Download Biochar – win-win-win for energy security, food security and carbon

Biochar – win-win-win for energy security, food security and carbon
sequestration?
Bio-char, application of carbonized organic matter to soil, attracts attention for the
potential to enhance soil fertility, sequester carbon and provide options for energy
efficient and labour-reducing food preparation through bio-char producing stoves.
Understanding the role of biochar in farming systems requires a multi-disciplinary
approach. Our ongoing research project in Kenya has the overall purpose of this
project is to understand the scalability of biochar-producing cookstove technologies in
relation to the local context for improved energy security and climate change
mitigation in African smallholder farming landscapes. Research methodologies in the
proposed project include
 participatory action research to provide on-farm science-based evidence
related to real life production of biochar in gasifying cookstoves
 research characterizing biochar properties in relation to production methods
and quality aspects
 assessing biochar contributions to improved energy security in small holder
farming systems and climate change mitigation
Trade-offs between use of biochar in soil and as fuel will be investigated. With this
knowledge, it will be possible to identify when and how biochar can be beneficial
components in biobased economies.
The project welcomes MSc students during 2016-2018. MSc projects can be
performed in Kenya as MFS projects or with student´s own funding for travel
expenses. MSc projects can also be performed in Sweden.
Contact: Cecilia Sundberg, [email protected], 08-790 87 13