By Evelind Schecter | Program Leader
Our Africa partners have been busy. In the DRC, farmers continue their work despite ongoing insecurity from rebel attacks in parts of Eastern Congo. Our team members recently returned safely after visiting biochar projects in five communities.
In Malawi, a cooperative of 30 women farmers trained by Warm Heart is harvesting its first groundnut crop and beginning to repay the capital provided through a revolving input loan program.
In Kenya, our biochar-based micro-enterprise and demonstration farm activities continue to make steady progress.
DRC
Despite the stresses created by conflict in the region, biochar training and demonstration activities continue in communities outside the active fighting areas.
During recent visits, the team met with farmers, reviewed project progress, and strengthened local leadership.
New field coordinators have been appointed to support biochar follow-up activities and farmer mentoring. The coordinators communicate community needs and introduce new ideas for farming, livestock, and other areas of daily life.
They also stay connected with the farmers trained through the program who continue to make and use biochar.
At the Busigha demonstration farm, the eight-hectare site includes bananas, maize, pumpkins, pineapples, and fruit trees.
Farmers are producing biochar on-site and incorporating it into the demonstration plots to improve soil quality and water retention.The farm serves as both a learning center and a practical example of how biochar can support diversified agricultural production.
Malawi
Last fall, a group of 30 women biochar farmers in Dowa District approached our team with an opportunity. After participating in Warm Heart training, they formed a cooperative and secured a buyer for groundnuts, but lacked the capital needed to purchase improved seed and inputs.
Through a revolving input loan program, Warm Heart provided seed, inoculant, training, and field support. This quarter, the farmers are harvesting their crop and beginning repayment in groundnuts.
The project demonstrates how biochar training can become a foundation for broader livelihood opportunities, helping farmers organize, access markets, and build greater economic independence.
Kenya
The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) project continues to grow. The team is now producing and selling frass, larvae, and dried pupae for agricultural use. Demand is increasing as farmers look for locally produced alternatives to expensive commercial inputs.
One organization has begun trials combining BSF frass and biochar as a soil amendment.
We are eager to follow the results and learn whether the combination can further improve soil health and crop production while creating additional market opportunities for smallholder farmers.
Farmer Peter has been using biochar for the last five years in his fields and has built enough capacity to sell into the local markets. His buyers come to his fields and pick their fresh greens for resale.
Thanks to your ongoing support, our farmers are expanding to higher-value crops and improved methods to increase their incomes and ensure the soils stay healthy.
Best wishes for a great summer!
With gratitude,
Dana, Michael, Evelind, and the Warm Heart East Africa Biochar Team
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