Review of the Circular Economy Implementation in the Agriculture Sector: A Regional Development Approach

Increasing urbanization and rapid resource depletion have forced authorities to shift from the traditional linear system of take-use disposal to a circular system of agricultural pratices. Circular Economy (CE) is a sustainable development approach focused on managing waste generated from the production and consumption of goods, emphasizing the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling. CE has garnered significant attention in the agricultural sector due to its crucial role inhuman life and its implications for the livelihoods of farmers. Recently, scholars have examined the organization, impact, and measurement of CE implementation in the agricultural sector. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive review of various implementations of CE worldwide, taking into account diverse regional characteristics. A systematic literature review was performed, encompassing three hundred and eight publications. These were categorized according to the criteria of urban areas, peri-urban areas, rural areas, and their intersections or combinations. This study identified the intersection of research themes related to CE implementation in each category to reveal the differences in CE intensity across these areas. Twelve categories were identified: raw materials, circularity, waste, processes, contributions, sector/subsector, dimensions, object type, regional aspects, procedures, purpose, and policy/systems. Furthermore, a hypothetical analysis was conducted to assess the benefits, challenges, ease of implementation, and level of circularity associated with CE practices. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, helping them understand how the interconnectedness of regional aspects and urban development influences the utilization of local resources. Region-based CE policies need to be developed to ensure the continuity of cycles that occur between regions.