New biochar manufacturing targets better grazing land

A British-funded not-for-profit organisation has established its headquarters in Otjiwarongo with ambitious plans to restore Namibia's degraded rangelands while generating carbon credits worth millions for local farmers.The Perivoli Rangeland Institute (PRI) officially opened its offices on 24 July, announcing that its first pilot project will begin at Omatanga in the Okakarara district, 140 km away.The organisation plans to tackle bush encroachment, which affects over 46 million ha of Namibian rangeland, by training farmers to convert cleared vegetation into biochar rather than traditional charcoal. The biochar is then returned to the soil, where it stores carbon for over 1 000 years while improving agricultural productivity.Biochar differs from traditional charcoal in both production method and application. While charcoal is typically burned for fuel or exported, biochar is produced at lower temperatures using specialised kilns and is specifically designed to be mixed back into soil. The biochar is treated with bio-stimulants before application, creating a stable carbon sink that enhances soil microbiology and nutrient retention, whereas burning charcoal releases its stored carbon back into the atmosphere."We are thrilled to have found PRI, and our community feels certain we now have a way to improve our land and grow our income," said the project coordinator for the Omatanga community, who attended the opening ceremony.Ambitious growth targetsPRI has set a target of removing 1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035, starting with just five farmers and 1 000 carbon credits this year. The programme aims to expand to over 370 farmers by 2035, creating more than 3 000 jobs for fieldworkers.The initiative is funded by the UK-based Perivoli Foundation, established in 2019, and operates under international carbon certification standards through Carbon Standards International and CERES-CERT.Michael Degé, PRI's CEO and former Managing Director of the Charcoal Association of Namibia, said the biochar approach offers significant advantages over traditional charcoal production."Mostly farmers clear rangeland of unwanted bush and then make charcoal. In many cases, charcoal production leads to a negative impact on the environment, as farmers do not perform the necessary aftercare, which leads to accelerated encroachment," Degé said at the opening."But to produce biochar is so much better, with higher incomes, excellent environmental outcomes and long-term agricultural gains."Direct farmer paymentsUnlike many carbon offset programmes, PRI eliminates intermediaries and pays farmers directly through its Perivoli Farmers Association. The organisation uses digital monitoring and verification systems to track environmental impacts and ensure transparency.The process involves training farmers to selectively clear aggressive vegetation, convert it to biochar using specialised kilns, and apply the treated material to soil along with bio-stimulants. This approach not only sequesters carbon but also improves water retention, soil fertility and crop yields.James Alexandroff OBE, founder of the Perivoli Foundation, said the Otjiwarongo location provides excellent access to some of the most severely affected rangelands in the region."We're excited to be based in Otjiwarongo, with its excellent access to some of the most encroacher-bush impacted rangelands in Western Africa," Alexandroff said. "Already, small and large-scale farmers are interested in our ambitions, and it gives us confidence that we can set about restoring the lands and improving livelihoods, as well as redirecting some of the global wealth to Namibia."Beyond carbon creditsThe programme promises additional benefits, including the return of native grasses, improved biodiversity and enhanced water retention. PRI also partners with the Perivoli Schools Trust to deliver education modules on topics ranging from financial literacy to agroecology.Degé said the biochar model creates multiple revenue streams for rural communities."Cleared rangeland means opportunities to keep livestock, while enriched soils mean greater growing conditions and increased outputs. The work of creating the biochar creates jobs, and then there is profit beyond that for the farmers or communities," he said.Regional expansion plannedIf successful in Namibia, PRI plans to roll out its model across Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and other African countries facing similar rangeland degradation issues.The organisation's long-term vision includes restoring 10 million ha and removing 43 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent across the region.Bush encroachment has become a critical issue across southern Africa's rangelands, reducing livestock carrying capacity and threatening the livelihoods of pastoral communities. Traditional clearing methods often provide only temporary relief and can exacerbate the problem without proper follow-up management.PRI's approach represents a shift toward viewing environmental problems as economic opportunities, particularly for rural communities most affected by climate change impacts.The organisation can be contacted at info@rangeland.africa or through its website at www.perivolirangeland.com.

New biochar manufacturing targets better grazing land

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