Mr Peter Bakare, President of the Organic and Agroecological Initiative in Nigeria (ORAIN), has stated that adopting biochar innovation will address major challenges facing agricultural practices in the country.
Bakare made this known during the January 2026 online edition of the monthly Upscaling of Organic and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria programme.
The meeting also featured the inauguration of the ORAIN Biochar Focus Group and the Natural Poultry Production Work Group.
He emphasized that the newly inaugurated work groups would play a critical role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and tackling issues such as climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity.
According to him, the ORAIN Biochar Focus Group will be anchored by Teesside University in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AAKTP) Project Team and the University of Ibadan.
“The Natural Poultry Production Work Group will be led by the Ibadan Go Organic Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and both groups are open to interested stakeholders,” he said.
Bakare reiterated ORAIN’s commitment to promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming systems aimed at enhancing food security, protecting ecosystems, and improving livelihoods.
He advocated the use of natural farming methods, including biochar technology, to address environmental challenges and reduce Nigeria’s over-reliance on imported agricultural inputs.
He also urged farmers to adopt agroecological practices that work with nature to boost productivity while safeguarding the environment.
In her presentation, Dr Tannaz Pak lauded the valorisation of cassava biochar initiatives being implemented in Nigeria in collaboration with the University of Ibadan and the Niji Group.
Pak, the Lead Focal Person of AAKTP at Teesside University, expressed optimism that Nigeria’s growing leadership in biochar technology would inspire wider adoption across Africa.
She outlined the key objectives of the Focus Groups, which include knowledge sharing on biochar technology, policy advocacy and influence, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and capacity building in biochar production and application.
According to her, other targets include contributing to national and continental carbon market initiatives, as well as leveraging existing policy frameworks to promote the use of agricultural biochar in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, a participant, Mrs Olukemi Fabiyi of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), raised questions about frameworks for academic and research collaboration.
Fabiyi explained ARCN’s coordinating role in agricultural research nationwide and proposed using its “Adopted Village Programme” to promote biochar awareness and field trials.
She added that ARCN manages government-funded demonstration farms where researchers work directly with farmers to implement agricultural innovations.
Another participant, Prof. Olushola Ibiyemi, highlighted the link between excessive fluoride consumption and dental health challenges, noting the potential of biochar in mitigating the problem.
It was reported that biochar is an emerging sustainable solution for improving soil health, increasing crop yields, and sequestering carbon to combat climate change.
Biochar utilises agricultural waste such as rice husks, cassava peels, and coconut shells, enhancing nutrient efficiency and reducing fertiliser costs.
Participants at the event joined from within and outside Nigeria and represented diverse stakeholders, including farmers, academics, researchers, agribusiness operators, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers.
