BIOCHAR INITIATIVE OF NIGERIA (BIN)

The 1st Biochar Technology Stakeholders’ meeting was hosted by Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria on Tuesday, 24th March, 2015 at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University. The theme of the program was “Putting the Earth Back in the Black for sustainable Food Security and Safer Environment”.

The meeting was held in order to draw the attention of participants to the manifold benefits of Biochar Technology for sustainable agricultural development and mitigation of climate change.

The event, which attracted several academics from various National Universities and Research Institutes, together with Iwo Farming community as well as other interested members of staff from Bowen University, was a remarkable occasion being the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The keynote address titled “The Promise of Biochar Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Development, Climate Change Mitigation and Clean Environment” was delivered by Professor Oluwatoyin A. Babalola, the Head, Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Professor Babalola spoke on the potential functions of biochar technologies, stressing the effect of biochar on sustainable soil development and biochar as an agent of climate change mitigation.

In his own speech, the co-host and the Head, Department of Crop Production, Soil and Enviroenemtal Management, Dr. John A. Fagbenro welcomed the guests and informed the audience about the purpose of the meeting. He stated that the program would create awareness among biochar technology stakeholders and also highlighted the potentials of biochar technology.

Dr. Fagbenro informed the audience that the meeting would also create a forum for the exchange of ideas in biochar technology research and development in Nigeria.
Other papers presented at the meeting were: “Eliminating the Centuries-Old Fallow Farming Systems through the Application of Biochar Technology” by Prof. G.O. Adeoye, Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan; “Biochar Technology Research and Practice in China and other Countries” by Engr. Lukong Pius Nuyuykonge, Senior Consultant (Bioenergies) in Biochar Techology, Maroua, Cameroon; “Restoring and Improving Properties of Soils using Biochar Technology by Dr. S.O. Oshunsanya, Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan; and “Biochar Technology Research for Sustainable Soil Productivity and Crop Production: Bowen University Experience” by Dr. John A. Fagbenro, Head, Department of Crop Production, Soil and Environmental Management , Bowen University.

Before the end of the meeting, an umbrella was formed and named the Nigerian Biochar Initiative (NBI) with Dr. J.A Fabenro nominated as the Chairman of the 7-man Steering Committee. The programme also featured a business meeting, and the participants visited the laboratories and various departments within Bowen University.

For more information, contact:

Dr John A. Fagbenro
(IBI Member)
Associate Professor
+2348034827270
Email: pastfagbenro@gmail.com