"Resources Recovery and Reuse (RRR) Entrepreneurship" Online Course
"Resources Recovery and Reuse (RRR) Entrepreneurship" Online Course
The Online Course "Resources, Recovery and Reuse (RRR) Entrepreneurship" is for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs interested in business opportunities in the waste and sanitation sectors.
Humans generate millions of tons of waste every day. This waste is rich in water, nutrients, energy, and organic compounds. Yet waste is often not managed in a way that permits to derive value from its reuse. At the same time millions of farmers struggle with depleted soils and lack of water. Resource recovery and reuse (RRR) can create livelihoods, enhance food security, support green economies, reduce waste and contribute to cost recovery in the sanitation chain.
By following this course, you will get sector specific insights and hands-on knowledge and thus have more confidence on starting-up a RRR business and experience less frustration in going through the start-up process. Each week contains a video lecture, practical worksheets as well as further readings and useful weblinks.
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Duration6 Modules comprising 20 weeks of video lectures
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Time investment Recommended 8 hours/week or at your own pace
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Target groupEntrepreneurs or intrapreneurs with technical RRR prototype
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RequirementsBackground in engineering, water and sanitation management or agriculture recommended
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ContentsBusiness opportunities and environment, business model, planning operations and finances, planning and financing the launch
| This course was developed by researchers at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and business development experts at cewas – coaching entrepreneurs in water and sanitation. Course business models were also supported by the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). |
Go to Module Selector
https://youtu.be/bnNSd_MM_74
This module introduces the importance of market-based RRR solutions. At the end of this module you have identified key challenges in your local sanitation and waste management system and a RRR-related business idea.
This module introduces the importance of market-based RRR solutions. At the end of this module you have identified key challenges in your local sanitation and waste management system and a RRR-related business idea.
This module sheds light on the importance of studying the business environment and its components like waste supply, market demand, competition and the institutional framework. At the end of this module you have gained insights to evaluating the potential of your business idea.
This module shows how a business idea can be turned into a business model while putting a specific focus on understanding the customer and designing products that meet their needs. At the end of this module you will have developed a business model and positioned your offer in the market.
This module focusses on planning the operations of a RRR related business. During this part RRR technologies will be introduced for different waste streams and tools for planning the production process. At the end of this module you will have blueprinted your production process and the required technology and production inputs.
This module covers key aspects of financial planning and analysis. At the end of this module you will have forecasted your profits, cash flows, required investment and evaluated the financial viability of your business model.
This module enables you to set objectives and plan activities for the launch of your RRR business and identify potential financing sources. At the end of this module you will have developed an action plan for launch and identified appropriate financing sources.
M1 – Week 1: Identify challenges in your local sanitation & waste management
Download Materials
Further Readings
SDG 6 along the water and nutrient cycles
This AGUASAN publication illustrates how the water and nutrient cycles can be used as a tool for creating a common understanding of a water and sanitation system and aligning it with SDG 6.
BROGAN, J., ERLMANN, T., MUELLER, K. and SOROKOVSKYI, V. (2017): SDG 6 along the water and nutrient cycles. Using the water and nutrient cycles as a tool for creating a common understanding of a water and sanitation system - including workshop material. Bern (Switzerland): AGUASAN and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) URL [Accessed: 26.03.2019] PDFWhy shit matters [Video File]
TEDX TALKS
(2019):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4yD0kz34jg
[Accessed: 28.03.2019]
"3 billion people worldwide live in cities without sewers or wastewater treatment plant infrastructure. This forces them to dump their waste into open waters, contaminating the drinking water for others downstream. Imagine if we could harness nutrients in wastewater instead of harming human and environmental health. Christoph Lüthi sees a renewable, locally produced and growing resource where others see only human waste. Watch his talk to learn why shit matters! "
M1 – Week 2: Identify RRR products and business opportunities
Download Materials
Further Readings
A public-private partnership linking wastewater treatment and aquaculture (Ghana) - Case Study
AMOAH, P., MUSPRATT, A., DRECHSEL, P. and OTOO, M.
(2018):
A public-private partnership linking wastewater treatment and aquaculture (Ghana) - Case Study.
In: Otoo, M. and Drechsel, P. (Eds.). Resource recovery from waste: business models for energy, nutrient and water reuse in low- and middle-income countries.
