IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/endesu/v23y2021i4d10.1007_s10668-020-00809-8.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Biochar as multi-purpose sustainable technology: experiences from projects in Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Anders Hansson

    (Linköping University)

  • Simon Haikola

    (Linköping University)

  • Mathias Fridahl

    (Linköping University)

  • Pius Yanda

    (University of Dar es Salaam)

  • Edmund Mabhuye

    (University of Dar es Salaam)

  • Noah Pauline

    (University of Dar es Salaam)

Abstract

Biochar was recently included as a promising negative emissions technology (NET) in the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Unlike other NETs, it can potentially be used to mitigate global climate change while adding to local resilience in countries highly exposed and sensitive to impacts of climate change, such as least-developed countries (LDCs). The study is as an empirical contribution to the, as of yet, underdeveloped literature on deployment of negative emissions technologies in LDCs in general and on biochar use in developing countries and LDCs specifically. Nine historical and existing biochar projects in Tanzania are mapped in order to analyse problems, goals and common trade-offs associated with small- to medium-scale biochar production in LDCs. The mapping is based on a literature and document study, interviews with project actors, and on-site visits to biochar projects during 2019. The paper gives support to the observation made in the biochar literature that while biochar has many potential socio-economic and environmental benefits, combining them in one single project is difficult. It is concluded that implementing biochar projects in Tanzania will likely involve trade-offs between the development and subsistence strategies and needs of local communities, the motivational forces of different project participants, and the uneven regulatory capacity of the state. We end by reflecting on the use of biochar projects to offset carbon emissions made elsewhere.

