BIOCHAR AND INSECT-COMPOSTED ORGANIC FERTILIZERS IN KENYA
A project supported by The French Embassy in Kenya through the National Research Fund (NRF) Competitive Grant Scheme
Overall Objective of the Project
To improve food productivity and income generation among smallholder farmers in Busia, Siaya and Kisumu counties through the adoption of biochar and insect-composted organic fertilizers (ICOF)
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Enhanced agricultural productivity and food security
- Stimulated Economic growth and improved livelihoods
- Environmental sustainability and climate resilience
Events
| EVENT TITLE | EVENT DESCRIPTION | DATE |
|---|---|---|
|
Global Bioeconomy Summit |
The overall theme of GBS2024 was: “One Planet – Sustainable Bioeconomy Solutions for Global Challenges”.
GBS2024 gathered leaders of bioeconomy from all hemispheres and highlighted a sustainable bioeconomy as the key to decarbonisation and sustainable transition to less fossil fuel dependent, rural and urban green economies; while building resilient and sustainable food systems, reversing biodiversity loss, meeting health challenges, and using innovation as a driver for new economic opportunities, especially jobs for the youth.
GBS2024 discussed:
Cross sectoral topics (e.g., agri-food systems, forestry, ocean/aquatic, biomanufacturing, biopharma, biotechnology, biomaterials, and bioenergy)
Ecosystems (e.g., nature / ecology, consumer products, construction, and urban design)
Supporting mechanisms and enablers (e.g., policies, finance, standards, measurements, certifications).The GBS is a forum that fosters dialogue between widely different actors to promote sharing of best practices, to identify opportunities for global innovation and collaboration, and to gather champions in promoting the bioeconomy concept across disciplines and sectors amongst policy makers and financiers
|
23rd – 24th October, 2024 |
|
Bio-Functool Soil Health testing kit Training. |
A short, practical training on using the Bio-Functool kit to assess soil health. Participants learn how to collect samples, carry out basic soil tests, interpret results, and make informed soil management decisions to improve productivity and sustainability. |
15th – 18th December, 2025 |
|
Round Table discussions with the County government officials on Project progress |
Interactive engagement sessions bringing together county government officials and project stakeholders to review implementation progress, share updates, address challenges, and agree on next steps to ensure successful project delivery. |
-19/01/2026 – Kisumu
-20/01/2026 – Siaya
-21/01/2026 – Busia
|
|
4th Steering Committee meeting Hosted by Koitaleel Samoei University College |
it will bring together key Steering Committee members and stakeholders to review project progress, assess milestones, and discuss strategic directions. Discussions will focus on project activities, achievements, challenges, and strengthening collaboration to ensure alignment with project objectives. |
28/01/2026 |
|
Strategic partnership training with stakeholders on Bio-Char and ICOF value chain |
he training will bring together key stakeholders to strengthen strategic partnerships and build capacity along the Biochar and ICOF value chain. It will focus on knowledge sharing, value addition opportunities, collaboration frameworks, and sustainable practices to enhance adoption, market linkages, and overall impact. |
9/02/2026 – 13/02/2026 |
|
Modular enterprenuership training on Bio-char and ICOF value chain |
First series was done in December, 2025 |
16/02/2026 – 27/02/2026 |
Project Brief
Click title to view
Bio-Kenya Research Project
Click title to view
Extract Bio Kenya Project Component and Planned Activities
Click title to view
Project Approach
- Adapt biochar & ICOF to biophysical & socio-economic environment of smallholder
farmers through participatory action research - Build capacity of smallholder farmers, extension agents, researchers & local institutions
in sustainable use of biochar & ICOF through excursions, hands-on trainings &
post-graduate scholarships - Support evidence-based policy formula on sustainable production & utilization of
ICOF and biochar by sharing project results with policymakers in round-table
meetings, workshops & scientific conferences - To commercialize biochar in Western Kenya, through farmers training, establishment
of production units, development of supply chains, formation of strategic partnerships,
and supporting ecosystem sustainability.