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Integrated circular economy transformations

IWMI collaborates with partners to develop scalable solutions for circular bioeconomy in the Global South. Our work focuses on promoting innovative business models for organic waste recovery and safe wastewater reuse, ensuring public health and environmental safety and fostering sustainable agrifood system transformation.

Through cutting-edge research, IWMI advances technical innovations, enabling policies, and scaling strategies for organic waste value chains, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and sustainable investment in circular bioeconomy enterprises. Researchers generate new evidence on how circular economy promotes nature positive agrifood solutions, localized renewable energy systems, and soil fertility — while addressing the waste and water pollution challenges. IWMI also works on circular economy solutions for local food production, such as urban agriculture and waste-based insect farming, and climate-resilient off-grid sanitation including in refugee and other informal settlements.

IWMI focuses on advancing sustainable practices in water and soil health, resource management and inclusive economic models that also empower marginalized communities through co-created, inclusive solutions that create jobs and value-addition. Its research and programs:

Improve water quality and soil fertility through waste recovery and nutrient cycling
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions via sustainable waste and wastewater management
Strengthen organic fertilizer production for regenerative agriculture
Promote water reuse and soil-friendly waste-to-fertilizer solutions
Advance nature-based solutions for land restoration and biodiversity conservation
Support waste-to-value enterprises and investment in circular bioeconomy