Evaluating the socio-economic impacts of biochar initiatives on sustainable livelihoods among smallholder farmers

Abstract

Smallholder farmers are crucial to global food security but encounter ongoing challenges, including decreasing soil fertility, low agricultural output, and susceptibility to climate change. Biochar, a carbon-rich substance produced through the pyrolysis of organic biomass, has surfaced as a viable answer for augmenting soil fertility, promoting water retention, and aiding in climate change mitigation. This study evaluated the socio-economic impacts of biochar adoption on the sustainable livelihoods of 100 smallholder sweet potato farmers in Kobina Ansa, Central Region of Ghana, using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to evaluate demographic parameters, soil conditions, varietal preferences, farming systems, and technology developments affecting biochar adoption. At the onset of the study, none of the participants had adopted biochar; however, following targeted training and participatory demonstrations, 100% adopted the technology by the 2024 season. Post-adoption analysis revealed a 6.8% increase in average sweet potato yield (from 2.69 to 2.90 tons/acre) and a significant rise in revenue from GH₵1,042.12 in 2023 to GH₵1,231.52 in 2024 (p = 0.035). Despite biochar’s agronomic benefits, socio-economic barriers such as limited access to credit, insecure land tenure, and inadequate extension services remain key obstacles. The study underscores the importance of integrating biochar into climate-smart agriculture policies, supported by gender-sensitive extension programs, farmer-based organizations, and local biochar production hubs. These findings demonstrate that when introduced through participatory methods, biochar can serve as a catalyst for improving both agricultural productivity and socio-economic resilience among smallholder farmers.