The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) is championing the use of compost and 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 technologies among smallholder farmers, especially women, in northern Ghana. These technologies offer cost-effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers, enhancing soil structure and boosting crop yields.

Compost, a nutrient-rich mixture from decomposed organic materials, and biochar, a carbon-rich organic matter produced through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, provide significant benefits for soil fertility. CSIR-SARI recently conducted hands-on training for 120 farmers across four communities in the Wa East District and Jirapa Municipality.

The initiative is part of a larger project funded by the USA-based organization Grow Further, aimed at promoting Bambara groundnut cultivation. This project seeks to improve food security, enhance nutrition, and increase income among smallholder farmers. Despite declining soil fertility in the region, there have been limited efforts to introduce effective soil improvement technologies.

By training farmers on biochar and compost preparation, CSIR-SARI aims to address this gap. Biochar and compost are made from local materials, reducing the need for costly chemical fertilizers. This is particularly beneficial for women farmers, who often work on less fertile land and face financial constraints.

The training emphasized practical steps in biochar and compost production, highlighting their economic advantages and potential to improve soil nutrients. Participants expressed gratitude for this intervention, noting it would alleviate their struggles in obtaining fertilizers. This sustainable approach promises to transform agricultural practices, ensuring better yields and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers in northern Ghana.

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