Turning agricultural waste into biochar that removes carbon, restores soil, supports farmers.
The Vijiji BiCarbon Project is a community-driven climate initiative designed to convert agricultural waste into biochar — a carbon-rich material that permanently removes greenhouse gases from the atmosphere while restoring soil fertility. Across Tanzania, millions of tonnes of crop residues from maize, rice, and other agricultural activities are traditionally burned, releasing harmful smoke and large amounts of carbon dioxide.
By transforming this waste into biochar using low-oxygen heating technology, the project not only prevents air pollution but also creates a valuable organic soil additive that improves crop yields, reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, and supports long-term environmental sustainability. Farmers benefit through higher productivity, additional income from biochar sales, and improved soil health for future generations.
This project will transforms agricultural waste from maize (corns), rice and other agriculture residues into an environmentally friendly and valuable product. The project developer, Under tents, Vijana Inspiring Foundation and Maji Wells, works closely with the plantation owner, to create permanent carbon removals using ancient agricultural practices and innovative technology.
This begins by heating crop residues such as maize stems and rice waste in a kiln with low oxygen levels between 650º to 1,000ºC. On which the process will creates a charcoal-like substance called biochar. While it might not look exciting, biochar possesses a special climate-fighting property – a single kilogram removes roughly 2.2 kilograms of CO2 equivalent from the atmosphere. Because it retains moisture and attracts microorganisms, biochar can be used as an organic soil additive to improve soil health. Farmers mix the biochar with compost and plow it into the ground, where it, and the embodied carbon, will remain for up to 1,000 years.
This project shows that switching to organic farming is possible and financially attractive. Biochar is not just better for the environment and human health, it also improves crop yields, leading to greater revenues and enhanced food security. This rural household farmers under Vijiji BiCarbon project will gain additional benefits by selling their biochar to other farmers.
In addition, they earn $120 for each carbon credit. Furthermore, biochar production creates new job opportunities for the local community. Currently, 20 Tanzanian youth are employed by the project as kiln operators.
This project is still in its early stages, but Under Tents hopes to scale it up quickly thanks to support from carbon credit sales. They expect to produce nearly 500,000 liters of biochar in 2024/2025, removing 111 metric tonnes of CO2e.
The project locks carbon safely into the soil for up to 1,000 years, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping combat climate change.
Biochar improves soil structure, retains moisture, and supports beneficial microorganisms, enabling farmers to reduce chemical fertilizer use.
Farmers can sell biochar as an organic product, creating new revenue streams and strengthening rural livelihoods.
The project creates meaningful job opportunities for local youth as kiln operators, technicians, and project coordinators.
Reducing crop burning and chemical runoff improves air and water quality, lowering risks of respiratory and waterborne health conditions.
The initiative promotes organic farming practices that protect biodiversity, restore degraded soils, and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience.
The Vijiji BiCarbon Project reduces environmental harm by converting agricultural waste into biochar, preventing open burning and carbon emissions. This process improves soil health, enhances water retention, and supports sustainable farming practices that protect ecosystems while strengthening resilience against climate change across agricultural communities in Tanzania.
The project strengthens rural livelihoods by increasing farm productivity, creating employment opportunities, and improving public health outcomes. By promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing chemical exposure, communities gain safer living conditions, higher incomes, and greater resilience while benefiting from skills training and long-term economic development support.
Every journey with Vunisha contributes to meaningful environmental impact. By choosing purpose-driven travel experiences, guests directly support initiatives like the Vijiji BiCarbon Project — helping remove carbon emissions, empower communities, and protect Africa’s natural resources.
Travelers can also visit project sites, meet local partners, and witness firsthand how sustainable tourism transforms lives while preserving the planet for future generations.
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