Brown gold in urban Asia and Africa

This project explores innovative methods to re-use fecal sludge through resource recovery and reuse (RRR), aiming to develop inclusive and circular approaches for sustainable fecal sludge management (FSM). By integrating environmental, social and technological perspectives, the project seeks to transform fecal sludge from a largely neglected and taboo material into a valuable resource, often referred to as “brown gold.” These recovered resources could include compost, biogas, energy, or other value-added products, contributing to circular economies and local livelihoods.

This project will result in enhanced safety, accessibility, and sustainability of FSM services, while simultaneously supporting off-grid economies, generating livelihoods, and improving the well-being of marginalized and excluded populations. By reimagining fecal sludge as a resource rather than waste, it will demonstrate scalable, circular, and socially inclusive solutions for off-grid sanitation in rapidly urbanizing areas of Asia and Africa, contributing to sustainable sanitation management