Participatory Trials of On-Farm Biochar Production and Use in Tamale, Ghana

Introduction

Soil degradation is a major challenge for smallholder farmers in Ghana, leading to low crop yields and food insecurity. This study tested a participatory approach to biochar production—meaning farmers were actively involved in making and using biochar, a soil-enhancing material made by burning organic waste in a low-oxygen environment.

The goal was to see if biochar could improve soil fertility, increase food production, and provide an affordable solution for farmers struggling with poor soil quality.

What is Biochar and Why is it Important?

Biochar is a carbon-rich material made by burning plant waste (like rice husks and corn stalks) without oxygen. When mixed with soil, it holds onto nutrients, retains moisture, and improves soil structure, helping plants grow better.

It also has climate benefits because it stores carbon in the soil, reducing CO₂ emissions and improving long-term soil health.

How the Study Was Conducted

The study was carried out in Tamale, Ghana, where farmers were trained to produce biochar using simple stoves. They then tested biochar on their own fields, particularly with maize and groundnut crops. Researchers compared the results to fields without biochar.

Farmers shared their experiences, helping researchers understand the practical benefits and challenges of using biochar in real farming conditions.

Key Findings: Economic & Environmental Benefits

1. Higher Crop Yields = More Income for Farmers

• Maize and groundnut yields increased significantly when biochar was used.
• This means farmers could grow more food and earn more money without buying expensive fertilizers.

2. Biochar is Affordable and Easy to Produce

• Farmers used crop waste (like rice husks) to make biochar, meaning it was nearly free.
• The stoves used for production were simple and low-cost, making the process accessible for small-scale farmers.

3. Improves Soil Quality for Long-Term Benefits

• Biochar traps nutrients in the soil, preventing them from washing away.
• It helps retain water, making it useful in dry climates where drought is a problem.

4. Environmental Benefits: Reducing CO₂ Emissions

• Biochar stores carbon in the soil rather than releasing it into the air like traditional burning methods.
• This makes it a climate-friendly farming solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

• Not all farmers had enough crop waste to make biochar in large amounts.
• Some farmers needed more training and support to perfect the biochar-making process.
• Scaling up production requires better access to materials and stoves.

Despite these challenges, farmers liked the results and were willing to continue using biochar if they had the right resources.

Conclusion: A Scalable Solution for Sustainable Farming

This study showed that biochar can be an affordable, easy-to-use solution for farmers facing poor soil conditions. By improving crop yields, it helps farmers increase their income, while also reducing the environmental impact of traditional farming methods.

With the right support, biochar could be scaled up across Ghana and other African countries to help small farmers grow more food sustainably.