Current situation and prospects for the recovery of pineapple waste (Ananas comosus) in the value chains of South Kivu, Eastern DRC

Despite its economic potential, the pineapple value chain in South Kivu generates substantial organic waste, creating environmental and socio-economic challenges. Although the technical potential for valorizing pineapple waste is documented globally, no study has assessed waste flows at the actor level across the entire chain in this region. This study quantifies and characterizes pineapple waste from production on Idjwi Island to collection, processing, retail and consumption in Bukavu. Using purposive sampling and snowball techniques, 110 respondents across five actor categories were surveyed: 30 producers on Idjwi and 20 actors each (collectors, sellers, processors, consumers) in Bukavu. Semi-structured interviews covered production practices, waste management, transport, processing and perceptions. Waste fractions from five-fruit batches per site were weighed and post-harvest losses were quantified by counting and weighing damaged fruits. Results indicated an average yield of 38.9 t ha⁻¹, with 2.2-3 tons of vegetative biomass generated per ton of pineapple produced. Overall, 32.8% of total fruit weight (≈ 0.46 kg per fruit) became waste. Losses were highest at processing (37.7%) and retail (36.2%), compared with production (24.9%). The principal waste fractions were peels (33%), leaves (21.5%) and damaged fruits (17.3%). Most actors (70.8%) reported limited knowledge of valorization technologies and fewer than 10% applied them. Dominant disposal practices included informal sale (27%), open dumping (19%) and burning (8.5%). Over 60% of respondents expressed interest in training. This study provides the first actor-level quantification of pineapple waste flows in South Kivu, revealing that losses concentrate at processing and retail stages. The main barrier to valorization is not technical feasibility but the lack of training, equipment and market structures, underscoring the need for a participatory, integrated circular bioeconomy approach. Clinical trial number Not applicable.