Mr Peter Bakare, the President of Organic and Agroecological Initiative in Nigeria (ORAIN) says embracing Biochar innovation will address key challenges in agriculture practices.
Bakare said this during the January 2026 online edition of the monthly Upscaling of Organic and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria and inauguration of ORAIN Biochar Focus Group and Natural Poultry Production Work Group.
He emphasized the importance of these work groups in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and addressing key challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity.
“ORAIN Biochar Focus Group would be anchored by Teesside University (UK) in collaboration with the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AAKTP) Project Team, University of Ibadan..
“The Natural Poultry Production Work Group would be led by the Ibadan Go Organic Multipurpose Cooperative Society and both groups are open to interested stakeholders,’’ he added.
The president reiterated that ORAIN will continue to promote sustainable, chemical-free farming to enhance food security, protect ecosystems, and improve livelihoods.
He advocated for natural farming methods, including biochar to address environmental challenges and over-reliance on imported food inputs.
He encouraged farmers to adopt agroecological practices that work with nature to boost productivity and protect the environment.
Dr Tannaz Pak, in her presentation lauded the valorisation of cassava biochar initiative in Nigeria in collaboration with the University of Ibadan and Niji Group.
Pak, who is the Lead Focal Person of AAKTP, Teesside University, expressed hope that Nigeria’s leadership in biochar technology would inspire its adoption across Africa.
She noted that some of the key objectives of the Focus Groups include: knowledge sharing on biochar technology, policy advocacy and influence, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and capacity building in biochar production and application.
She said that other targets include contribution to national and continental carbon market initiatives and leveraging existing policy frameworks to promote agricultural biochar use in Nigeria.
A participant, Mrs Olukemi Fabiyi from the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) raised questions on frameworks for academic and research collaboration.
Fabiyi explained ARCN’s coordinating role in agricultural research nationwide, and proposed the use of their “Adopted Village Programme” to promote biochar awareness and trials.
She further stated that ARCN manages government-funded demonstration farms where researchers work directly with farmers to implement innovations.
Another participant, Prof. Olushola Ibiyemi highlighted the link between excessive fluoride consumption and dental health challenges and explained the potential of biochar in mitigating this problem.
Biochar is an emerging, sustainable solution for improving soil health, increasing crop yields, and sequestering carbon to combat climate change.
It utilises agricultural waste like rice husks, cassava, and coconut shells which boost nutrient efficiency by 20–40% and lowers fertilizer costs.
Participants attended from within and outside Nigeria and represented diverse stakeholders including farmers, academics, researchers, agribusiness operators, NGOs, and policymakers
