Circular Economy Policy and Practice: The Case of Smallholder Tomato Farmers in Kenya
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Date
2026
Authors
Jecinta Anomat Ali
Francis Kaloi
Joshua Laichena
Walter Moturi
Nathan Remcho
Theo Anbæk Simeon
Anna Aaskov Thomsen
Neda Trifkovic
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AERC
Abstract
The circular economy can be an effective approach to addressing negative impacts of agricultural waste. However, the extent of farmer engagement with the circular economy is poorly understood, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study explores the extent to which postharvest practices and decisions of tomato farmers relate to the circular economy in Kenya, where several policies target the reduction of emissions in the agri-food sector through sustainable waste management. The results reveal a predominance of convenient and low-cost practices, such as composting, leaving residues on fields, and using damaged tomatoes as feed. Higher value-added practices based on processing such as biochar and biogas are rare and not well integrated into policy and financing programs. Circular economy adoption depends primarily on land and asset ownership, costs, infrastructure, and investment requirements, not necessarily on climate change appraisal. As such, the findings suggest that the gap between policy and practice does not primarily reflect a gap in knowledge and motivation, but rather a gap between formal frameworks and the constrained, risk-mediated realities through which farmers navigate everyday agricultural production. Policy targeting should consider farm endowments rather than socio-demographic characteristics to support the transition to more circular farming systems.