Stakeholder Assessment on Closing Nutrient Cycles through Co-Recycling of Biodegradable Household Kitchen Waste and Black Water between Rural and Urban Areas in South India

Agricultural land degradation, urban migration, increasing food demand and waste, inadequate sanitation systems all affect farmers, local society, the environment in South India. Joint recycling of biodegradable secondary household resources to close nutrient cycles between rural regions can address these challenges thus several SDGs at same time. Efforts are being made this end, but many attempts fail. The central research question is, therefore: how co-recycling concepts be evaluated context? For purpose, composting plants, biogas fermenters, a high-tech concept produce plant charcoal, design fertilizer, biopolymers considered. aim study is evaluate from stakeholders’ perspective avoid gaps theory practice. Six expert one focus group interviews on two successful on-site case studies 15 online with thematic actors were qualitatively presented social network analysis identify preferences indicators for further evaluation concepts. results show that mature technologies such as compost biogas. High-tech solutions currently still rudimentary will play more important role future. To concepts, seven key their measured values identified clustered into categories ecological, social, technical, economic, connective. methodology interaction stakeholders regional minimize gap practice theory, contribute goals SDGs, enable implemented sustainably.