This engagement forms part of broader efforts under Swisscontact’s Sustainable Agriculture pillar to identify and support climate-friendly innovations that can improve soil health, reduce agricultural waste, and strengthen environmentally responsible production systems.
During the visit, the team examined the operational model and technical functionalities of the Biochar WasteX Carbonizer. Particular attention was given to its processing capacity using rice husk as feedstock, a widely available agricultural residue in the area. The team also assessed complementary systems on-site, including a biogas production unit, and explored the potential of integrating biochar and biogas residues to produce biofertilizer for sustainable farming.
In addition, the team visited potential scale-up locations within rice milling communities under the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, providing insights into how the technology could be expanded across key agricultural zones.
The collaboration between Swisscontact and Sustainology marks a significant step toward addressing two pressing challenges in Ghana: unsustainable agricultural waste management and declining soil fertility.
Across the country, agricultural residues such as rice husks, maize cobs, and cassava peels are often burned or left to decompose. These practices release greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), while degrading soil quality over time. At the same time, Ghana remains heavily dependent on imported synthetic fertilizers, which account for over 80% of domestic supply, leaving farmers vulnerable to price volatility and supply disruptions.
The biochar pilot introduces a circular, climate-smart alternative. Through decentralized pyrolysis technology, agricultural residues are converted into stable carbon (biochar), which can be applied to soils to improve fertility, enhance water retention, and boost crop productivity. At the same time, the process creates opportunities for reducing emissions and generating additional income streams for farmers.
The pilot initiative will see the installation of a decentralized biochar production unit in Akuse, supported by Swisscontact’s initial funding. Beyond technology deployment, the project includes farmer training, community engagement, and socio-economic monitoringkey components aimed at building a sustainable and inclusive model.
Core activities will include:
The pilot is expected to generate critical evidence on technical viability and socio-economic impact while establishing a replicable model for broader implementation.
Following a successful pilot phase, Swisscontact and Sustainology aim to scale the initiative by rolling out additional biochar production units, particularly in the Bono East Region. This expansion will focus on building a decentralized network of biochar hubs that support agricultural residue conversion, farmer capacity building, and circular economy value chains.
Beyond improving soil health and farm productivity, the initiative also holds potential for contributing to carbon removal efforts under global standards and linking Ghanaian agriculture to emerging carbon markets, in collaboration with institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency Ghana.
By transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, the biochar initiative represents a practical and scalable pathway toward climate resilience, sustainable farming, and inclusive economic development in Ghana.