Socio-Economic Determinants for Biochar Deployment in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Abstract

Biochar may contribute to both agricultural productivity and atmospheric carbon dioxide removal. However, despite the many potential upsides of adding biochar to amend carbon-depleted soils in sub-Saharan Africa, deployment is largely lacking. This paper explores the socio-economic factors that can explain tendencies to avoid action. Based on a survey of 172 farming households, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions in the Mbeya and Songwe regions of Tanzania, which were targeted for a biochar aid program in 2014, several socio-economic drivers behind the continued use of biochar deployment were identified in this follow-up study. A key deployment driver was the increased crop yields, perceived to be the result of adding biochar to soils, increasing yields from 1 metric ton per hectare to 3 metric tons per hectare. Food security and family income were cited as the main reasons to engage in biochar production and use. Climate change mitigation and increased resilience were other key reasons that motivated adoption. In terms of socio-economic factors, farmers with low education and income, the majority being males aged 40–60 years, contributed to low adoption rates in the study area. Respondents often cited the alternative usage of biochar feedstocks, lack of government involvement or extension services, traditions, and farming customs as the main constraints limiting biochar deployment.

Advancements in Biochar Modification for Enhanced Phosphorus Utilization in Agriculture

“…The nuanced knowledge needed to perfect biochar application, from production to utilization, could spawn specialized consulting services. Such services can guide farmers to customize biochar applications according to specific crop and soil conditions, thereby creating new employment opportunities and research directions, as highlighted by Rogers et al [126]. Research has also highlighted the potential of combining biochar with other organic materials.…”

“…Limited knowledge transfer: Often, there is a gap between the research findings and their applications by end users. This can lead to suboptimal or misguided biochar use, particularly among farmers with limited education or resources [126]. Bridging the gap between researchers, extension services, and farmers through workshops, field days, and accessible literature can ensure the widespread dissemination of the latest findings and best practices.…”

“…Sociocultural acceptance: Introducing new agricultural practices, such as biochar application, can sometimes lead to resistance due to traditional farming methods or a lack of awareness about its benefits in some regions [126]. Participatory research involving farmers in the research process can increase acceptance.…”

Biochar supply‐chain and challenges to commercialization

“…Moreover, biochar is a prime candidate for extension services. First, there is an identified knowledge gap that has historically hindered adoption (Rogers et al, 2022), and extension services are crucial for educating the public on the properties of biochar and the associated uncertainties (Hunter et al, 2017). Second, biochar leverages new technologies and requires demonstration to prove its value proposition.…”

The Role of Rural Women’s Occupations on Electrification and Use of Electric Stoves for Households in Busega District, Tanzania

“…In addition, "only 29% of households were connected to grid electricity in 2018" (NBS, 2019). Scholars attach the demand of electricity consumption in households with the economic affluent that plays a significant role on decision-making for installation and purchasing the devices (Rogers et al, 2021;Wang,Wang & Ahn, 2021). However, for the majority of rural women, their occupations have contributed significantly to enable or limit them to install and use electricity for cooking in their households (Taale and Kyeremeh, 2019).…”