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Determined to improve food production through soil fertility and health, the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), has equipped farmers and extension agents with requisite skills in Biochar production in Kano.
The beneficiaries currently enlisted under the KSADP projects being implemented by Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), were broadened with capacity to produce the carbon-rich material as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolyzing biomass, contain either plant or animal matter in a low-oxygen environment. It is a stable and porous material that can be added to soil to improve its health and fertility.
Biochar production is well-suited for regenerative agriculture being promoted by KSADP through SAA in the areas of increased soil carbon content, improve water holding capacity, increase nutrient availability, support soil microbial life, improve soil structure and reduce soil acidity.
A statement released by Communication Officer, SAA, Moses Nongoatse, read that the capacity building session for farmers covered both the theoretical and practical aspects of Biochar production, designed to help the beneficiaries improve their crop yields while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and other inputs.
According to him, the system will enable farmers to remedy contaminated soils, improve manure management and reduce methane emissions from livestock production.
“The training activity contains a theoretical overview of Biochar production, including its benefits, different types and pyrolysis process. Trainees also learned how to identify and select suitable feedstock materials for Biochar production and how to operate a pyrolysis reactor.
“The practical sessions of the training focused on the pyrolysis process itself. The trainees learnt how to load the feedstock materials into the reactor, control the pyrolysis temperature and collect and store the Biochar. They were equally equipped with how to troubleshoot common problems during Biochar production and apply Biochar to the soil and crops.”
KSADP/SAA Project Coordinator, Abdulrasheed Hamisu Kofarmata, further added that the training provided the trainees in each location with a Biochar production kit, which included a pyrolysis reactor, a feedstock grinder and a supply of feedstock materials.
Kofar mata noted that the equipment will allow the trainees to start producing their own Biochar immediately and begin to reap the benefits of the innovative farming practice.
“We are excited to offer this ongoing training program to farmers, EAs and CBFs. Biochar production is a simple and affordable way that enable farmers to improve their soil health and crop yields while reducing their environmental impact.
“The training program was well-received by the participants, who expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about Biochar production/utilization and to receive the necessary equipment to get started”, Kofar-Mata added.
A farmer from Garzo local government area, Ahmad Yusuf, was full of gratitude to KSADP/SAA project which he said, has afforded him the opportunity to improve on his farming knowledge.
“I have learnt much about Biochar production and I am excited to use this fertilizer on my farm. I am confident that Biochar will help me to improve my soil health and increase my crop yields.”
Sasakawa Africa Association is an international Agricultural non-profit organization supporting sustainable agriculture in Africa. The organization provides smallholder farmers with training, resources and support services to help them adopt sustainable farming practices.