Suggested Citation

  • Anders Hansson & Simon Haikola & Mathias Fridahl & Pius Yanda & Edmund Mabhuye & Noah Pauline, 2021. "Biochar as multi-purpose sustainable technology: experiences from projects in Tanzania," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 5182-5214, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10668-020-00809-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00809-8
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10668-020-00809-8
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s10668-020-00809-8?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Harro van Lente & Marko Hekkert & Ruud Smits & Bas van Waveren, 2003. "Roles of Systemic Intermediaries in Transition Processes," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 7(03), pages 247-279.
    2. Yang, Huan & Klerkx, Laurens & Leeuwis, Cees, 2014. "Functions and limitations of farmer cooperatives as innovation intermediaries: Findings from China," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 115-125.
    3. M.F. Olwig & C. Noe & R. Kangalawe & E. Luoga, 2015. "Inverting the moral economy: the case of land acquisitions for forest plantations in Tanzania," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(12), pages 2316-2336, December.
    4. Mario Pansera & Soumodip Sarkar, 2016. "Crafting Sustainable Development Solutions: Frugal Innovations of Grassroots Entrepreneurs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-25, January.
    5. Ariane Krause & Vera Susanne Rotter, 2018. "Recycling Improves Soil Fertility Management in Smallholdings in Tanzania," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-31, February.
    6. Holly Jean Buck, 2016. "Rapid scale-up of negative emissions technologies: social barriers and social implications," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 139(2), pages 155-167, November.
    7. Sarah Bracking, 2015. "Performativity in the Green Economy: how far does climate finance create a fictive economy?," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(12), pages 2337-2357, December.
    8. Dominic Woolf & James E. Amonette & F. Alayne Street-Perrott & Johannes Lehmann & Stephen Joseph, 2010. "Sustainable biochar to mitigate global climate change," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 1(1), pages 1-9, December.
    9. Adam, J.C., 2009. "Improved and more environmentally friendly charcoal production system using a low-cost retort–kiln (Eco-charcoal)," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(8), pages 1923-1925.
    10. Jumbe, Charles B.L. & Msiska, Frederick B.M. & Madjera, Michael, 2009. "Biofuels development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Are the policies conducive?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(11), pages 4980-4986, November.
    11. Nikolas Hagemann & Stephen Joseph & Hans-Peter Schmidt & Claudia I. Kammann & Johannes Harter & Thomas Borch & Robert B. Young & Krisztina Varga & Sarasadat Taherymoosavi & K. Wade Elliott & Amy McKen, 2017. "Organic coating on biochar explains its nutrient retention and stimulation of soil fertility," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
    12. Turaj S. Faran & Lennart Olsson, 2018. "Geoengineering: neither economical, nor ethical—a risk–reward nexus analysis of carbon dioxide removal," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 63-77, February.
    13. repec:lib:000cis:v:6:y:2018:i:1:p:1-19 is not listed on IDEAS
    14. 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.
    15. Dan Brockington & Stefano Ponte, 2015. "The Green Economy in the global South: experiences, redistributions and resistance," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(12), pages 2197-2206, December.
    16. Kilelu, Catherine W. & Klerkx, Laurens & Leeuwis, Cees & Hall, Andy, 2011. "Beyond knowledge brokerage: An exploratory study of innovation intermediaries in an evolving smallholder agricultural system in Kenya," MERIT Working Papers 2011-022, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    17. Lund, Jens Friis & Sungusia, Eliezeri & Mabele, Mathew Bukhi & Scheba, Andreas, 2017. "Promising Change, Delivering Continuity: REDD+ as Conservation Fad," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 124-139.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Scaini, Anna & Mulligan, Joseph & Berg, Håkan & Brangarí, Albert & Bukachi, Vera & Carenzo, Sebastian & Chau Thi, Da & Courtney-Mustaphi, Colin & Ekblom, Anneli & Fjelde, Hanne & Fridahl, Mathias & Ha, 2024. "Pathways from research to sustainable development: insights from ten research projects in sustainability and resilience," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 122096, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    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.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Anders Hansson & Mathias Fridahl & Simon Haikola & Pius Yanda & Noah Pauline & Edmund Mabhuye, 2020. "Preconditions for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Tanzania," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(7), pages 6851-6875, October.
    2. Valerio, Erika & Hilmiati, Nurul & Prior, Julian & Panjaitan, Tanda, 2024. "Steering the herd or missing the mark? Navigating the role of research for development projects as innovation intermediaries in the Indonesian cattle sector," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    3. Caloffi, Annalisa & Colovic, Ana & Rizzoli, Valentina & Rossi, Federica, 2023. "Innovation intermediaries' types and functions: A computational analysis of the literature," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    4. Aurélie Cardona & Cristiana Carusi & Michael Mayerfeld Bell, 2021. "Engaged Intermediaries to Bridge the Gap between Scientists, Educational Practitioners and Farmers to Develop Sustainable Agri-Food Innovation Systems: A US Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-13, October.
    5. Hazem S. Kassem & Hamed Ismail & Yomna A. Ghoneim, 2022. "Assessment of Institutional Linkages and Information Flow within the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation: Case of Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-26, May.
    6. Mónica Ramos-Mejía & Alejandro Balanzo, 2018. "What It Takes to Lead Sustainability Transitions from the Bottom-Up: Strategic Interactions of Grassroots Ecopreneurs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-20, July.
    7. Simmons, Geoff & Giraldo, Jorge Esteban Diez & Truong, Yann & Palmer, Mark, 2018. "Uncovering the link between governance as an innovation process and socio-economic regime transition in cities," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(1), pages 241-251.
    8. Clarke, Ian & Klerkx, Laurens & Ramirez, Matias, 2016. "Learning and innovation in developing economy clusters: Comparing private and non-profit intermediaries in cluster governance," Greenwich Papers in Political Economy 16712, University of Greenwich, Greenwich Political Economy Research Centre.
    9. Federica Rossi & Ana Colovic & Annalisa Caloffi & Margherita Russo, 2021. "Public innovation intermediaries and digital co-creation," Working Papers 49, Birkbeck Centre for Innovation Management Research, revised Feb 2021.
    10. Ton, Giel & Klerkx, Laurens & de Grip, Karin & Rau, Marie-Luise, 2015. "Innovation grants to smallholder farmers: Revisiting the key assumptions in the impact pathways," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 9-23.
    11. Berazneva, Julia & Woolf, Dominic & Lee, David R., 2021. "Local lignocellulosic biofuel and biochar co-production in Sub-Saharan Africa: The role of feedstock provision in economic viability," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    12. Riccardo Zecchinelli & Federica Rossi & Ana Colovic & Simona Ciappei & Andrea Bonomi Savignon, 2024. "Emerging business models for digital innovation intermediaries: evidence from the Digital Innovation Hubs Initiative," Working Papers 70, Birkbeck Centre for Innovation Management Research, revised Oct 2024.
    13. Howells, Jeremy, 2024. "Innovation intermediaries in a digital paradigm: A theoretical perspective," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    14. Shannan K. Sweet & Jonathon P. Schuldt & Johannes Lehmann & Deborah A. Bossio & Dominic Woolf, 2021. "Perceptions of naturalness predict US public support for Soil Carbon Storage as a climate solution," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 166(1), pages 1-15, May.
    15. Adeniyi P Asiyanbi, 2018. "Financialisation in the green economy: Material connections, markets-in-the-making and Foucauldian organising actions," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 50(3), pages 531-548, May.
    16. Richard Lynch & Maeve Henchion & John J. Hyland & José A. Gutiérrez, 2022. "Creating a Rainbow for Sustainability: The Case of Sustainable Beef," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-24, April.
    17. Khatri, Dil B. & Marquardt, Kristina & Pain, Adam & Ojha, Hemant, 2018. "Shifting regimes of management and uses of forests: What might REDD+ implementation mean for community forestry? Evidence from Nepal," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 1-10.
    18. Ratnajit Saha & Lakshman Galagedara & Raymond Thomas & Muhammad Nadeem & Kelly Hawboldt, 2020. "Investigating the Influence of Biochar Amendment on the Physicochemical Properties of Podzolic Soil," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-29, October.
    19. Berthet, Elsa T. & Hickey, Gordon M., 2018. "Organizing collective innovation in support of sustainable agro-ecosystems: The role of network management," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 44-54.
    20. Okello, Collins & Pindozzi, Stefania & Faugno, Salvatore & Boccia, Lorenzo, 2013. "Development of bioenergy technologies in Uganda: A review of progress," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 18(C), pages 55-63.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10668-020-00809-8. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.