Research in seven work packages
WP1: Mapping and characterization of the waste
Determine sources of sisal and coffee waste geographically based on their processing industries. Composition of both the solid and liquid waste streams determined to adapt biogas production and the utilisation of Sisal waste.
WP2: Utilization of Sisal fibers and bioplastic in advanced biocomposites
Surface-treat sisal yarn for use in load-carrying composite materials.
WP3: Coffee waste to be used as substrate to cultivate mushrooms
Use coffee waste as a carbon source to cultivate mushrooms and extract the extracellular enzymes.
WP4: Develop a co-digestion scheme for optimal biogas production from agricultural waste/wastewater effluents
Establish biogas production from process wastewater originating from the coffee and the sisal industry and co-digestion of spent solid waste from the mushroom production.
WP5: Assessment of the concept concerning economic, social and environmental sustainability
Determine environmental impact, technoeconomic feasibility, and social benefits of the project using a quantitative approach. The approach uses an approved East African standard covering environmental, social and economic sustainability.
WP 6: Research capacity strengthening
Form strategies for collaboration among the involved partners to improve research capacity.
WP7: Project coordination and dissemination
Coordination of the technical and the research related activities between the partners under the framework of the project.
Research capacity development
High-level know-how, already established in Denmark, is applied in close cooperation with the researchers from East Africa through tailored workshops, consultations and research in Denmark. The PhD students visited DTU and were integrated with local PhD students, creating long-term networking and capacity building.