Exploring the state of ex situ organic fertilizer and soil amendment production: an innovation systems analysis across eleven African countries

Introduction Many farming systems across Africa suffer from insufficient recirculation and replenishment of nutrients and organic matter, contributing to soil degradation. At the same time the scant management of municipal organic waste, agro-processing residues, and human excreta creates substantial externalities. Valorizing organic waste and recycling it back to farmland could create a win-win situation. This exploratory, cross-sectional study investigated the current state and emerging trends in ex situ organic waste recycling toward organic fertilizers and soil amendments (OFSA) across eleven African countries. The topic is timely, as recent disruptions in inorganic fertilizer supply chains may have heightened interest in ex situ OFSA. Methods We triangulated 74 key informant interviews with document and literature review, using the Technological Innovation System framework as analytical lens. Results and discussion Our analysis shows that while all system functions have progressed beyond the “pre-development” phase, most still remain in an early formation stage. Core functions such as entrepreneurial activities, knowledge development and diffusion, guidance of the search, market formation, resource mobilization, and legitimacy are emerging, for instance through the introduction of subsidies, the implementation of quality standards, and initial efforts of cross-country coordination. South Africa stands out, with multiple functions institutionalizing and reinforcing one another, characterized by pronounced private sector R&D, established entrepreneur networks and professional associations as well as recycling targets and public support of knowledge brokers. Across all countries, disruptions in national and international value chains are acting as pull factors for increased experimentation, raising demand, and enhancing legitimacy. Certified organic farming and export oriented high value crops constitute important niches. Yet, ex situ volumes remain small relative to organic waste volumes and nutrient demand in agricultural production. Looking ahead, strengthening ‘ guidance of the search ’ and ‘ resource mobilization ’ could drive system development by enhancing resource recovery and recycling of organic waste and closing the loop to agriculture.