunity is important with inclusion of male and female students. In Nigeria, a series of engagements with the wider community and key stakeholders have had significant impacts which are very tangible. In the first instance, there were a series of engagements with the primary and secondary school students on the University of Benin campus. As with the demonstrator at the school in Accra, it was important to expose the philosophy of the RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE projects to these young students and their teachers. The students were trained in sustainable waste management practices such as waste recycling, reuse and segregation. They were also exposed to principles of bioenergy, environmental sustainability and the circular economy with special focus on how bioenergy can be generated from waste materials in the context of a circular economy and how this can contribute to environmental sustainability. As a result, these students have become RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE ambassadors in their schools and have begun small scale waste segregation and sorting in their schools. These activities have been with the support of their teachers and administrators of the school. Undergraduate students of the University of Benin were also involved in the activities of the RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE projects. These students have also received training in the bioenergy space and have been under ongoing mentorship from members of the RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE team in the university. The impact has also been positive. Many of the students have carried out undergraduate research projects in bioenergy-related areas and many of them have also indicated interest and willingness to pursue careers in the bioenergy space. Some have already begun the journey to graduate school and their proposed area of research interest is bioenergy. In particular, a group of final year Chemical Engineering students under the mentorship of some RECIRCULATE team members won first place in the 2020 LEAP AFRICA's Youth Leadership Programme which was as a result of the 'Change Project' they executed which was on the development of an anaerobic digester from locally sourced materials and which was later donated to a household in a rural area of Edo State. There have also been a lot of positive impacts from engagements with stakeholders. For instance, abattoir operators in Edo State have indicated interest to work with the UNIBEN team to deploy biogas plants at their abattoirs for cattle roasting. Also, waste managers in Edo State who had been trained by the University of Benin team have now undergone a paradigm shift as they now see waste as a resource and therefore valuable rather than something to be discarded. They have now indicated willingness to actively engage in sorting and segregation of waste to derive further value from it. Small holder farmers and horticulturists in Edo State have indicated willingness to use the digestate from the AD demonstrator for growing crops and ornamental plants respectively. Aside the impacts from the engagement sessions, there have been impacts derived from the projects at individual team member and institutional levels. On an individual level: • Improved skill and capacity in the design and optimisation of systems for sustainable resource recovery from waste • Improved research and teaching capability • Established partnerships and expanded networks with collaborators in academia, businesses and the wider community • Empowerment to engage in skills transfer for capacity building (training other trainers) within and outside the institution • Project. Ambassadors: equipped to carry on the message of sustainable eco-innovation On an institutional level: • Visibility created for University of Benin in the global community as host of the RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE projects • Strengthened relationship between Lancaster University and other partners in the project • Capacity building through training of trainers for knowledge transfer on sustainable resource recovery from waste • Opportunity for funded post-doctoral researchers • Opportunity for funded PhD projects • Opportunity for funded residency programme • Training of UNIBEN finance and admin personnel on best practices
First Year Of Impact 2020
Sector Education,Energy,Environment
Impact Types Cultural,Societal
 
Description Accelerating the adoption of circular sanitation demonstration systems for improved health outcomes (ACTUATE)
Amount £704,276 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/T015608/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2019 
End 03/2021
 
Description Applying the power of digital co-design to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking in scientists
Amount £39,850 (GBP)
Funding ID RC000657 
Organisation British Council 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2021 
End 04/2021
 
Description Global Challenges Research Fund - RCUK Collective Fund Growing Research Capability to Meet the Challenges Faced by Developing Countries
Amount £6,840,704 (GBP)
Funding ID ES/P01857/1 
Organisation Economic and Social Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2017 
End 12/2021
 
Description Innovation for African Universities
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Funding ID RC000121 
Organisation British Council 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2021 
End 07/2022
 
Description West Africa - CSIR 
Organisation Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Ghana
Country Ghana 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution We are actively working together with colleagues at CSIR on the design, building and commissioning of the anaerobic digestion demonstrator in Accra. We have an active research partnership with multiple researchers in CSIR through the GCRF funded RECIRCULATE project.
Collaborator Contribution Colleagues at CSIR are involved in on-going research through the GCRF funded RECIRCULATE project and in the design and building of the anaerobic demonstrator in Accra.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description West Africa - University of Benin 
Organisation University of Benin
Country Nigeria 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have developed a working relationship with colleagues at the University of Benin (UniBEN). This has led to the delivery of a workshop the circular economy and the waste-energy-food nexus, particularly on bioenergy and bioenergy residue use in agriculture, and the exploration of challenges and opportunities for academic-industry collaboration. Through the Centre for Global Eco-innovation at Lancaster University, we organised the Eco-I 19 conference, 19th - 20th September 2019. We invited colleagues from UniBEN to attend and present - www.globalecoinnovation.org/ecoi2019conference/. This collaboration has led to additional GCRF funding being awarded. We are also actively working together with colleagues at the University of Benin on the design, building and commissioning of the anaerobic digestion demonstrator on the University of Benin campus.
Collaborator Contribution Colleagues at the University of Benin have offered access to on-the-grounds facilities to host workshops. They have also accessed their stakeholder community networks as invitees to these workshops. Colleagues from UniBEN attended and presented at the Eco-I 19 conference, 19th - 20th September 2019; www.globalecoinnovation.org/ecoi2019conference/. The team at the University of Benin is a key partner in two GCRF - funded projects. Colleagues at the University of Benin are also involved in the design and building of the anaerobic demonstrator on the University of Benin campus.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description West Africa-Green Advocacy Ghana 
Organisation GreenAd Ghana
Country Ghana 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution We are actively working together with colleagues at Green Advocacy to promote the anaerobic digestion demonstrator and the uses of biogas in Accra.
Collaborator Contribution Accra-based NGO Green Advocacy has been engaging with the teachers, pupils and their community to promote the bio-digester installed on their school grounds. in addition, they are also leading on the showlab work, where biogas uses will be shown to pupils.
Impact The work on the showlab is underway.
Start Year 2019
 
