Blog NATURE+ promoting the circular economy and the use of organic waste in Colombia
The Positive Solutions for Nature Initiative, led by CGIAR in Colombia, promotes the transition to the circular economy in agri-food systems through the valorization of organic waste. Through the work of the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, in collaboration with other institutions, innovative solutions such as the use of black soldier fly larvae, anaerobic digestion and biochar production have been implemented. These technologies not only mitigate environmental problems, but also generate high-value products such as fertilizers and proteins. Since 2023, hands-on workshops have built capacity in students, farmers and local communities, promoting sustainable practices such as composting and waste management. Notable examples include training with students from Cali and El Dovio, who learned about the use of biotechnologies, and associations such as AMUCAFE and CAMPAB, which adopted these solutions to take advantage of local waste. The training was also extended to SENA instructors and recyclers, promoting the multiplication of knowledge. These initiatives have facilitated the integration of traditional and innovative knowledge, consolidating the circular economy as a viable model for sustainable agri-food systems in Colombia.
Today, the importance of promoting forms of production and consumption that close product cycles is globally recognized. This approach is particularly relevant in agri-food systems, where waste generation poses both challenges and opportunities to move towards a circular economy. Adopting this vision not only reduces waste, but also promotes sustainability by reincorporating materials into the production process, leaving behind linear production models.
In this context, the CGIAR's Positive Solutions for Nature Initiative seeks to transform agri-food systems through sustainable nature-based practices, driving the transition from linear production models to the circular economy. In Colombia, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Alliance are leading the implementation of the Work Package WP4: Recycle, focused on waste valorization through nature-based solutions. In addition, collaborations have been established with other CGIAR institutions, such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), to strengthen an integrated, multidisciplinary approach.
Students of the Instituto Educativo Sebastián de Belalcázar, Cali, Valle del Cauca, at the Practical Workshop on the use of organic waste with the black soldier fly (02/08/2024).
The Alliance's Circular Economy Platform 'CIRCULAB' has been instrumental in advancing research and application of nature-based technologies. CIRCULAB works with biotechnologies that take advantage of organic waste from the agri-food system, such as biochar production, anaerobic digestion and the use of black soldier fly larvae. These innovations not only promote biodiversity conservation, but also drive a transition to a circular economy, balancing productive development with environmental protection.
During the three years of implementation of the Positive Solutions for Nature Initiative, and especially in 2023 and 2024, we have worked intensively with young people, students, farmers, local communities and researchers to strengthen their capacities and knowledge in circular economy. This effort has made it possible to directly address issues related to waste generation at the local level.
Through practical workshops, we have sought to generate interest and promote the local appropriation of sustainable practices that, in addition to benefiting the environment, contribute to the development of local economies.
One of these workshops was held with students from the Sebastián de Belalcázar Educational Institute, Cali, Valle del Cauca, who visited CIRCULAB to learn about the use of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). During the visit, they got a close look at the life cycle of this insect and learned how it can be a sustainable solution for managing organic waste, while generating high-value products, such as proteins for animal feed and organic fertilizers.
Students from the José María Falla Educational Institute in the municipality of El Dovio also had the opportunity to experience the use of locally generated waste through traditional composting processes and the use of the black soldier fly. This experience not only allowed them to understand the importance of waste management, but also how these practices can improve soil fertility and reduce the environmental impact in their community.
These activities with young people demonstrate the transformative power of hands-on sustainability education. Through workshops such as these, they not only acquire knowledge about circular economy and waste management, but also seek to inspire them to get involved in local issues related to waste utilization and to become agents of change in their communities, promoting innovative and practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Students of the José María Falla Educational Institute of the municipality of El Dovio, learning about the use of organic waste with traditional composting processes (21/06/2024) and the use of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) (30/08/2024).
Farmers of the AMUCAFE association of Belén de Umbría, Risaralda, at the practical workshop on the use of organic residues with the black soldier fly (13/11/2023).
The generation of organic residues in agricultural and livestock processes represents a significant challenge, since their improper management can cause environmental and public health problems. Faced with this reality, farmers recognize the need to adopt alternative technologies to achieve an efficient and integrated management of these residues.
