How Mutangana has embraced the use of BIOCHAR (Charcoal made from Biomass) to help farmers in his community improve their soil fertility.

Mutangana Dieudonne

In Kinazi Sector, Ruhango district, Dieudonne Mutangana a multiplier trained on ecological organic practices by Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM) the Country Implementing Partner (CIP) in the KHEA Project in 2021, is a symbol of hope and progress, going deeply into the field of organic activities. To further develop his abilities, he entered the “STAR AFRICA INCUBATOR” the Germany training program, where he received knowledge on how to make BIOCHAR, charcoal made from biomass, which has the power to help farmers in his community improve their soil fertility.

Dieudonne MUTANGANA the KHEA multiplier showcasing the produced BIOCHAR

How to make BIOCHAR?

When asked about the process of making BIOCHAR, Mutangana gave a detailed explanation of how to make BIOCHAR. He carefully digs a hole measuring 60 by 100 cm known as Kontiki system, ensuring its design prevents flames from rising. Into the hole, he places bean residues and burns them. He slowly adds water to the flames to lessen their intensity as they go out. The result is that the residue charcoal appears, ready for use. In addition, another system called barrel pyrolysis uses barrels to preserve the environment and helps regulate smoke by only adding residue to the barrel once, covering it, and leaving a tiny opening for smoke.

Process of making Biochar

Making Biochar by using a barrel

BIOCHAR Contribution to Fertilizer Making and its Effect

Mutangana's skills extend beyond the making of BIOCHAR. He mixes Biochar with compost to make a powerful fertilizer that increases soil fertility. After mixing it takes 24 hours to be ready to use. Putting his fertilizer to the test, Mutangana applied it to zucchini vegetables across various plots, The outcomes were very clear: yields increased in areas where a mixture of BIOCHAR and compost were applied. Mutangana harvested 10 kg of zucchini in just one square meter, a huge yield compared to the 2 kg from where only compost was applied.

A fertilizer of BIOCHAR and Compost / before it is not applied and after it is applied in zucchini farm

The Next Steps and advice to fellow multipliers

"My vision extends far beyond my success. I aim to support fellow farmers by supplying them with BIOCHAR and teaching them how to produce it independently. My advice to other multipliers is to apply the knowledge they gain from training. “The training I received from KCOA as a multiplier played a crucial role in my skill development, and I credit it for my growth”

ROAM/KHEA Officer with KHEA multiplier in the farm