Description West Africa-HATOF foundation Ghana 
Organisation HATOF Foundation
Country Ghana 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution We are actively working together with HATOF Foundation Ghana to promote the anaerobic digestion demonstrator in Accra.
Collaborator Contribution HATOF Foundation Accra Ghana have been active in promoting the ACTUATE project and the bio-digester concept. They have been engaging with the local community, private sector, civil society organizations, the Ministries, departments and agencies, the local Municipal Assembly to obtain acceptance and support of the project.
Impact HATOF Foundation have run various engagement events and publicised the project widely.
Start Year 2019
 
Description West Africa-Umar Bun Hatab Islamic school Accra Ghana 
Organisation Umar Bun Hatab (UBH) Islamic School
Country Ghana 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We are actively working together with colleagues at Umar Bun Hatab Islamic School Madinga Zongo, Accra, Ghana on the design, building and commissioning of the anaerobic digestion demonstrator.
Collaborator Contribution The bio-digester is installed on the grounds of the Umar Bun Hatab Islamic School Madinga Zongo, Accra, Ghana. The teachers and the pupils will directly benefit from the biogas energy produced. The community which the school services will help provide the necessary feedstock.
Impact The bio-digester is installed on the grounds of the Umar Bun Hatab Islamic School Madinga Zongo, Accra, Ghana. Once the bio-digester is operational we will be able to list outputs and outcomes.
Start Year 2019
 
Description ACTUATE Official launch Accra, Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The inception meeting and official launch of the ACTUATE Platform was organised by HATOF Foundation in July 2020. There were 37 participants at the meeting with representation from the private sector, civil society organizations, the Ministries, departments and agencies, the La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly, the local community and the media.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://dailyguidenetwork.com/improved-waste-management-project-launched
 
Description ACTUATE Workshop on Resource Recovery from Waste 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact The UNIBEN team organized the ACTUATE Workshop on Resource Recovery from Waste tagged "Sustainable Waste to Energy Transition: the ACTUATE Project".
The purpose of this workshop was to serve as the closeup workshop for the ACTUATE project.
It also served as an opportunity for project partners in CSIR, Ghana and LU, UK to provide updates/summaries on what had been done from the start of the project till data.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description ACTUATE training workshop for smallholder farmers 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact The Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at University of Benin in collaboration with Lancaster University and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), the funders of the ACTUATE project, organised an ACTUATE Stakeholders Engagement/ Training Workshop for Small Holder Farmers on Resource Recovery from Waste on Friday, 28th May, 2021.

One of the main objectives of ACTUATE is to construct working demonstrator anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities in both Ghana and Nigeria to process organic wastes, produce power and use the resulting digestate as a sustainable soil conditioner/fertilizer. One of the demonstrator biodigesters is located in the Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin. The training workshop fulfils one of the core mandates of the ACTUATE project to work with stakeholders in order to positively highlight the technology as a credible option for the management of waste, the environment, bioenergy and soil/food security and develop safer practices within the stakeholder groups. The workshop also brings to the fore the importance of universities as strategic economic and development drivers in any region.

Participants were smallholder farmers and students from the Faculties of Agriculture and Engineering. Declaring the occasion open, the ACTUATE Team Lead, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, who was represented by Prof. Christopher Emokaro, informed participants that the ACTUATE project recognized the importance of farmers in the project and that the workshop was organised to inspire farmers to adopt the use of digestates as a viable alternative to fertilizers. Participants also noted that the workshop was the much-needed catalyst to stimulate the interest of the students in bioenergy technology and the use of digestates.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/06/actuate-workshop/
 
Description ACTUATE website 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact ACTUATE website was live in July 2020. It provides information about the project, regular progress updates and events.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL http://actuate.global/
 
Description Bio African Digital Convention 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof. Kirk Semple, Director of RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE, was invited to take part in BIO Africa Digital Convention 2021 on 23rd-24th August. This year`s theme was Advancing Africa's Biomanufacturing Value Chains Through Innovation and expressed the need for the African continent to manufacture its own biotechnology products rather than depend on other developed countries. This urgency for self-sufficiency was brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Kirk Semple delivered a presentation under the track Internationalisation; Partnerships & Collaborations on topic Human resource development for Africa's manufacturing capability highlighting the impact of the RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE projects on Africa by showcasing their progress. The BIO Africa Digital Platform aims to foster a collaborative network and provide access to resources and information to support the bio-economy. A key objective of the platform is to provide a marketplace for innovations, ideas and biotechnology products that are geared to address the disruptions to global value chains.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/09/promotion-gcrf/
 
