South African Circular Agriculture Initiative (SACAI)
The University of the Free State (UFS) has been selected to host the South African Circular Agriculture Initiative (SACAI) from January 2025 to March 2026, under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Led by Prof. Wayne Truter of the Green Futures Hub, the initiative aims to strengthen South Africa’s capacity for science, technology, and innovation (STI) in advancing a circular economy within agriculture.
Through workshops, partnerships, and research, SACAI will promote resource efficiency, regenerative farming, sustainable agro-processing, and biorefinery development, aligning with the Circular Economy STI Strategy (2024–2034) and UFS Vision 130. The project emphasizes equitable knowledge sharing, community impact, and student involvement - advancing sustainable agriculture and food security while contributing to SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).