Wa,
Ghana
Local Biochar Solutions for Global Climate Impact
Carboneers partners with smallholder farming communities and local organizations to develop decentralized biochar projects that deliver much-needed carbon dioxide removal. We provide farmers with hands-on training, simple tools, and appropriate technology to convert agricultural biomass - such as corn stalks, cacao shells, and tree trimmings - into biochar: a stable carbon sink that stores carbon for over a thousand years.
Proven Benefits, Tracked Impact
Biochar is more than just a carbon removal tool. In tropical agriculture, it plays a crucial role in regenerating degraded soils:
It stores nutrients, leading to higher crop yields.
It improves water retention, helping farmers adapt to erratic rainfall.
- It supports soil microbiology, increasing organic carbon and long-term soil fertility.
With 750 farming communities already involved, every step of biochar production and application is tracked using a mobile app developed by Penn State University. The project is audited by Ceres Cert and certified under the Global Artisan C-Sink Standard by Carbon Standards International. Our Ghanaian Carboneers currently sequester 25,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
Designed for the Global South
In contrast to million-dollar industrial facilities, Carboneers focuses on low-cost, locally managed production systems - ideal for the Global South, where infrastructure is limited but agricultural waste is abundant. This approach puts climate action directly in the hands of farmers, who benefit from both increased crop yields and revenue from carbon credits.
A Catalyst for Sustainable Development
Carbon sequestration is just the beginning. Our model helps communities unlock socio-economic benefits that traditional aid or markets often overlook. With the ability to produce certified biochar, farmers can improve their soils, increase their resilience to climate change, and break the cycle of poverty.
In doing so, decentralized biochar contributes directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals - from climate action to zero hunger. For us, this is a win for the planet, the soil, and the people.
Key Metrics
Additionality
Income: Farmers earn GHS 273.5/season (15-20x daily minimum wage from carbon finance)
Funding: 100% carbon finance coverage, no other revenue streams
Training: Biomass selection, kiln operation, quality control, smartphone app usage
Financing: Low capital costs, mobile money payments, collaborative bank accounts
Performance & Carbon Accounting
Sourcing: On-farm biomass with manual transport within 10km radius
Lab Testing: H/C ratios, chemical composition, R0 testing (Q4 rollout)
Carbon Content: 70% average, H/C ratios 0.06-0.31, continuous batch calculations
Monitoring: PlantVillage app with GPS/timestamps, monthly reports, bi-weekly surveys
Leakage
Supply Chains: 10km radius, agricultural waste only (corn, sorghum, millet, soybean stalks, cocoa husks)
Historical Use: Previously burned or decomposed, creating emissions
Buffer: 2% for one year until permanent soil integration
Verification: Annual CERES-CERT audits, continuous batch verification
Co-benefits
Revenue Sharing: 50-60% to farmers/supervisors via local NGOs
Employment: 3,840 individuals, 128 women's groups (68% women participants)
Cost Savings: Reduced fertilizer/pesticide dependence
Health: Eliminated respiratory issues from burning
Soil Quality: Enhanced water retention, nutrient capacity, drought resistance (results Q4 2025)
Training: Comprehensive certification programs through supervisor networks