Description COP26: Circular Solutions webinar- "How can eco-innovation deliver sustainable development in Africa?" 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In October 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was COP26 and more specifically circular solutions for Africa. On 21st October our COP26: Circular Solutions webinar posed the question "How can eco-innovation deliver sustainable development in Africa?" exploring African perspectives on the potential for eco-innovation. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured co-leaders of our workpackages "Entrepreneurship & Innovation", "Water for Health & Sanitation", "Water for Food Production" and "Water for Energy Production" from Ghana, Nigeria and the UK.

Dr Francis Agyenim (RECIRCULATE "Health & Sanitation" workpackage co-lead and Director, CSIR - Institute of Industrial Research (IIR)) presented the journey of CSIR-IIR to sustainable development. He started his presentation with a climate risk assessment of Ghana and sectors affected by the climate change. He then briefly introduced the role of CSIR-IIR and the impact of the RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE projects on the country. Francis concluded his speech with an overview of key objectives and goals and future plans looking beyond the projects.

Dr Patricia Oteng-Darko (Research Scientist, CSIR - Crops Research Institute (CRI)) started with a brief overview of the linear food system in Ghana highlighting the need for eco-innovation in transitioning to circularity. She then presented some of the advanced technologies that CSIR-CRI implemented over the years with regards to enhancing food production and water conservation. Patricia concluded her presentation with an emphasis on the importance of Africa to adopt eco-innovative technologies to drive sustainability and meet current environmental, health, economic and social needs.

Dr Cynthia Forson (RECIRCULATE "Entrepreneurship & Innovation" workpackage co-lead and Deputy Provost at Lancaster University Ghana) presented how social sciences research in Africa can be engaged in eco-innovation. She started with an overview of the current eco-innovation strategies at Lancaster University Ghana highlighting the establishment of a new campus (October 2021) which will use solar energy and bio-digester and aims to plant 5 million trees across Ghana. She then introduced the importance of using a gender lens in understanding and reinforcing eco-innovation as a driver of sustainable development in Africa. Cynthia concluded her speech by linking the role of the RECIRCULATE project in creating women`s eco-innovation-related knowledge networks and the role of market queens in waste management in markets in Accra, Ghana.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/10/cop26-webinar/
 
Description Community Durbar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The general public including women and youth groups, opinion leaders, Chiefs and Imams and other identifiable groups were met in a forum where the project concept was discussed with them. The meeting was an open discussion after the formal presentation by the project coordinator. After the discussions the community became well informed and they pledged their flinching support for the project. It is worth mentioning that, the community members made very important contributions which have helped in a successful project implementation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Community and media engagement event in Accra, Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact On 27th April 2021, the "Water for Health & Sanitation" team in Ghana organised a community and media engagement event to highlight key activities being undertaken in the Gbegbeyise community and to donate hand washing facilities to enhance hygiene as part of the intervention package under the RECIRCULATE project.

As part of the project activities, a general clean-up was undertaken at Gbegbeyise led by the project team members from CSIR, GreenAD and the members of the community in the morning prior to the launch. Key stakeholders who attended the programme included members of the media, the Chief and Queen mother of Gbegbeyise, community leaders & members, the Director of CSIR-IIR, the CEO of GreenAD and members of the research team.
To wrap up the event, short speeches were delivered by the CEO of GreenAD and the Chief and Queen mother of Gbegbeyise who applauded the project and pledged their unflinching support for its success. To achieve optimum engagement and communication, the programme was run in the local language 'Ga'.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/07/community-event-ghana/
 
Description Community durbar, Accra Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A community durbar was organised by HATOF foundation in October 2020. This durbar was a key component for communicating the project to the community and gaining acceptance of the demonstrator.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://citinewsroom.com/2020/10/hatof-foundation-lancaster-university-hold-community-durbar-on-wast...
 
