Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, faces significant challenges from climate change, traditional farming practices, and declining soil fertility. Despite a fivefold increase in fertilizer application since the 1980s, cereal yields have only risen by 10%. In response to these pressing issues, environmental engineer Mahider Solomon, founder of Energetic Eco Char, advocates for biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More as a sustainable and localized solution for soil remediation and increased agricultural productivity. Solomon’s work, highlighted in a Shega article, centers on utilizing an abundant and invasive shrub to produce this ancient soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More.

Mahder Solomon’s journey into biochar began with academic exploration into alternative energy sources, leading her to identify Prosopis juliflora as a promising input. This thorny evergreen shrub, introduced to Ethiopia in the 1970s, has since become an invasive species, covering over 1 million hectares, approximately 12.5% of Ethiopia’s landmass. Solomon recognized that this widespread issue could be transformed into a valuable resource for biochar production. The removal of P. juliflora offers a dual benefit: not only does it provide a sustainable feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More for biochar, but studies in the Afar region also indicate that cropland cleared of P. juliflora shows a 26% higher yield compared to land with no invasion history. This compelling statistic underscores the potential for integrated environmental management and agricultural improvement.

Solomon’s entrepreneurial venture, Energetic Eco Char, is dedicated to producing and promoting biochar as a viable alternative to costly imported fertilizers. She emphasizes the need for “local solutions for local farmers,” a principle that underpins her business model. Her powdered biochar currently sells for 30 Birr per gram, with 70 grams sufficient to enrich a square meter of land. This accessible pricing model aims to make biochar a practical option for Ethiopian farmers. Beyond the powdered form, Solomon is also actively experimenting with liquid biochar formulations, showcasing her commitment to innovation and diversification of applications. Furthermore, she explores the use of coffee waste as an additional input, aligning with her long-term vision to expand both the sources of raw materials and the range of biochar products. This approach not only addresses soil degradation but also offers a pathway for sustainable waste management.

The promise of biochar in Ethiopia is gaining recognition, with projects like Eth-Soil demonstrating early successes by combining biochar with compost or fermentation residues from biogas plants to create a potent biochar-based fertilizer. These initiatives validate Solomon’s belief in biochar’s potential to revitalize degraded land. With an estimated 85% of Ethiopia’s land being moderately to severely degraded, the widespread adoption of biochar, particularly from readily available invasive species like P. juliflora, could significantly contribute to the country’s food security and economic stability. Solomon’s efforts exemplify how innovative local solutions, rooted in ancient practices and supported by modern scientific understanding, can address complex environmental and agricultural challenges. Her work highlights the transformative impact that a focused and entrepreneurial approach can have on a nation’s most vital sector.