This study examines food waste reduction efforts by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Brasília, Brazil, and Lomé, Togo, through the lens of the Circular Economy (CE). The CE framework promotes sustainable resource use in closed-loop systems, reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. A key focus of this research is upcycling within the food supply chain, a process that repurposes waste into higher-value products. The ReSOLVE framework guides the analysis of food waste management practices used by NGOs in both countries.
Findings reveal various challenges NGOs face in implementing CE principles, highlighting gaps between circular economy ideals and practical application in food waste reduction. The study emphasizes that circular economy initiatives in developing regions offer significant benefits—economic, social, and environmental—by promoting sustainable growth and food security. This research calls for expanded, coordinated efforts to align food waste management strategies with CE objectives, particularly in developing regions, to foster global sustainability and improve food security.