Exploration of circular economy practices in wood products value chains: Awareness, existing practices and perceived levels of adoption in Mufindi district, Tanzania

Abstract

Forest resources have contributed to global wealth and living standards, but in some regions socio-economic and environmental costs are experienced, especially where linear economy model is used. Despite an ongoing global discussion on the use of circular economy practices (CEPs) to address such costs, only fragmented information on implementation approaches exists, especially in developing countries. This has hindered the development of policies to enhance sustainability of wood resources. To provide insights into CEPs implementation in the wood products value chains, a cross-sectional research design was adapted to describe and analyze awareness, existing practices and perceived adoption of CEPs using the 10 R model and following the value chain framework. Mufindi district in Tanzania was purposively selected due to presence of various small and large-scale wood products value chains. A survey involving random selection of 110 small-scale enterprises and selection of eight (8) large-scale wood products enterprises was done based on the type of wood products manufactured. Data was collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire, a checklist for key informants’ interview and through direct observation. Analysis involved application of the 10 R model to identify and characterize existing CEPs in the wood products value chains. Level of CEPs adoption was estimated as average of chain actors perceived CEPs adoption score. Results indicated seven CEPs implemented at distinct levels in the wood products value chains, specifically, refuse, rethink, reduce, repurpose, reuse, recycle and recover. The study recommended awareness campaigns and demonstration projects on CEPs. Future research should explore CEPs implementation by wood products consumers.