The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has long been a concern for soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and human health risks. Addressing this challenge, the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project is promoting sustainable solutions to improve soil fertility in market gardening communities.

As part of the social sub-project "Strengthening the Resilience of Fishing, Fish Processing, and Market Gardening Communities along the Gbodjomé – Sanvee Condji Coastal Segment to the Effects of Coastal Erosion," WACA, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology at the University of Lomé, is training market gardeners in the application of biochar—an innovative, cost-effective, and readily available organic soil amendment.

Biochar is produced from well-dried biomass through a controlled pyrolysis process lasting 20 to 30 minutes, ensuring that the material carbonizes without turning to ash. Once cooled and ground into a fine powder, biochar is incorporated into market gardening plots to enhance soil health.

According to Dr. Badabate Diwediga, the lead trainer, biochar significantly improves soil quality by fostering beneficial microbial activity, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, it aids in soil and sediment decontamination and contributes to climate change mitigation by capturing and sequestering carbon.

Participants in the training expressed strong appreciation for the workshop’s blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice. Guidiglo Kossi André, a market gardener from the Lacs 1 municipality whose plot served as a demonstration site, highlighted the tangible benefits of biochar and pledged to share this knowledge with fellow farmers to encourage wider adoption.

Beyond training, WACA is equipping market gardeners with essential tools, including sprayers, hoses, and protective gear, which will be distributed in the coming days. These efforts align with WACA’s broader commitment to strengthening the resilience of coastal communities through sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.