An example is the Association of Women Coffee Growers - AMUCAFE, from Belén de Umbría, Risaralda. This organization has implemented vermicomposting to take advantage of the pulp and husk of coffee. However, aware of the volume of waste generated and the related problems, they have sought new alternatives for its management. This led them to participate in a practical workshop at CIRCULAB in 2023, where they learned about the use of the black soldier fly as a sustainable solution for transforming coffee waste into value-added by-products.
Another outstanding initiative is the Peasant Organization of the National Agricultural and Livestock Environmental Corporation of Bellavista - CAMPAB, in El Dovio, Valle del Cauca, interested in the recovery of native corn varieties. In December 2023, a co-creation exercise was carried out with this association, which made it possible to establish training activities on the use of organic waste and validation of sustainable practices in corn cultivation.
Subsequently, in 2024, several training workshops were held on circular economy and the use of biotechnologies for the use of organic waste, including composting and the implementation of black soldier fly larvae. This experience demonstrates how the combination of traditional knowledge with innovative solutions can foster a more sustainable and circular agricultural development.
Farmers of the CAMPAB association of El Dovio, Valle del Cauca, in the practical workshops on circular economy and techniques for the use of organic waste with: traditional composting (06/21/2024) and black soldier fly larvae (08/31/2024).
Farmers from the village of La Combia, Palmira, Valle del Cauca, at the Practical Workshops on circular economy, use of organic waste and production of bio-inputs (10/10/2024).
On the other hand, in the village of La Combia, in Palmira, Valle del Cauca, in coordination with the REXUS project and the farmers of the village, an exercise was carried out to identify the main sources of waste in the area. From there, the potential of these wastes to generate value-added by-products became evident. Additionally, practical processes oriented to the use of waste and the production of useful bio-inputs for local crops were implemented.
These workshops not only train farmers in specific techniques, but also encourage a change of perspective in their production processes. By recognizing the value of waste, participants learn to optimize the use of available resources and transform them into sustainable production opportunities, contributing to building sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural systems.
To achieve a significant change in the transition from linear production models to a circular economy, it is essential to broaden the range of action of the actors involved through training processes with continuous follow-up. In this context, the need was identified to train trainers, teachers and key actors who, in turn, can instruct people interested in adopting sustainable practices. This approach makes it possible not only to multiply knowledge, but also to ensure that the skills acquired are effectively integrated into different levels of action and sectors.
A case in point is the work carried out with instructors and apprentices from SENA Risaralda on June 19, 2024. During this process, specialized content was designed and delivered, ranging from waste valorization to the implementation of innovative biotechnological solutions for the agri-food sector. These trainings not only seek to strengthen technical competencies, but also to inspire the adoption of circular approaches in teaching and professional practice.
Similarly, training sessions were held for teachers, students and professional recyclers as part of the project 'Strengthening the social fabric through the use of bio-waste: a participatory experience with professional recyclers in Cali and Piendamó', developed by Universidad del Valle. These initiatives seek to generate a direct impact on communities and future generations of professionals, promoting the transfer of knowledge and strengthening the connection between academia and society.
Practical workshops on circular economy and techniques for the use of organic waste. Activity of the project "Strengthening of the social fabric from the use of biowaste: a participatory experience with recyclers of Cali and Piendamó", Universidad del Valle (26/09/2024).
The experiences described above show how the practical workshops on circular economy and the use of organic waste have facilitated access to knowledge and favored the incorporation of biotechnological practices that support the transition to a circular economy in various contexts in Colombia.
The experiences described show how the practical workshops on circular economy and the use of organic waste have facilitated access to knowledge and favored the incorporation of biotechnological practices that support the transition to a circular economy in various contexts in Colombia.
From young students to farmers and rural associations, each group has found in these practices not only a sustainable solution for waste management, but also an opportunity to improve their productivity, strengthen their communities and contribute to environmental stewardship. This integrative approach, which combines traditional knowledge with innovative biotechnologies, demonstrates that the circular economy is a viable model for achieving more resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
In this sense, the Positive Solutions for Nature Initiative highlights the importance of carrying out training processes with continuous follow-up, not only in the adoption of technologies, but also in the training of multiplier agents, such as trainers and teachers. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, these key actors ensure that the positive impact is amplified and that new generations are prepared to face environmental and productive challenges in a responsible and innovative manner. In this way, the transition to a circular economy is consolidated as an essential path for sustainable development in Colombia.
