Keeling Curve

Primary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Over 85% of Muranga county population are rural smallholder farmers practicing rain-fed mixed agriculture, in average one-acre piece of land. Climate change has degraded soils in most parts of the county, contributing to persistent low food production, hunger and poverty, particularly among vulnerable women and youth farmers. Maize is a common food crop grown by all farmers in the county. Most farmers either burn, feed livestock or sell maize stovers from harvested crops, thereby increasing greenhouse gases(GHG) emission. Studies indicate biochar has potential to improve soil fertility by reducing leaching of nutrients, increasing soil water holding capacity and carbon sequestration.  Biochar can easily be made by any farmer from organic wastes. Further studies indicate mixing biochar with animal manure makes quality fertilizer. The project will demonstrate production and use of biochar, and mix with chicken manure to produce maize by vulnerable smallholder farmers and youth in the county. Target group will be trained to produce and use the biochar fertilizer in their farms. Unemployed youth will be sensitized on entrepreneurship opportunities in the biochar value chain. Target group will further be sensitized on other benefits of biochar including compost making and carbon credit market.

Website:

http://www.afneed.org

Mission Statement:

To empower underserved Africa rural smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, participation in resilient sustainable agrifood systems for improved livelihoods.