The Rwandan social enterprise AgroEnable collects agricultural waste - from rice and corn for example - and turns it into biochar and charcoal. Farmers use the biochar on their land as a fertiliser and soil conditioner. This product also ensures that CO2 is stored in the soil for a longer period of time. With support from DOEN, AgroEnable is expanding further so they can help even more farmers, and also the environment.
Depleted soil and accumulating waste
In Rwanda, farmers are having to cope with erosion and reduced soil fertility. Soil is becoming depleted due to monoculture, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and climate change. There are also many waste streams - from agricultural crops and sewage, for example - that accumulate or are incinerated. AgroEnable offers a solution to these problems.
A natural soil conditioner
Biochar is a special fertiliser made from waste. It not only feeds the soil but also helps to extract CO2 from the air and store it in the soil for a longer period of time. When farmers use biochar, they see their soil become healthier and their crops grow better. This ensures better harvests and more revenue for the farmers.
Processing more waste
With DOEN's support, AgroEnable is expanding their current processing plant so that they can process more waste, including sewage sludge. This will allow them to make more biochar and thus help more farmers. At the same time, they are protecting the environment by improving the soil and storing CO2 in the ground.
"By reusing waste, improving soil and removing CO2, AgroEnable is contributing to the transition to a regenerative economy. By producing biochar and responding flexibly to possible innovations, such as the use of sewage sludge, they are a real pioneer in Rwanda.” – Maarten Derksen, programme manager at the DOEN Foundation.