Oxon (UK):
Routledge - Earthscan. Section IV, Chapter 15, pp.617-630.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
Briquettes from agro-waste (Kampala Jellitone Suppliers, Uganda) - Case Study
GEBREZGABHER, S. and MUSISI, A.
(2018):
Briquettes from agro-waste (Kampala Jellitone Suppliers, Uganda) - Case Study.
In: Otoo, M. and Drechsel, P. (Eds.). Resource recovery from waste: business models for energy, nutrient and water reuse in low- and middle-income countries.
Oxon (UK):
Routledge - Earthscan. Section II, Chapter 3, pp.41-51.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
Cooperative model for financially sustainable municipal solid waste composting (NAWACOM, Kenya) - Case Study
OTOO, M., KARANJA, N., ODERO, J. and HOPE, L.
(2018):
Cooperative model for financially sustainable municipal solid waste composting (NAWACOM, Kenya) - Case Study.
In: Otoo, M. and Drechsel, P. (Eds.). Resource recovery from waste: business models for energy, nutrient and water reuse in low- and middle-income countries.
Oxon (UK):
Routledge - Earthscan. Section III, Chapter 3, pp.362-370.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
The Sanitation Economy in Agriculture
TBC
(2018):
The Sanitation Economy in Agriculture.
Sector Level Opportunities, New Toolbox, and Case Study.
Assam (India):
Toilet Board Coalition (TBC).
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2018]
Monitoring water and sanitation in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: An introductory guide
UN-WATER
(2016):
Monitoring water and sanitation in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: An introductory guide.
Geneva (Switzerland):
United Nations Water (UN-Water).
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
M2 – Week 1: Analyse waste supply
Download Materials
Further Readings
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans
OTOO, M., DRECHSEL, P., DANSO, G., GEBREZGABHER, S., RAO, K. and MADURANGI G.
(2016):
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 10.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
M2 – Week 2: Analyse market demand
Download Materials
Further Readings
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans
OTOO, M., DRECHSEL, P., DANSO, G., GEBREZGABHER, S., RAO, K. and MADURANGI G.
(2016):
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 10.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
M2 – Week 3: Analyse your competition
Download Materials
Further Readings
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans
OTOO, M., DRECHSEL, P., DANSO, G., GEBREZGABHER, S., RAO, K. and MADURANGI G.
(2016):
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 10.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
M2 – Week 4: Analyse the institutional environment
Download Materials
Further Readings
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans
OTOO, M., DRECHSEL, P., DANSO, G., GEBREZGABHER, S., RAO, K. and MADURANGI G.
(2016):
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 10.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Doing Business
WORLD BANK GROUP
(n.y):
http://www.doingbusiness.org/
Measuring Business Regulations.
[Accessed: 28.03.2019]
M3 – Week 1: Meet the Business Model Canvas
Download Materials
Further Readings
A public-private partnership linking wastewater treatment and aquaculture (Ghana) - Case Study
AMOAH, P., MUSPRATT, A., DRECHSEL, P. and OTOO, M.
(2018):
A public-private partnership linking wastewater treatment and aquaculture (Ghana) - Case Study.
In: Otoo, M. and Drechsel, P. (Eds.). Resource recovery from waste: business models for energy, nutrient and water reuse in low- and middle-income countries.
Oxon (UK):
Routledge - Earthscan. Section IV, Chapter 15, pp.617-630.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
Briquettes from agro-waste (Kampala Jellitone Suppliers, Uganda) - Case Study
GEBREZGABHER, S. and MUSISI, A.
(2018):
Briquettes from agro-waste (Kampala Jellitone Suppliers, Uganda) - Case Study.
In: Otoo, M. and Drechsel, P. (Eds.). Resource recovery from waste: business models for energy, nutrient and water reuse in low- and middle-income countries.
Oxon (UK):
Routledge - Earthscan. Section II, Chapter 3, pp.41-51.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
Cooperative model for financially sustainable municipal solid waste composting (NAWACOM, Kenya) - Case Study
OTOO, M., KARANJA, N., ODERO, J. and HOPE, L.
(2018):
Cooperative model for financially sustainable municipal solid waste composting (NAWACOM, Kenya) - Case Study.
In: Otoo, M. and Drechsel, P. (Eds.). Resource recovery from waste: business models for energy, nutrient and water reuse in low- and middle-income countries.