Description Engagement with Secondary School students in Edo State 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact This was an engagement session/workshop organised for secondary school students in Edo State tagged "Stimulating the Interest of Young Africans in Sustainable Waste Management Practices". The purpose was to introduce the students to sustainable waste management practices such as recycling, resuse, segregation etc.
This even was attended by over 50 students and their interest was certainly stimulated as seen from their questions and feedback.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement with Undergraduate Student of the University of Benin 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact There was engagement with undergraduate students of the University of Benin with the intention of stimulating their interests in the bioenergy spaces. Part of the objectives of this session was on career development and mentorship on emerging issues and the dynamics of employability, scholarships, career planning and career progression all with the intention of getting the students to develop their careers in bioenergy fields.
The major focus was essentially to help direct their careers as they transit from being university students to young professional in the corporate world. They were given talks on career development and how they can go on to choose a career route. The focus was however on how they could choose a rewarding career in the bioenergy space. Thus, a talk was also given on the different opportunities that abound in this sector. There was opportunity for the students to ask questions and answers were provided.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement with University of Benin Demonstration Secondary School 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact This was an engagement session/workshop organised for UDSS students tagged "Stimulating the Interest of Young Africans
in Bioenergy, Environmental Sustainability and the Circular Economy". The purpose was to train the students on how bioenergy can be generated from waste materials in the context of a circular economy and how this can contribute to environmental sustainability.
This even was attended by over 50 students and their interest was certainly stimulated as seen from their questions and feedback.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement with horticulturists in Edo State 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact There was an engagement with horticulturists in Edo State who normally use poultry droppings to grow their flowers. They bemoaned the increasing costs of poultry droppings which they mix with soil as a growing medium for the ornamental plants. The UNIBEN ACTUATE Team had an engagement with them and enlightened them on the potentials of using digestate and at the end of the sessions, they were eager to embrace the use of digestate as a cheaper alternative
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement with parents of students at the Umar Bun Hatab Basic Islamic School 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact It was extremely important to obtain the support of the local community with the activities going on. at this school. This was especially true for the parents on the students and their support for their children in activities around waste segregation, waste to energy and to understand and appreciate the use of biogas as alternative source of energy for cooking and lighting.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021
 
Description International Impact Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact In January 2022, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was around the project's impact and legacy, highlighting work from our researchers and academics. On 27th January our 'International Impact Webinar' asked the question - have the RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE Projects influenced the research agenda of young and early career researchers in Africa and what has been their experience? The webinar highlighted some key outputs of research and its impact and its potential legacy in Africa. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured speakers from Lancaster University Ghana, University of Benin and Lancaster University.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL http://recirculate.global/2022/01/impact-webinar/
 
Description International technical engagement on demonstrator biogas plant design and construction 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Technical working group meeting was held by project team members from CSIR, Ghana and University of Benin, Nigeria to discuss various technical designs of biogas plants. The meeting also focused on lessons and challenges and how they were resolved by the two teams under the project. At the end of the meeting technical knowledge was exchanged. Research collaboration linkage was also strengthened.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Interview on Radio Universe 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Two project team members were hosted by Radio Universe, a radio station situated in University of Ghana, Ghana's premier university where the project was explained and questions were asked by the host and also phone in section was held where listeners were allowed to ask questions and answers provided. the section was very interactive and listeners were very happy about the project and follow up calls were made by listeners after the programme.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Introduction to ACTUATE for Madina Zongo school staff and community 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact The head and management of Umar Bun Hatab Islamic School in conjunction with CSIR organised an introduction to ACTUATE for Madina Zongo school staff and community. in July 2020. This session was attended by 69 people, including, 36 teachers, and 33 stakeholders from Madina Zongo. A similar event was organised for the school children and their parents on 22 September 2020. This meeting was attended by 14 students and 20 parents.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Media Engagement 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Media organisations from print, radio and TV including professionals in the energy sector were engaged to discuss the project with them. The purpose of this engagement was to use the media as an instrument to reach out to the wider community both local and international on the project. We also solicited ideas from energy sector players in order to enrich our design and implementation. The media had series of interviews and clips were shown on national TV stations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Media engagement event Accra, Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact HATOF Foundation has organised a media engagement for 15 media representatives in January 2021. This meeting was followed by a visit to the digester site. CSIR and Green Advocacy have presented at this meeting, as well as Lancaster University via Zoom.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/biodigester-project-for-umar-bun-hatab-islamic-basic-school-n...
 
Description Meeting with Year 4, 5 and 6 students at Umar Bun Hatab Basic Islamic School 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Colleagues for CSIR and Green Advocasy met with student and teachers to give lessons on the ideas around zero waste encouraging the students to become advocates for waste management
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Meeting with Year 7 and 8 students at Umar Bun Hatab Basic Islamic School 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Colleagues for CSIR and Green Advocasy met with student and teachers to give lessons on the ideas around zero waste encouraging the students to become advocates for waste management
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Meeting with the schools at University of Benin, Nigeria 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Meetings with staff from University Staff School and with staff and students at the University Demonstration Secondary School have been held in September 2020. The purpose of these meetings was to explain the ACTUATE project aims and objectives and to gain support from staff and students from these institutions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description National Dialogue 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The project concept was discussed with high level government officials and parliamentarians at a Parliament House. Presentation was made by the project coordinator to the group and at the end of the programme members agreed that the project is very important and can solve sanitation and energy problems of schools and communities and they pledge to push for policy support from government.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description PARICIPATE WITH RECIRCULATE webinars 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The ACTUATE teams has contributed to four events as follows:
- International Bioenergy webinar, August 2020, University of Benin and Lancaster University;
- Facebook Live circular water economy, October 2020, Lancaster University;
- Health & Sanitation webinar, November 2020, Lancaster University and CSIR;
- Women in Research webinar, December 2020, Lancaster University;
-Communications, February 2021, Lancaster University;
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021
URL http://wp.lancs.ac.uk/recirculate/participate/
 
Description PARTICIPATE with RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE - A Waste to Wealth Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In May 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was capacity building. On 6th May we held our Waste to Wealth Webinar which posed the question "Is converting waste to wealth feasible in Africa?", highlighted the progress of the ACTUATE Projects in Nigeria and Ghana and explored strategic partnerships for sustainability. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured specialists from Ghana, Nigeria and the UK. Each guest speaker shared an overview of the project followed by questions and interaction with the attendees.

