Slash and Biochar, Not Slash and Burn: Building Africa's Circular Bio-economy Future

CBEA Members during the Monhlty Call

The Circular Bio-nutrient Economy Association (CBEA) successfully held its August Monthly Knowledge Sharing Call on 3 August 2026, bringing together members from across its growing network to learn from leading experts on the role of biochar in sustainable landscape management. The session featured an insightful presentation on Biochar Systems and Landscape Approach: Advancing Sustainable Solutions Through Collaboration by Prof. Mary Njenga, a senior Research Scientist, Bioenergy and Circular Bioeconomy and Lead Refugee Centred Programme at Landscape Alliance- CIFOR & ICRAF . The presentation was co-authored with David Lelei, Neville Mapenzi, Paolo Cerutti, Solomie Gebrezgabher, and Leimona Beria.

The presentation challenged participants to view biochar not simply as a soil amendment but as a transformative component of integrated landscape restoration that can simultaneously address environmental, social, and economic challenges.

The discussion centred on the landscape approach, a holistic framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of forests, agricultural lands, water resources, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Rather than pursuing isolated interventions, the presenters emphasized that sustainable development requires integrated solutions capable of delivering multiple benefits at the same time. Biochar systems were highlighted as one such solution, with the potential to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use, climate change mitigation and adaptation, food and nutrition security, and the creation of secure and sustainable livelihoods. Dr. David Lelei a Soil Scientist at Landscape Alliance filled participants in with benefits of biochar in soil amendment including how to determine application rates. An example was shared on how biochar systems work at Yangambi Engagement Landscape supported by FCDO and EU is enhancing ecosystems interconnected.

While biochar is widely recognized for improving soil health, enhancing nutrient retention, increasing water-holding capacity, and supporting sustainable agricultural production, the discussion also acknowledged its broader applications. Biochar can be used in carbon sequestration to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, wastewater and drinking water treatment through adsorption of contaminants, livestock production as a feed additive and bedding material, composting to reduce nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions, odor control, and as a component in renewable energy and circular bioeconomy systems where agricultural and organic waste are transformed into valuable products. These diverse applications demonstrate that biochar is much more than a soil amendment—it is a versatile climate-smart technology that supports environmental restoration, resource efficiency, and sustainable economic development when integrated into landscape management approaches.

The work of the Center for International Forestry Research and International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (CIFOR & ICRAF), one of the world's leading research organizations dedicated to forests, trees, agroforestry, and sustainable landscapes. The presentation highlighted the institution's extensive global reach, with nearly 900 staff, offices in 25 countries, and active programmes in more than 90 countries. There was a reflection on the history of the two organizations, explaining how the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), established through collaboration with the Government of Kenya, and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), established in Indonesia, evolved into independent CGIAR research centres that now work together to advance research for sustainable development worldwide.

The session further showcased the strategic partnerships that support global landscape transformation through research, innovation, and collaboration. Among the initiatives highlighted were the Forests,

Trees and Agroforestry Partnership (FTAP), the Blue Carbon Partnership, the Global Landscapes Forum, and the Resilient Landscapes initiative. The presenters explained how these platforms bring together researchers, governments, development partners, investors, and local communities to accelerate the adoption of sustainable land-use practices. They also introduced participants to important strategic assets such as the world's largest agroforestry genebank, advanced tropical soil archives and spectral libraries, longitudinal climate and landscape datasets, and engagement landscapes operating across Africa and other regions. These resources collectively strengthen evidence-based decision-making and promote scalable solutions for sustainable development.

Another important aspect of the presentation focused on the application of circular bioeconomy principles within refugee settings. As illustrated, the recovery and reuse of resources can create synergies between water, nutrient, and energy flows at both household and community levels, demonstrating that waste streams can become valuable resources when managed through circular economy approaches.

This integrated thinking contributes not only to improved environmental management but also to greater resilience, livelihoods, and food security in humanitarian contexts. The discussion highlighted previous work on Resource Recovery and Reuse (RRR) in Displacement in East Africa, implemented between 2019 and 2023 across Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia with support from GIZ-BMZ, as well as the ongoing Nature Positive Solutions for Livelihoods and Peacebuilding (C-PEACE) initiative operating in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana with support from CGIAR. These programmes exemplify how research and innovation can be translated into practical interventions that improve the lives of displaced populations while protecting natural ecosystems.

The presentation stimulated meaningful discussion among CBEA members, reinforcing the importance of integrating biochar within broader landscape restoration and circular bioeconomy strategies. Participants reflected on the opportunities for scaling biochar technologies through partnerships, research, and community engagement while ensuring that environmental conservation, climate resilience, and socio-economic development are pursued together rather than independently.

As CBEA continues to strengthen its role as a regional platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration, its monthly knowledge-sharing sessions remain instrumental in connecting researchers, practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development partners working towards a more sustainable circular bioeconomy. The session reaffirmed that achieving resilient landscapes and thriving communities requires integrated solutions, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

 By Erick Opiyo Abala

Head Of Communications-CBEA