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These young entrepreneurs are transforming plant residues into cash

Rycicle Rwanda is a project that supports farmers by processing plant residues into a synthetic fertilizer mixed with organic compost to enhance soil fertility.

The project works with farmers to collect plant residues that decompose slowly. These residues are burned in a dug pit resembling a chimney. Once the material turns black, it is extinguished with water. The resulting charcoal is then mixed with organic compost.

This biochar, derived from burned plant residues, is lightweight and is used alongside organic compost. It is stored in the soil for at least 24 hours before being utilized on farms.

This scientifically prepared fertilizer softens the soil, reduces compaction, and helps retain water for longer periods. It also increases the soil’s capacity to hold air, which supports soil organisms, improves productivity, and protects the environment.

Carine Uwase and Epimaque Ndayisaba, members of the team that launched this project, describe it as a solution to combat climate change and address challenges that reduce agricultural yields.

The duo shared the challenges they faced in introducing the project to farmers during a conversation with KURA.

Carine Uwase said, “When we started, people didn’t fully understand our project. However, the farmers who used the fertilizer in the first planting season saw increased yields. For instance, land that was previously infertile has now become productive.”

Currently, they work with 140 farmers from Ruhango and Ngoma districts.

The degradation of soil, which is a growing concern in Rwanda and worldwide, inspired the creation of this project.

Uwase added, “Soil degradation and environmental damage caused by emissions lead to negative impacts on farmers and human health.”

The project founders aspire to expand internationally. Uwase emphasized, “We aim to reach an international level, but we first need to work with at least 1,000 farmers.”

However, they face challenges, as Ndayisaba explained. It has been difficult to train farmers on processing plant residues into biochar-based fertilizer since the farmers they work with need to have access to modern smartphones.

Farmers use an app called “Plant Village” to share information by taking photos of their work, which allows the team to assist them.

Ndayisaba elaborated, “Some of the residues we use, such as corn stalks, husks, or forest waste like eucalyptus leaves, take time to decompose. We burn them to produce biochar, which is stored in the soil as a way of sequestering carbon for up to 100 years.”

He explained that the plant residues are burned in pits to protect the environment.
“We burn the materials in a low-oxygen environment to prevent carbon from combining with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the atmosphere. We create a pit resembling a chimney or use equipment designed for this purpose.”

Ndayisaba further noted their need for adequate resources to support soil fertility in Rwanda and financial support to compensate workers who burn the plant residues. This would enable them to expand their project and share more knowledge.

Uwase Carine and Ndayisaba Epimaque are working on a project to improve crop residues to produce fertilizer.
Once burned, they are mixed with compost, then stored in the ground for at least 24 hours before being used.
Farmers have started to see good results through the use of this organic fertilizer

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