Oxon (UK):
Routledge - Earthscan. Section III, Chapter 3, pp.362-370.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
M3 – Week 2: Understand your customers
Download Materials
Further Readings
Value Proposition Design: How to Create Products and Services Customers Want
OSTERWALDER, A., PIGNEUR, Y., BERNANDA, G., SMITH, A. and PAPADAKOS, T.
(2014):
Value Proposition Design: How to Create Products and Services Customers Want.
New Jersey (USA):
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
URL
[Accessed: 28.03.2019]
M4 – Week 1: Plan your production process
Download Materials
Further Readings
Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies. 2nd Revised Edition
This compendium gives a systematic overview on different sanitation systems and technologies and describes a wide range of available low-cost sanitation technologies.
TILLEY, E., ULRICH L., LÜTHI, C., REYMOND P. and ZURBRÜGG C. (2014): Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies. 2nd Revised Edition. Duebendorf, Switzerland: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) URL [Accessed: 03.05.2023] PDFM4 – Week 2: Understand the treatment process
Further Readings
Treatment technologies for urban solid biowaste to create value products: a review with focus on low- and middle-income settings
LOHRI, C. R., DIENER, S., ZABALETA, I. MERTENAT, A. and ZURBRÜGG, C.
(2017):
Treatment technologies for urban solid biowaste to create value products: a review with focus on low- and middle-income settings.
In: Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology, Volume 16, Issue 1, pp 81–130.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
PDF
M4 – Week 3A: Design technology systems for nutrient recovery
Further Readings
Co-composting of Solid Waste and Fecal Sludge for Nutrient and Organic Matter Recovery
COFIE, O., NIKIEMA, J., IMPRAIM, R., ADAMTEY, N., PAUL, J. and KONÉ, D.
(2016):
Co-composting of Solid Waste and Fecal Sludge for Nutrient and Organic Matter Recovery.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 3.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Decentralized composting in India
DRESCHER, S. and ZURBRÜGG, C.
(2004):
Decentralized composting in India.
In: Harper et al. Sustainable Composting: Case Studies in Guidelines for Developing Countries.
Loughborough (UK):
Water Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC), Loughborough University, Part2: Case Studies, Chapter 3, pp.15-27.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
PDF
Sustainable Composting: Case Studies in Guidelines for Developing Countries
HARPER, M., PERVEZ, A., ROUSE, J., DRESCHER, S. and ZUEBRÜGG, C.
(2004):
Sustainable Composting: Case Studies in Guidelines for Developing Countries.
Loughborough (UK):
Water Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC), Loughborough University.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Low Cost Composting Training Manual: techniques based on the UN-Habitat/Urban Harvest-CIP community based waste management initiatives
KARANJA, N., KWACH, H. and NJENGA, M.
(2005):
Low Cost Composting Training Manual: techniques based on the UN-Habitat/Urban Harvest-CIP community based waste management initiatives.
Nairobi (Kenya):
UN-Habitat.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Basic Principles of Composting
LSU
(n.y):
Basic Principles of Composting.
Louisana (USA):
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter).
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans
OTOO, M., DRECHSEL, P., DANSO, G., GEBREZGABHER, S., RAO, K. and MADURANGI G.
(2016):
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 10.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Decentralised Composting for Cities of Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A User’s Manual
ROTHENBERGER, S., ZURBRÜGG, C., ENAYETULLAH, and SINHA, M.
(2006):
Decentralised Composting for Cities of Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A User’s Manual.
Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Dübendorf (Switzerland):
Waste Concern and Eawag/Sandec.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Marketing Compost - A Guide for Compost Producers in Low and Middle-Income Countries
ROUSE, J., ROTHENBERGER, S. and ZURBRÜGG, C.
(2008):
Marketing Compost - A Guide for Compost Producers in Low and Middle-Income Countries.
Dübendorf (Switzerland):
Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag).
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
M4 – Week 3B: Design technology systems for energy recovery
Download Materials
Further Readings
A Review on Production, Marketing and Use of Fuel Briquettes
ASAMOAH, B., NIKIEMA, J., GEBREZGABHER, S., ODONKOR, E. and NJENGA, M. A.
(2016):
A Review on Production, Marketing and Use of Fuel Briquettes.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 7.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Briquette Businesses in Uganda. The potential for briquette enterprises to address the sustainability of the Ugandan biomass fuel market
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans
OTOO, M., DRECHSEL, P., DANSO, G., GEBREZGABHER, S., RAO, K. and MADURANGI G.
