Solidaridad, Kvuno, Planboo, and the Cotton Development Trust have joined forces to support sustainable agriculture in Zambia through 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 technology. This partnership equips smallholder farmers with the knowledge and tools to produce biochar, a 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 made from agricultural waste that improves soil fertility, enhances water retention, and promotes microbial activity.

Biochar also contributes to climate change mitigation by capturing carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and generating carbon credits for farmers. The initiative is part of Solidaridad’s Pathways to Prosperity programme, which integrates sustainable practices like intercropping, conservation farming, and water-use efficiency to enhance soil health and boost productivity.

Kvuno’s role is pivotal, connecting farmers to biochar technology and providing training on climate-resilient farming practices. “This partnership empowers farmers to improve soil health and yields while accessing carbon finance,” said Lydia Banda, Kvuno’s Regional Operations Lead. Planboo adds scalable biochar production technology and expertise, enabling the transformation of agricultural residues into a valuable resource for soils and carbon sequestration.

Eilidh Dempsey of Planboo emphasized biochar’s dual role as a soil enhancer and climate action tool. “This project enables Zambian farmers to increase yields, sequester carbon, and generate income through carbon credits.”

This timely initiative addresses Zambia’s environmental challenges while offering a model for sustainable agriculture across southern Africa. Solidaridad calls for stakeholder support to scale technologies like biochar and bolster smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change.

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