Ammar Bello, a construction management researcher at Northeastern University, USA, has identified the use of agro-waste materials as a breakthrough opportunity in the race toward greener, more sustainable construction in Africa and other developing regions.

In a recent peer-reviewed study published in March 2025, in the International Journal of Innovation and Industrial Revolution and earlier presented at the 7th International Research Conference on Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences and Technology in December 2024, Bello and his co-author, Shamsuddeen Yusuf Umar, explored the untapped potential of groundnut shells and other agricultural by-products as sustainable substitutes for conventional building materials like cement, fine aggregates, and insulation materials.

According to the study, agro-waste materials not only offer environmental benefits by reducing embodied carbon and construction waste but also help lower costs significantly — a welcome development for regions battling high construction expenses and limited material availability. “The construction sector continues to exert pressure on finite natural resources,” Bello said. “We need alternative materials that are abundant, affordable, and capable of delivering structural and thermal performance, and agro-waste presents a viable solution.”

The study found that when processed correctly, materials like groundnut shell ash (GSA) meet many of the technical and chemical criteria required for effective use in lightweight blocks, thermal insulation, and cementitious applications. GSA, with silica content ranging from 16% to 51%, was shown to contribute to strength development in concrete and promote energy savings through insulation properties.
However, the researchers also highlighted regulatory and technical gaps that must be addressed for widespread adoption. “The lack of standardized guidelines and the variability in agro-waste material quality remain challenges, but these are surmountable with targeted policy and continued innovation,” Bello noted.

The research underscores that adopting agro-waste construction materials could support rural economies by creating new markets for farmers, while also helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions linked to traditional material processing. By reducing the demand for river sand, cement, and other extractive inputs, the study suggests that agro-waste utilization aligns with both environmental and economic development goals.

The report also emphasized potential applications of agro-waste in ceiling tiles, wall insulation, bricks, and reinforcement components, noting successful international case studies involving palm shells, coconut coir, rice husk, and oyster shells. Bello said the integration of these materials could reduce construction costs by up to 30% in low-income housing schemes, especially when combined with modern bio-composites and local labor systems.

In a related study titled “Examining the Relationship Between Road Construction Quality and Traffic Safety Performance in Nigeria,” which he presented at the 5th Kuala Lumpur International Conference on Social Sciences, Education and Engineering in December 2024, Bello analyzed road infrastructure in Northern Nigeria and found a strong correlation between substandard construction materials, poor workmanship, and increased traffic accidents. That study also recommended stricter contractor oversight and the integration of predictive analytics in highway risk management.

While praising growing awareness around green building practices, Bello warned that global construction must now move from awareness to implementation, especially in developing economies most vulnerable to climate impact. “This is about building smart, sustainable, and inclusive. Agro-waste is no longer just a waste problem; it is a resource opportunity.”

As part of ongoing efforts, Bello is working on a roadmap to promote the use of agro-residues in mainstream construction through policy engagement, field testing, and public-private collaboration. He hopes to pilot some of these solutions through a planned U.S.-based consultancy dedicated to AI-enhanced and sustainability-focused construction innovations.

The study received positive feedback for its real-world relevance and practical recommendations. It has already been recognized by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), with Bello receiving a National Merit Award and an additional regional award for his contributions to civil engineering policy and public safety.