In Developing
Countries

There are many factors that affect how biochar systems of different scales and uses are developed around the world. Some of those factors include the type of feedstock, the expected use for the biochar, production technology, local economics, setting, and more. Much of the developing economy biochar work that IBI tracks is at the micro-scale (biochar cookstoves) to village-level systems (smaller scale), however there are large-scale systems up and running.

Sustainable, properly implemented biochar production and use should serve the interests of local people and protect biodiversity. Biochar must be implemented in a way that respects the land rights of Indigenous people and supports the health of natural ecosystems. The ultimate goal of biochar technology is to improve soil fertility and sequester carbon while taking into consideration the full life cycle of a biochar system.