Biochar: Biomass Charcoal for Soil improvement

Biochar, a powerfully circular way to fight climate change Soil degradation and unsustainable energy use are two pressing barriers to agricultural development and climate adaptation across Africa. Over 40% of soils are unable to retain water or nutrients, resulting in poor crop yields despite fertiliser inputs. Farmers use only 20 kg of fertiliser per hectare—compared to the global average of 135 kg—because of affordability and inefficiency. In parallel, 70% of people in sub-Saharan Africa depend on biomass for energy, contributing to environmental degradation. These interconnected challenges directly impact food security, environmental health, and resilience to climate change. Biochar provides a cross-cutting solution: it improves soil quality, enhances fertilizer effectiveness, reduces deforestation, and sequesters carbon. Supporting biochar initiatives aligns with climate action, sustainable agriculture, and green energy agendas. It offers a high-impact investment for building resilient food systems and restoring ecosystems.