How Biochar is Transforming Agriculture: Insights from Kenyan Farmers on Sustainable Practices

One of the Kenya leading Televisions, Citizen Tv recently aired news which has gone viral showing a powerful field testimony that shades light on the transformative potential of biochar in boosting agricultural productivity and advancing sustainable farming practices across Kenya.

Captured in a recent video, a small holder coffee farmer, Wesley Kosgei in Kericho showcases remarkable results after applying biochar to his previously degraded farmland.

According to the farmer, plots treated with biochar demonstrated significantly stronger plant growth, healthier soil, and higher yields compared to untreated areas. “The difference is clear,” he says in the video, pointing to lush, green crops flourishing in biochar-enriched soil. “It’s affordable, simple to use, and it works.”

The publication not only highlights the practical benefits of biochar but also aligns directly with the goals of the Circular Bio-nutrient Economy Network (CBEN), which promotes the recycling of organic waste into valuable agricultural inputs. Biochar—produced through pyrolysis of organic materials—is a cornerstone in regenerative agriculture, improving soil fertility while capturing carbon.

Even as  International Biochar Initiative in collaborations with CBEN prepare for the upcoming First IBI Biochar Academy in Africa from June 2–6, 2025, at the Sunstar Hotel in Thika, Kenya, the event will bring together experts, farmers, and innovators from across Africa and beyond for training sessions on carbon markets, nutrient recovery systems, and hands-on demonstrations, More so in Biochar productions. The Academy aims to accelerate the adoption of circular bioeconomy solutions.

By Erick Opiyo Abala

Head of Communications -CBEN