PARTICIPATE with RECIRCULATE & ACTUATE – A Waste to Wealth Webinar

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.