Transdisciplinary Research to Co-design, with End Users, a Circular Sanitation Solution (C2S) Combining Local Knowledge, International Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Limpopo, South Africa, and Manica Province, Mozambique

This project aims to co-create circular sanitation systems (CSS) and financially viable service delivery models to address poor hygiene, sanitation, and malnutrition in low-income areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It applies innovative research on the water-energy-food-health nexus through expertise in resource recovery from human waste, community development, and development economics. The transdisciplinary consortium includes social and natural sciences, societal partners, and authorities. Currently, half of the population in SSA has no access to safe sanitation. Lack of sanitation is linked to poor health, environmental degradation, and undermines social and economic development. Uncollected faecal sludge contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional sanitation systems are not viable in most areas of SSA due to their dependence on sewers and water, long planning horizons, and a lack of capacity. Investing in water and sanitation generates significant economic returns. Off-grid systems, designed to be self-contained and zero-energy, can revolutionize the sanitation sector by enhancing sustainability, climate resilience, and resource recovery. Various technologies have been developed for the front-end (toilet user interface), but there is a lack of solutions for the back-end (treatment and reuse) that are viable in SSA. Through international collaboration, we will enhance local expertise and co-develop technically viable, financially sustainable, and scalable solutions for entire systems. The project is based on a scoping study setting the key objectives: (1) Co-creating innovative CSS options (AI-based hackathon); (2) Co-creating locally appropriate CSS and service delivery models (immersive build and design school in communities); (3) Strategies for scaling up; (4) Transfer of knowledge to local institutions; and (5) Ensuring project management and dissemination. This project addresses global societal and environmental challenges by providing dignity and food security for underserved populations in SSA, thereby contributing to global sustainable development.