Biochar Research and Development: Building Knowledge and Expanding Field Impact

The Circular Bionutrient Economy Network (CBEN) continues to strengthen biochar research and implementation across Africa through advanced studies, farmer training, and cross-country collaborations. Recent findings and updates highlight the group’s commitment to evidence-based scaling of biochar technologies that restore soils, improve crop yields, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

CBEN members during the Monthly Call

During the recent monthly call, CBEN’s Programs Manager, Bella Culotta, presented significant progress in understanding biochar’s soil buffering capacity. Through detailed laboratory experiments and field trials, the study revealed that biochar particle size plays a crucial role in neutralizing soil acidity. Smaller biochar particles were found to absorb more protons over time, effectively improving soil pH balance. Among the tested feedstocks—dairy manure, corn stover, and hazelnut shells—dairy manure biochar demonstrated the highest buffering capacity due to its porous structure and strong acid-neutralizing properties. These findings suggest that optimizing biochar particle size could further enhance soil health, although handling challenges such as dust loss and worker safety must be carefully managed.

Operationally, the discussion underscored the need for safer and more practical biochar products. While no formal regulations currently exist on particle size, dust suppression and moisture control remain essential for safe handling. Farmers generally prefer biochar that resembles soil rather than charcoal, indicating that pelletizing could be a key solution. Pelletized biochar reduces dust hazards, improves usability, and enhances market acceptance, even though it may require additional equipment and maintenance costs.

In Ethiopia, a six-month pilot project with Jimma University trained 123 farmers and will soon train 30 extension agents, focusing on soil testing and yield improvement. In Burundi, through the founder of BioAmak, Olivier Majambere, a new biochar-based fertilizer enterprise combining biochar and vermicompost has been launched—signaling a strong shift toward local entrepreneurship and product innovation.

CBEN’s integrated approach linking research, technology, and farmer engagement to strengthen Africa’s circular bioeconomy.

A key theme emerging from these initiatives is the importance of data sharing and collaboration. CBEN members emphasized the collection of open-access trial data across regions to strengthen collective evidence and inform scaling decisions. By pooling results from multiple countries and integrating scientific insights with local farmer experiences, CBEN is building a solid foundation for the commercial and sustainable adoption of biochar across Africa—advancing both scientific understanding and community impact.

CBEN is now planning an upcoming Regional Study Tour designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of scalable biochar technologies and carbon-sink project management. The tour will introduce the digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) tool as a reliable system for tracking, validating, and certifying carbon removal projects. It will also highlight bamboo biochar as a climate-smart livelihood model that links environmental protection with farmer income generation, and promote integrated waste recovery systems by showcasing Black Soldier Fly enterprises as complementary nutrient and carbon recovery solutions.

This initiative will further strengthen CBEN’s role as a knowledge-sharing hub, enhancing farmer networks, regional partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. CBEN will soon finalize its formalization process and begin member registration in the new year, as it continues to build broader partnerships, foster collaboration, and advance its core objectives in sustainable agricultural practices and circular bioeconomy development across East Africa.

By Erick O. Abala

Head of Communications-CBEN