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

Author

Listed:
  • Peter Msumali Rogers

    (Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35091, Tanzania)

  • Mathias Fridahl

    (Centre for Climate Science and Policy Research, Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Pius Yanda

    (Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35091, Tanzania)

  • Anders Hansson

    (Centre for Climate Science and Policy Research, Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Noah Pauline

    (Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35091, Tanzania)

  • Simon Haikola

    (Department of Thematic Studies—Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Msumali Rogers & Mathias Fridahl & Pius Yanda & Anders Hansson & Noah Pauline & Simon Haikola, 2021. "Socio-Economic Determinants for Biochar Deployment in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2021:i:1:p:144-:d:711544
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sebastian M. Scholz & Thomas Sembres & Kelli Roberts & Thea Whitman & Kelpie Wilson & Johannes Lehmann, 2014. "Biochar Systems for Smallholders in Developing Countries : Leveraging Current Knowledge and Exploring Future Potential for Climate-Smart Agriculture," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 18781.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hannah Larissa Nicholas & Keith H. Halfacree & Ian Mabbett, 2022. "Public Perceptions of Faecal Sludge Biochar and Biosolids Use in Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Ankita Chopra & Prakash Rao & Om Prakash, 2024. "Biochar-enhanced soilless farming: a sustainable solution for modern agriculture," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 29(7), pages 1-21, October.

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