Tosin O. Olanrewaju, Abigail S. Engelberth
Circular agricultural systems (CAS) offer a promising pathway toward sustainable food production by closing nutrient loops, valorizing waste, and integrating multifunctional outputs. However, current techno-economic analysis (TEA) methodologies often fall short in capturing the complexity and benefit of these systems. This letter identifies key limitations in existing TEA approaches, including inconsistent system boundaries, inadequate valuation of coproducts and internal loops, lack of standardized indicators, and insufficient integration of environmental and social dimensions. To address these challenges, we propose an improved TEA framework tailored to CAS. The framework incorporates dynamic modeling, life cycle assessment (LCA), multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), robust uncertainty analysis, and stakeholder engagement. By aligning economic feasibility with ecological sustainability and social value, this integrative approach enhances the relevance and applicability of TEA for circular agriculture, supporting informed decision-making and policy development.