Project 2

The GIZ Waste to Circular Economy (WCE) project supports Rwanda’s transition to a circular economy by strengthening waste management systems through public-private collaboration, policy development, and technical capacity building. With a strong sustainability focus, the project equips businesses with access to finance and training for climate-smart waste solutions, while piloting practical models in satellite cities such as Bugesera, Muhanga, and Rwamagana.

The initiative contributes to environmental protection, economic resilience, and public health, and promotes inclusive participation, particularly of women, in the circular economy sector. As part of its food systems interventions, the project included a waste mapping exercise across five agricultural value chains, with my assignment focusing on the coffee value chain.

I was responsible for leading the waste mapping exercise for the coffee value chain to:

• Identify types and volumes of waste/by-products at each stage of the chain
• Propose opportunities for regenerative agriculture and waste valorization
• Share findings with cooperatives and SMEs to inform technical assistance and funding uptake

Key Findings:

• Coffee pulp accounts for 30–40% of cherry weight; commonly underutilized
• Coffee husks form 12–15% of cherry weight and can be converted into briquettes, compost, or fertilizer
• Spent coffee grounds are widely discarded but can be transformed into organic fertilizer or biogas
• Wastewater from processing is often untreated, posing environmental risks but can be recycled for irrigation

Approach

• Participatory and evidence-based: Engaged stakeholders through group activities, KIIs, and FGDs
• Sustainability-focused: Prioritized regenerative solutions that improve soil health and reduce emissions
• Opportunity-driven: Assessed market opportunities for circular products including briquettes, Cascara, and vermicompost
• Inclusive: Highlighted gender participation opportunities within circular models

Techniques Used:

Value Chain Mapping, Waste Flow Assessment, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Circular Product Market Analysis, Stakeholder Consultations (KIIs, FGDs), Desk Review of local circular economy cases, Visual Tools (waste diagrams, cascara flow charts), Case Studies (e.g., Kopakaki Cooperative’s vermicompost, Abakundakawa Rushashi’s cascara, Sakini’s briquettes), Tools: Excel, PowerPoint, participatory facilitation methods, and Impact monetization techniques for evaluating circular benefits

Stakeholder Communication

• Delivered interactive presentations on circular models for coffee cooperatives and SMEs
• Developed a technical report documenting waste streams, valorization opportunities, and market cases
• Shared insights through visual dashboards and pitch-style decks based on Ellen MacArthur Foundation frameworks

Artifacts Produced

• Final Mapping Presentation
• Case Briefs: Cascara, Vermicompost, and Briquette Production Models

(Based on: Kopakaki, Abakundakawa, and Sakini case experiences)

Outcomes & Impact

• Increased awareness among 40 cooperatives and SMEs of waste valorization potential
• Shared real cost-revenue examples:
  • Cascara: $2 profit/kg
  • Verm compost: Rwf 8/kg profit
  • Briquettes: Up to $100/tone profit
• Stimulated interest in technical assistance and funding programs
• Promoted adoption of regenerative agriculture using coffee by-products
• Contributed to job creation, reduced input costs, and improved environmental sustainability