Y1 Progress report | Ato Fanyin-Martin

Generation of Sustainable Energy from Microwave Catalytic Pyrolysis

of Agro-Products

Progress during the first year has aligned with the approved work plan, with substantial achievements in establishing the scientific, technical, and stakeholder foundations required for the project's successful implementation. Although some activities have progressed more slowly than originally anticipated due to equipment procurement, the project remains on course to achieve its overall objectives through strategic adjustments to the implementation schedule.

Significant progress was achieved under Work Package 1 (WP1): Feedstock Identification and Characterisation. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and extensive field visits were undertaken to identify suitable agricultural residues in selected farming communities. Following stakeholder consultations and field assessments, cocoa pod husks, maize residues (corn cobs and stalks), and palm kernel shells were selected as the principal feedstocks for the study. Representative samples were collected and subjected to comprehensive laboratory characterisation. These activities fulfilled the primary objectives of establishing the physicochemical properties and the suitability of the selected feedstocks for microwave-catalytic pyrolysis.

Good progress was also made under Work Package 2 (WP2): Reactor Development and Deployment. Technical consultations with equipment suppliers and local fabricators resulted in the successful design of a laboratory-scale pyrolysis reactor, which is currently under fabrication. Procurement activities for the specialised microwave catalytic pyrolysis reactor also progressed during the reporting period. Although the procurement process took longer than anticipated due to equipment customisation and international sourcing requirements, this has not altered the project's overall objectives. Instead, the delay provided an opportunity to strengthen laboratory preparedness, refine experimental protocols, and complete additional technical and scholarly work before commencing reactor-based experiments.

Beyond the technical activities, substantial progress was made in stakeholder engagement and capacity development. Productive interactions with farming communities provided valuable information on biomass availability, existing residue management practices, and potential future applications of biochar within local farming systems. The engagements strengthened the project's transdisciplinary nature and ensured that future technology development remains responsive to community needs. An extensive literature review undertaken during the reporting period formed the basis for comprehensive review manuscripts on microwave catalytic pyrolysis and the bioenergy potential of selected Ghanaian agricultural residues. Furthermore, the outputs have strengthened the project's scientific foundation and positioned it for future peer-reviewed publications.

I viewed research primarily through the lens of my discipline as a Chemical Engineer, focusing on developing technical solutions through rigorous experimental design, laboratory investigations, and data analysis. While I appreciated the value of collaborating with other researchers, I regarded scientific excellence and technical rigour as the principal drivers of impactful research. However, over the past twelve months, my understanding of transdisciplinary research has evolved considerably. Through the Future Africa workshops, interactions with fellows from diverse disciplines, and engagement with farming communities, I have realised that addressing complex sustainability challenges requires more than technical expertise. It demands collaboration across disciplines and meaningful engagement with stakeholders who contribute diverse knowledge, experience, and perspectives. This reflects the FAR-LeaF philosophy of integrating scientific excellence with systems thinking, stakeholder participation, and societal relevance.

A defining lesson came from my engagement with farming communities. Initially, these interactions were intended to facilitate biomass collection, but they provided valuable insights into agricultural practices, biomass availability, and the existing uses of agricultural residues. This local knowledge directly influenced feedstock selection and research planning, demonstrating that scientific evidence is strengthened when combined with community experience.

Furthermore, the project reinforced the importance of adaptability. When rice husks proved difficult to source, field observations and stakeholder engagement informed the decision to focus on cocoa pod husks, maize residues, and palm kernel shells. Overall, the Programme has transformed my perspective from viewing research as primarily a technical exercise to recognising it as a collaborative process that integrates scientific knowledge with stakeholder engagement to develop sustainable, locally relevant solutions. Thus, community engagement has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my research during the first year. My work involved interactions with farming communities in the Samanhyia, Huniso, and Pepesa regions of Ghana, where significant quantities of agricultural residues, such as cocoa pod husks, maize residues, and palm kernel shells, are generated. Although these visits were initially intended to support feedstock identification and collection, they quickly became an invaluable source of contextual knowledge that strengthened the research.

One of the most rewarding experiences was the willingness of farmers and community leaders to share their knowledge of farming practices, seasonal biomass availability, and residue management. These discussions highlighted that agricultural residues are not always regarded as waste. Some are used to improve soil fertility, while others support local livelihoods through the production of potash, traditional soap, or as household fuel. Understanding these competing uses influenced my feedstock selection strategy and reinforced the need to develop bioenergy technologies that complement rather than replace existing community practices.

However, the engagement process also presented some challenges. Building trust required patience and respect for local protocols, including consultations with community leaders and chief farmers before sampling activities could commence. Managing expectations was equally important, as some community members anticipated immediate technological or economic benefits from the project. Clear communication was therefore essential to explain the developmental nature of the research and the anticipated long-term benefits. Overall, these experiences have reinforced my appreciation of communities as active research partners whose knowledge and perspectives contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable, locally relevant bioenergy solutions. This collaborative approach aligns closely with the Programme's transdisciplinary vision, which promotes co-created, context-specific solutions to complex sustainability challenges.

Overall, the first year has successfully delivered the preparatory activities required for the subsequent experimental phase. Ethical approval has been secured, stakeholder networks have been established, laboratory characterisation has been completed, reactor design has progressed, and the research's scientific foundation has been significantly strengthened. As the project enters its second year, the focus will shift to reactor commissioning, catalyst development, experimental optimisation, product characterisation, and environmental and techno-economic assessment, in accordance with the approved workplan. The progress achieved during the first year provides confidence that the project remains well-positioned to meet its intended objectives and deliver meaningful scientific and societal impact.

Annual report submitted by Dr Ato Fanyin-Martin

(summarised for publication by Heidi Sonnekus for the FAR-LeaF Programme)