Professor Roger Pickup (Professor of Biomedicine and Life Sciences at Lancaster Environment Centre and RECIRCULATE/ACTUATE Health & Sanitation co-lead) set the scene by presenting the evolution of the ACTUATE project. He provided an overview of the progress of the project from since its beginning in September 2019. Roger also outlined the concept of the project its partners.

Dr Mike Ajieh (AD Engineer, ACTUATE (UNIBEN) and Environmental and Energy Engineering Expert) expanded on the ACTUATE project concept and launch from the Nigeria perspective. He provided a detailed timeline of the project from its initial planning, site development, clearing and design to community engagement with different parties and organisations. Mike concluded his presentation with an overview of the project goals and next steps.

Dr Richard Bayitse (Head of Industrial Processes and Research Division, CSIR, Ghana) presented an overview of the project from the Ghana perspective and outlined the key differences with Nigeria. He started with a list of the Ghana partners and project activities since its launch. Richard then shared a 3D model of the digester`s design and explained briefly the purpose of every part. He ended his presentation with a plan for future action which includes wide project media engagement and a documentary.

Patience Agbedor (Research Scientist, CSIR, Ghana) followed up on Dr Richard`s presentation by presenting the social science aspect of the project. She showcased the activities completed from the platform creation and stakeholder engagement to media engagement and sensitization of students on the project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/05/waste-to-wealth-webinar/
 
Description PARTICIPATE with RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE - An International Entrepreneurship Symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In May 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was capacity building. On 20th May we held our International Entrepreneurship Symposium which showcased our Stimulating Entrepreneurial Thinking in Scientists (SETS) programme", exploring the opportunities in co-designing and co-developing an online entrepreneurship programme for African scientists and researchers. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured specialists from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and the UK. After a detailed overview of the SETS toolkit, each guest speaker from the panel shared their view on the programme followed by questions and interaction with the attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/05/entrepreneurship-symposium/
 
Description PARTICIPATE with RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE - International Funding Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact In March 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was funding, and more specifically research funding. On 29th March our International Funding Webinar answered the question "Can Africa fund its own research?" by exploring challenges and opportunities for "effective funding of research" in Africa and showcasing the principles for winning international funding. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured specialists from Ghana, the US and the UK. Each guest-speaker shared their expertise in funding followed by questions and group discussions with the attendees.

Stan Deh (Retail Banking Manager, Stanbic Bank, Ghana) discussed sources of funding, different types of funding and common instruments available. He shared general guidelines on producing an effective funding proposal including common mistakes and identified possible investors. He then concluded his speech with a brief overview of the role of the government.

Professor Jimmy Adegoke (Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City, US & Former Consultant, Africa Development Bank) reflected on understanding the Green Climate Fund Agenda and future opportunities for African researchers. He identified six investment criteria against which research proposal are assessed and five financial instruments available to support your funding. He ended his presentation with recommendations how can researchers better position themselves for international funding success in Africa.

Professor Kirk Semple (Director RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE, Lancaster University, UK) shared his personal journey into international collaboration and research and provided tips on winning international funding. He focused on the importance of partnership in building transformational projects and shared general guidelines on applying for international funding. He concluded his speech with an overview of key challenges in reaching a success.

Dr Ruth Alcock (Head of Enterprise & Business Partnerships, Lancaster Environment Centre, UK) wrapped up the webinar by sharing her expertise in understanding resource mobilization and funding through private sector partnerships. She shared fundamentals of a healthy partnership and outlined the core principles built in the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation (CGE). She concluded her talk with an emphasis on networking and the importance of making the right connections.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/03/funding-webinar/
 
Description PARTICIPATE with RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE - International Partnerships Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In April 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was partnerships, and more specifically international partnerships and collaboration. On 28th April our International Partnerships Webinar posed the question "Why are international/African research and innovation partnerships challenging and can it be made better?" and explored challenges and opportunities for research & business partnerships in Africa. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured specialists from Uganda, Nigeria and the UK. Each guest speaker shared their expertise in managing strategic partnerships followed by questions and interaction with the attendees.

Professor Steve Bradley (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Lancaster University, UK) discussed Lancaster University`s international objectives and international partnerships. Steve outlined some of the university`s international plans such as building a strong reputation overseas, internationalising the student experience, leveraging relations with geopolitically important and high quality institutions, and taking Lancaster "off campus". He showcased Lancaster University`s partnerships portfolio and concluded his presentation with a guidance on how to engage in transnational education and lessons learnt.

Professor Simon Guy (Pro Vice Chancellor Global, Lancaster University, UK) reflected on the future of international partnerships at Lancaster University and "The Virtues of Digital". Simon provided an overview our Lancaster University`s strategic campus partnerships delivering degree programmes & growing research. He also identified the role digitalisation play in LU`s international strategy and concluded with an overview of the university`s future plans.