(2016):
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 10.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Treatment technologies for urban solid biowaste to create value products: a review with focus on low- and middle-income settings
LOHRI, C. R., DIENER, S., ZABALETA, I. MERTENAT, A. and ZURBRÜGG, C.
(2017):
Treatment technologies for urban solid biowaste to create value products: a review with focus on low- and middle-income settings.
In: Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology, Volume 16, Issue 1, pp 81–130.
URL
[Accessed: 26.03.2019]
PDF
M4 – Week 3C: Design technology systems for water recovery
Further Readings
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans
OTOO, M., DRECHSEL, P., DANSO, G., GEBREZGABHER, S., RAO, K. and MADURANGI G.
(2016):
Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans.
Colombo (Sri Lanka):
International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 10.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Chapter 3 - Technology Selection
VEENSTRA, S., ALAERTS, G. and BIJLSMA, M.
(1997):
Chapter 3 - Technology Selection.
In: Helmer, R. and Hespanhol, I. (Eds). Water Pollution Control - A Guide to the Use of Water Quality Management Principles.
London (UK):
World Health Organization (WHO)/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume I. Policy and Regulatory Aspects
Volume I of the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Greywater focuses on policy, regulation and institutional arrangements. Accordingly, its intended readership is made up of policy-makers and those with regulatory responsibilities. It provides guidance on policy formulation, harmonisation and mainstreaming, on regulatory mechanisms and on establishing institutional links between the various interested sectors and parties. It also presents a synthesis of the key issues from Volumes II, III, and IV and the index for all four volumes as well as a glossary of terms used in all four volumes is presented in Annex 1.
WHO (2006): Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume I. Policy and Regulatory Aspects. Geneva: World Health Organisation URL [Accessed: 10.04.2019]Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume II. Wastewater Use in Agriculture
Volume II of the Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater provides information on the assessment and management of risks associated with microbial hazards and toxic chemicals. It explains requirements to promote the safe use of wastewater in agriculture, including minimum procedures and specific health-based targets, and how those requirements are intended to be used. It also describes the approaches used in deriving the guidelines, including health-based targets, and includes a substantive revision of approaches to ensuring microbial safety.
WHO (2006): Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume II. Wastewater Use in Agriculture. Geneva: World Health Organisation URL [Accessed: 05.06.2019] PDFGuidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume III. Wastewater and Excreta Use in Aquaculture
Volume III of the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Greywater deals with wastewater and excreta use in aquaculture and describes the present state of knowledge regarding the impact of wastewater-fed aquaculture on the health of producers, product consumers and local communities. It assesses the associated health risks and provides an integrated preventive management framework.
WHO (2006): Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume III. Wastewater and Excreta Use in Aquaculture. Geneva: World Health Organisation URL [Accessed: 08.05.2019]Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume IV. Excreta and Greywater Use in Agriculture
Volume IV of the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Greywater recognizes the reuse potential of wastewater and excreta (including urine) in agriculture and describes the present state of knowledge as regards potential health risks associated with the reuse as well as measures to manage these health risks following a multi-barrier approach.
WHO (2006): Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater excreta and greywater. Volume IV. Excreta and Greywater Use in Agriculture. Geneva: World Health Organisation (WHO) URL [Accessed: 09.05.2019] PDFM6 – Week 1: Set objectives and plan activities for launch
Download Materials
Further Readings
Business Plan Of SLD Company on Carbonized Charcoal Briquette made from Agricultural Wastes
ABAN, R., ECAT, J., ESPIRITU, R., MACUJA, A., MANAOG, E., PERMISON, N., SIBAYAN, C. and VILLA, N.
(2012):
Business Plan Of SLD Company on Carbonized Charcoal Briquette made from Agricultural Wastes.
Pasig (Philippines):
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
M6 – Week 2: Finance the launch
Download Materials
Further Readings
Business Plan Of SLD Company on Carbonized Charcoal Briquette made from Agricultural Wastes
ABAN, R., ECAT, J., ESPIRITU, R., MACUJA, A., MANAOG, E., PERMISON, N., SIBAYAN, C. and VILLA, N.
(2012):
Business Plan Of SLD Company on Carbonized Charcoal Briquette made from Agricultural Wastes.
Pasig (Philippines):
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig.
URL
[Accessed: 27.03.2019]
How To Write a Business Plan To Start Your Own Business [Video File]
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS FORUM
(2016):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqch5OrUPvA
[Accessed: 28.03.2019]
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