CASE STUDIES
Marie: Transforming Rice Farming with Biochar
Marie, a dedicated rice farmer from Ruhango District, once faced the challenge of unproductive land on her 1.17-hectare rice farm. She used to harvest only 2.95 tonnes of rice per season, despite applying significant amounts of mineral fertilizers.
Everything changed when she was introduced to biochar. EnvoCare guided her to reduce her mineral fertilizer usage by 70% and replace it with biochar—a sustainable soil amendment that enhances soil fertility and promotes carbon sequestration. While the results in the first season were modest, with a slight increase to 3.22 tonnes, the long-term benefits became evident.
In the following season, her production leapt to 4.7 tonnes, and in recent seasons, her yields have consistently averaged between 6.2 to 6.8 tonnes. Mukankusi’s story is a testament to the power of biochar in revitalizing degraded soils and improving yields over time. With biochar, Mariei has not only increased her productivity but also adopted an eco-friendly solution that contributes to sustainable farming practices.
Joseph: From Seasonal Survival to Strategic Success with Biochar
Joseph, a young and determined farmer, once viewed farming as a means of survival, only leasing land to grow crops when he couldn’t find other employment. His farming ventures included maize, beans, soy, tomatoes, and various vegetables, but the results were inconsistent. In the best-case scenario, Joseph would break even, but he often faced losses.
That changed when EnvoCare introduced him to biochar, along with a strategic approach to farming. Joseph shifted his focus to growing vegetables during the hottest times of the year when food is scarce and market prices are at their peak. Biochar played a critical role in this shift, allowing him to cut irrigation costs and improve soil quality.
In his first season using biochar, Joseph’s interest in farming quadrupled as he saw significant improvements in both yield and profit. Now, farming is no longer just a fallback plan for him—it's a stable and lucrative venture. Biochar didn’t just boost his income; it transformed him into a strategic farmer who can thrive even during the harshest seasons.