Professor Lawrence Ezemonye (Nigerian Lead RECIRCULATE and Chair of Centre for Global Eco-Innovation University of Benin, Nigeria) shared his perspective on how academia can help industry to bridge "The Valley of Death". Lawrence provided a brief overview of the graduate unemployment crisis in Africa and identified the mismatch syndrome as one of the reasons - the mismatch between graduate skills and those required for employees in the modern workplace. He then explored the disconnect between academia and industry and the role of the government. He ended his presentation with a list of current actions to close the gap.

Dr Felly Mugizi Tusiime (Head of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Program at Africa Innovations Institute (AFRII), Uganda) shared her experience and expertise in multi-layered research partnerships. Felly shared tips on how to establish and manage strategic partnerships and identified the role of the government in the academy-industry relationship. She also shared the story behind the successful commercialization of cassava and concluded with a list of AFRII`s partners.

Maximus Ugwuoke (C40 City Adviser for Lagos, C40 Cities, Nigeria) provided a better understanding of the strategic partnerships between African countries on the big agenda of climate change. Maximus started his presentation with an introduction to C40 and the case for city climate action. He also explored the unique partnership model behind C40 and identified five leadership standards - commit and plan, accelerate transformational action, go together, inspire others, shift markets. He ended his talk with an overview of the challenges ahead of C40 and the achievements made so far.

Dr Edu Inam (Director of International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR), University of Uyo, Nigeria) explored challenges and opportunities in research-industry partnerships. Edu firstly provided a background of the ICEESR and its strategic partnerships with different organisations, amongst which was Lancaster University. She then explored existing opportunities and challenges using a SWOT analysis presenting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats. She concluded by showcasing some of the activities and publications by ICEESR.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/04/partnerships-webinar/
 
Description Participate at COP26 with the Government of Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Kirk Semple (PI) was invited to contribute to a session in the Ghana Pavilion at COP26 event in Glasgow. Also in attendance were colleagues from the Government of Ghana and the HATOF Foundation. The focus of the event considered the challenges and opportunities of 'Mobilizing Green Finance to Catalyze Climate Action', and showcased Ghana's efforts and challenges in mobilizing green finance at scale and lessons learnt from vertical climate trust funds, carbon finance, national budget and bilateral funds in promoting eco-innovation and climate change adaptation and mitigation solutions. The RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE projects were used as exemplars of the importance of international funding which has the capacity to impact on climate change.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Promoting Eco-Innovation with the Africa Union 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact As part of the work programme "Driving environmental protection through eco-innovation systems to build human capital and green economy in Africa", the African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission (AU-STRC) organised a virtual workshop on the topic of "Waste Management and Bioenergy Challenges and Opportunities for Bioenergy through Waste Management". The workshop took place over two days, from 30th June to 1st July 2021, and was organised in partnership with Lancaster University, UK; Igbinedion University, Nigeria; University of Benin, Nigeria; the Nigerian Environmental Society and the Obour Institute, Egypt.

Lancaster University was represented by Prof. Kirk Semple, Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Director of the RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE projects, who delivered a presentation entitled "Valorising wastes to produce energy using eco-innovative thinking" and Dr Ruth Alcock, Head of Enterprise and Business Partnerships, who delivered a speech on "Eco-Innovation and knowledge transfer models". The RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE projects were further represented by project team members in Africa with Dr Francis Agyenim, Dr Stephen Yeboah and Dr Richard Bayitse from CSIR, Ghana and Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye from University of Benin, Nigeria all giving presentations. Dr Akan Odon, Africa Strategy Adviser for Lancaster University, acted as a moderator of the event.

From over 300 applications, 60 participants were selected representing scientists, entrepreneurs, policy makers, students, workers in green technologies and scientific and research institutions from over 10 countries across Africa.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/07/austrc-workshop/
 
Description RECIRCULATE at COP26 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Through November 2021 members of our project have been involved with activities taking place at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) held at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom. The COP26 summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Afua Owusu-Kwarteng, on behalf of the WP1 Ghana team, was part of the COP26 Innovation Showcase Exhibition, which highlighted research on Ghanaian market queens themed "The Queens of Change". The Queens of change are "unseen, yet powerful women who protect informal markets in Ghana". RECIRCULATE's Dr Cynthia Forson, Dr Priscilla Otuo and Anthony N-Yelkabong collaborated along with Afua to put the submission together, with the research highlighting the unique role of market queens in waste management solutions in Ghana.

RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE Project Director Prof. Kirk Semple and African Strategy Advisor Dr Akan Odon spent time speaking with Ghanaian ministries at Ghana's official side event (hosted by HATOF Foundation), where they discussed the importance of green finance and how it could impact on innovation in the waste-energy-food sectors. The session included speakers from the Ghanaian Ministries of Finance and the Environment, and from the Ghanaian Forestry Commission and Environmental Protection Agency.

