Chapter Two Climate- Smart Agricultural Waste Management: The Circular Economy Perspective *Okwor, Uchechi Mercy 1 and Okwor, Kelechi C.2 1 Department of Agricultural Extension University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo *corresponding author 2 Department of Agroecology and Food Systems University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo

Conclusion
Agricultural waste constitutes one of the most underutilized resource streams in the global economy, yet it holds enormous potential for driving sustainable development across food, energy, and materials systems. The circular economy perspective offers a compelling framework for transforming these waste streams into productive inputs, renewable energy, high-value materials, and climate mitigation outcomes. Realizing this potential requires coordinated action across technological, financial, regulatory, and institutional domains. Moreso, scaling the transition from linear to circular economy will contribute meaningfully to climate change mitigation. Agricultural waste, reconceived as a resource, is a central pillar of the climate-smart, inclusive, and regenerative agri-food systems the world urgently needs.BOOK CHAPTER AUGUST 2026. Okwor, Uchechi Mercy 2