Agriculture in Rwanda

Transforming Agriculture in Rwanda: The Impact of the BBF Project on Farmers’ Productivity and Climate Resilience

In just one year, the Biochar-Based Fertilizer (BBF) Project, initiated with the generous support of The DOEN Foundation, has demonstrated groundbreaking success in reshaping agricultural practices across Rwanda. With a vision to enhance soil health, increase yields, and improve farmers’ resilience to climate change, AgroEnable Ltd has worked diligently to introduce biochar farming practices to thousands of farmers across multiple agricultural zones.

Scaling Up Adoption: From Concept to Impact

At the outset of the project, we set an ambitious goal: to introduce 30,000 farmers to biochar-based farming techniques and provide practical training to at least 7,500 of them. To date, we have successfully introduced 13,319 farmers across two agricultural seasons, with 4,329 farmers now actively using biochar-based fertilizer on their farms. These farmers, spanning 16 cooperatives, have seen firsthand how biochar revitalizes soil fertility, reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and improves overall crop productivity.

A key component of this initiative has been the establishment of 48 demonstration plots, serving as hands-on learning sites for farmers. These plots have allowed farmers to experience the tangible benefits of biochar—enhancing their trust in the product and driving adoption. Moreover, as part of our journey toward organic certification, we launched eight additional demonstration plots in key agricultural ecological zones, introducing biochar-based farming to 109 farmers in Musanze (North), Ruhango, and Rusizi (South). These trials covered a range of crops, including Irish potatoes, cassava, maize, beans, and tree crops such as coffee.

Record-Breaking Results: Higher Yields, Lower Costs

The impact of biochar application has been nothing short of revolutionary. Traditionally, a single Irish potato plant yields 5–6 full-sized potatoes, but farmers using AgroEnable’s Biochar Organic Fertilizer recorded an average of 10–13 potatoes per plant. This nearly doubled yield is a testament to how improved soil health directly translates into greater farm productivity.

Similarly, rice farmers who integrated biochar into their farming systems have achieved a 70% reduction in synthetic fertilizer use while producing higher yields than those relying solely on inorganic fertilizers. This drastic reduction in chemical inputs is not only cutting costs for farmers but also contributing to environmental sustainability.

Given the overwhelming success of our Irish potato trials, we have been requested to conduct a final stress-test trial during Season C (July–September), the driest period of the year, with minimal irrigation. This test will help determine biochar’s effectiveness under extreme conditions, further proving its potential as a climate adaptation solution.

Empowering Farmers Through Knowledge and Innovation

Farmers are not just adopting biochar—they are becoming advocates for soil regeneration. Through open days and hands-on training sessions, thousands of farmers are gaining practical knowledge about soil restoration, sustainable land use, and climate resilience. The ongoing demonstrations remain open to all farmers across the country, providing an opportunity for learning and engagement with field experts.

As a company, AgroEnable Ltd is not against synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we are complementing the industry by offering a scientifically backed alternative that gives soils a much-needed break from decades of overuse of inorganic fertilizers. By integrating biochar into farming systems, we are providing a long-term, sustainable solution for farmers seeking to boost productivity without depleting soil health.

Scaling Up Production: A Milestone for Sustainability

To meet the increasing demand for biochar, we have completed the initial phase of machinery setup and installed a biomass dryer as planned. This marks a major milestone in our production capacity, allowing us to scale up biochar production efficiently while ensuring quality control.

Additionally, we are expanding our impact beyond agriculture. Recognizing the versatility of biochar, we are now integrating drinking water filtration systems for household use, leveraging biochar’s natural filtration properties to provide safe and clean water solutions.

Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Regenerative Agriculture

The BBF Project is proving that improving soil health yields far greater benefits than short-term reliance on inorganic fertilizers. As we continue tracking our rice fields through the harvest season, we remain committed to helping farmers transition to sustainable farming practices that are both profitable and resilient to climate change.

With the support of partners like The DOEN Foundation, we have laid the foundation for a new era of climate-smart agriculture in Rwanda. Our journey has only just begun, and we invite more farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to join us in scaling up this transformative movement.If you are in Rwanda, come visit our production facility to witness how our biochar-based solutions are being produced and deployed. Together, we are building a future where healthy soils, thriving farmers, and sustainable food systems go hand in hand.