Manoj Roy and Roger Pickup had chance to meet with the President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and talked about the impact of the RECIRCULATE and ACTUATE projects in West Africa, through collaboration and partnership with CSIR and Lancaster University Ghana. The President shared that he was aware of the work done by the RECIRCULATE Project in West Africa and specifically Ghana.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/11/recirculate-at-cop26/
 
Description RECIRCULATE researcher presents at SSSN'21 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Valerie Ifeyinwa Ofili Edosa, a graduate researcher within the "Water for energy production" workpackage based at University of Benin, presented a paper titled "Comparative effects of conventional fertilizers and anaerobic digestate of food waste-cattle rumen on performance of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and soil properties changes" at the 45th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN-BOWEN 2021) with the theme "Understanding Soil Organic Matter Dynamics: Key to Sustainable Ecosystem Health and Food Security" scheduled during May 17-21, 2021 at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Keynote speakers invited were Professor Rattan Lal, Professor of Soil Science and Director of Carbon Management and Sequestration Centre, Professor Bala Abdullahi, Professor of Soil Science and Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Minna and Professor Jibrin Jibrin, Professor of Soil Science, Dry Land Agriculture and Director of Centre for Arid Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/06/recirculate-researcher-sssn21/
 
Description Sensitisation session at Umar Bun Hatab Islamic School Accra, Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact In December 2020, the headteacher at Umar Bun Hatab Islamic School held a sensitisation session for 65 students and their parents. CSIR and HATOF were presented at this meeting. The school headteacher gave an interview about the project on a local radio station (audience of ~5000), followed by a live Q&A session.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Sensitisation session for students and parents at Umar Bun Hatab Islamic School Accra, Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact The Management of Umar Bun Hatab Islamic Basic School organized a sensitization program for Basic 8 students and their parents in December, 2020, in the premises of the school. The presentations have been translated into Hausa language by a participant to this meeting. The students showed interest in the project and the uses of the biogas which will be demonstrated in the showlab.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Stakeholder engagement/training for abattoir operators in Edo State 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The University of Benin team has had a working relationship with the Edo State Practicing Butchers Association and part of that arrangement was to organize a session with them tagged "Capacity Building for Abattoir Operators in Edo State". The purpose of this session was to train the abattoir operators on how they can sustainably manage their wastes by converting them to bioenergy in the form of biogas. The session was engaging and productive and the abattoir operators have indicated interest to work with the UNIBEN team to deploy biogas plants at their abattoirs for cattle roasting.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://guardian.ng/news/actuate-team-engages-abattoir-operators-in-edo-state/
 
Description Stakeholder engagement/training for small holder farmers 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Engagements were held with some small holder farmers (farmpreneurs) in Edo State. The first engagement was tagged "Situating Small Holder Farmers in the
Waste-Energy-Food Mix" while the second was tagged "Knowledge Sharing on Issues and Solutions in Anaerobic Digestate as an Alternative to Inorganic Fertiliser".
The farmers were introduced to the concept of bioenergy generation from waste. They were introduced to anaerobic digestate as a safe, sustainable and rich organic fertilizer and trained on the use of digestate as fertilizers along with sustainable agronomic practices. The farmers were given digestate to apply to small plots on their farms and the ACTUATE agronomy team worked with them. In particular, the sweet potato plot, tomato plot and pepper plots did exceedingly well with the cattle rumen content-derived digestate which was enhanced with poultry droppings.
The farmers reported back to the UNIBEN team and have indicated high acceptability for the use of digestate as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://guardian.ng/features/agro-care/85-of-farmers-in-edo-do-not-use-fertilisers/
 
Description Stakeholder engagement/training for waste managers in Edo State 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A training session was organised for the Waste Managers in Edo State on how they can segregate waste and subsequently generate energy from organic waste.
The waste managers have gained skills and knowledge necessary to properly manage their businesses. They have been trained on how to derive secondary economic benefit from waste beyond their primary waste management duties. There has also been a paradigm shift in the sense of how waste is perceived. Waste is now seen as something that value can be derived from rather than something to be discarded.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Stakeholders engagement with science teachers and School Health and Education Program(SHEP) representatives 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Engagement programme was organised for science teachers and School Health and Education Program(SHEP) representatives from the local community where the biogas demonstrator plant was built. They were taken through the project concept and how the biogas plant operates. They were given the opportunity to ask questions which clarified the myth that they have about gas generated from waste cannot be used for cooking. At the end of the engagement they have developed more interest in waste treatment and management with key emphasis on small biogas systems for schools and communities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Stakeholders engagements with heads of Basic schools, Assembly Members, Education Directorate and office of Member of parliament for Madina 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Stakeholders engagement was held for heads of Basic schools, Assembly Members, Education Directorate and office of Member of parliament for Madina in Ghana to discuss the project concept and also sort their views on how to influence policy biogas as an alternate renewable gas in Ghana with focus on schools and communities. At the end of the engagement participants agreed that biogas generation in schools and communities is very important because not only clean and cheap energy is generated but also waste is treated effectively and the digestate can also be used in agriculture. Project concept was firmly grasped by the stakeholders and they advocated for its replication in other schools. They also agreed that the concept was very innovative scientific tool for teaching and learning science in basic schools in Ghana
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description TV interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact The Head Teacher of the Umar Bun Hatab Basic School and lead scientist from CSIR were interviewed on NST2 TV. This interview helped to increase awareness of the ACTUATE project and the anaerobic digester demonstrator to the wider community in Accra
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Waste to Energy webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In September 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was the ACTUATE project, and more specifically showcasing waste to energy solutions in Africa. On 23rd September our Waste to Energy webinar highlighted the progress of the ACTUATE project in Nigeria and Ghana. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and supported by the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured co-leaders and guest-speakers from Ghana, Nigeria and the UK.

Dr Mike Ajieh (Co-investigator, ACTUATE Project, Nigeria) presented a showcase of the ACTUATE project in Nigeria. He started his presentation with a proposed timeline highlighting the progress of the project from May 2020 until now. He then briefly explained the project concept which translates co-design and co-delivery bio-energy in Ghana and Nigeria. Dr Mike finalised his talk with an overview of the project`s goal and objectives.

Andrew Amenaghawon (ACTUATE co-leader, senior lecturer & head of department, University of Benin, Nigeria) delivered a talk on the Nigerian sub-projects. He presented an overview of the several stakeholder engagements that have been organised with the end-user community such as abattoir operators, secondary schools, undergraduate students, waste managers and small holder farmers. He then concluded his talk by briefly outlining the impact of the project alongside future deployments such as entrepreneurs, SMEs, researchers and rural communities.

Dr Richard Bayitse (Senior research scientist, CSIR-IIR, Ghana) shared a short documentary video to showcase the progress of the ACTUATE project in Ghana. The video demonstrates the concept of the ACTUATE project to accelerate the adoption of circular sanitation systems in Ghana. Key speakers in the video are Dr Francis Boateng Agyenim (Principal investigator, CSIR-IIR, Ghana), Dr Kofi Ampomah Benefo (Lead Scientist, CSIR-IIR, Ghana), Eric Boakye-Danquah (Social Scientist, University of Ghana), Esi Winny Addison (HATOF Foundation), Bennett Akuffo (Project Manager, Green Advocacy, Ghana), Imoro Sulemana (Head Teacher, Umar Hatab Islamic Basic School, Ghana).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/09/waste-to-energy-webinar/
 
Description What's next for Africa after COP26? 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact In November 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement remained on COP26 and circular solutions for Africa.
On 25th November our 'What's next for Africa after COP26' webinar hosted a round table debate to reflect on the challenges and opportunities to deliver the commitments of COP 26. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured speakers from Mzuzu University, Malawi, Technical University, Kenya, Botswana International University Of Science And Technology (BIUST), Botswana and Copperbelt University, Zambia.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/11/cop26-webinar2/
 
Description Women in Research & Innovation webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact In July 2021, the focus of our PARTICIPATE engagement was the Women Innovators Network in Africa (WINA) programme, and more specifically women in research & innovation. On 29th July our webinar explored opportunities and challenges for African women in research & innovation. Moderated by Dr Akan Odon and the RECIRCULATE team, the webinar featured experts from Nigeria, Botswana, Ghana and the UK. Each guest speaker shared how their expertise and experience followed by questions and interaction with the attendees.

Afua Owusu-Kwarteng (Graduate Researcher & Coordinator of the RECIRCULATE "Women Innovators Network in Africa" initiative, Lancaster University) presented the Women Innovators Network in Africa (WINA) programme which is an international collaboration, led by Lancaster University with partners in Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Kenya. The programme brings together African academic researchers with African research users such as enterprises and community organisations linking them with their UK counterparts. The aim is to develop collaborations that can help to address some of Africa`s pressing environmental problems, focusing particularly on water.

Dr Patience Opata (Senior Lecturer in Agribusiness and Marketing at University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Nigeria) provided an overview of how research and innovation fit into agriculture in Nigeria. She started her talk with the role of the women in agriculture as enablers of food security and driver for innovation. She then presented her experience of challenges and opportunities as a woman working in agriculture in Africa. She concluded her speech with an identification of potential interventions for enhancing the African agricultural research and innovation landscape for women.

Dr Otlhapile Dinakenyane (Computer Scientist currently working as a Lecturer & Researcher at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)) presented how women innovators fit into the communications technology (ICT) industry. She firstly provided a brief overview of the industry including current challenges for women. She then highlighted the opportunities Botswana could offer such as youth initiatives, academia and non-governmental organisations. She concluded her talk with an overview of what women should do to create the future we all hope to see.

Dr Queeneth Kingsley Omoyibo (Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Igbinedion University, Nigeria) presented how and where entrepreneurship fits into research and innovation. She firstly provided a brief overview of how entrepreneurship is relevant to research by highlighting key touchpoints such as business ideas = research questions, market research = literature review, business plan = project proposal. She then identified necessary steps in converting academic research into a successful business. She concluded her presentation with the Triple Helix Model which refers to a set of interactions between academia (the university), industry and government, to foster economic and social development, as described in concepts such as the knowledge economy and knowledge society.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://recirculate.global/2021/07/wri-webinar/