The Hidden Climate Solution Beneath Our Feet: Soil
It is mind-blowing that, as the world searches for answers to the climate crisis, a scalable, affordable, and effective solution lies right beneath our feet – soil. Apexnewsgh reports On an organic farm in New York, a community-driven initiative is showcasing the power of soil in combating global heating. The farm’s rich, dark soil, reminiscent of chocolate, is teeming with carbon. This element, often villainized in climate conversations, may hold the key to tackling the crisis. By utilizing atmospheric carbon to enrich soil, farmers can produce more nutritious food, a practice known as regenerative agriculture or carbon farming. The Carbon Conundrum The Earth’s atmosphere contains 750 billion tons of carbon, while soil holds twice that amount – 1,500 billion tons. However, human activities like deforestation and cultivation have released 500 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere over thousands of years. Modern industrial agriculture has accelerated this trend, contributing to planetary warming. Reversing the Trend Carbon farming offers a solution, shifting the paradigm from conventional agriculture to regenerative practices. By adopting these methods, farmers can: Store carbon in soil, revive natural ecosystems and produce nutritious food A Growing Movement One thing you cannot take away is that efforts to adopt regenerative agriculture are spreading worldwide, from the United States to Africa, Asia, and Europe. This movement, dubbed “Carbon Farming” or “Regenerative Agriculture,” aims to: Restore soil health, enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change. As the world seeks innovative solutions to the climate crisis, the humble soil beneath our feet may hold the answer. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Mainstreaming Grass Biochar in Agriculture: A way to go for Farmers–Clifford Amoah Adagama
Clifford Amoah Adagama, of Kessena Nankana Cooperative Baobab Processors Union (KANBACU), has emphasized the potential of grass biochar to transform agriculture in the region. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at a dialogue meeting organized by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS) in Bolgatanga, Mr. Adagama highlighted the benefits of mainstreaming biochar into agricultural production. Mr. Adagama noted that introducing biochar to dry season farming can help reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers, promote soil rejuvenation, and increase fertility levels. This innovation has the potential to support women farmers who struggle to access capital for chemical fertilizers. KANBACU has already received training on biochar production and has started initial pilots. Mr. Adagama stressed the need for government support to scale up this innovation, advocating for a seed fund to be established for environmental conservation and protection initiatives. This fund would enable innovators to access resources to develop and scale their technologies, reducing the environmental impact of bushfires in the region. According to him, the adoption of grass biochar in agriculture has the potential to reduce pressure on farmers, promote conservation, and increase household income. Mr. Adagama’s call to action emphasizes the importance of government investment in this innovation to reduce the environmental impacts of bushfires and promote sustainable agriculture practices. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Embracing Grass Biochar: A Game-Changer for Farmers in Talensi
Peter Abunga, Department of Social Welfare and Community Development Talensi, has expressed his enthusiasm for grass biochar, a innovation that has the potential to revolutionize farming in the region. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at a dialogue meeting organized by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS) in Bolgatanga, Mr. Abunga shared his views on the benefits of grass biochar, highlighting its potential to improve soil fertility, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, and increase water retention in the soil. Mr. Abunga, who comes from a farming background, emphasized the significance of this innovation for farmers in the region. He noted that the use of chemical fertilizers has become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for farmers to afford. Grass biochar, on the other hand, is a cost-effective and sustainable solution that can help enrich soil fertility, reduce soil erosion, and increase crop yields. The Department and Community Development Talensi official expressed his gratitude to the Millar Institute for introducing this innovation and urged the government to intervene and support the implementation of grass biochar in farming practices. He emphasized that government backing is crucial for the success of this policy, particularly in the context of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. Mr. Abunga’s endorsement of grass biochar is a testament to its potential to transform farming in Talensi and beyond. As a community leader, his support is essential in promoting this innovation among farmers and encouraging its adoption. “With government support, grass biochar can become a game-changer for farmers in the region, improving their livelihoods and contributing to food security”. He stressed Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Grass Biochar: A Natural and Cost-Effective Solution for Soil Fertility–Ali Rapheal Yenbapono
Ali Rapheal Yenbapono, Project Manager of Tuna Women Development Project (TUWODEP), has expressed his enthusiasm for the grass biochar innovation introduced by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies. Apexnewsgh reports At a zonal dialogue meeting in Bolgatanga, Mr. Yenbapono shared his views on the potential of this technology to improve soil health, increase productivity, and reduce poverty. Mr. Yenbapono highlighted the abundance of grass in the region, which can be easily accessed and utilized for biochar production. He emphasized the benefits of this innovation, particularly for rural farmers, who can use biochar as a cost-effective alternative to expensive fertilizers. This, in turn, can help reduce soil degradation and improve crop yields. “Prof. Millar has done well identifying this grass biochar innovation. Because, we have a lot of grass in abundance and is something that we don’t even go to buy. And I think, this innovation, if we advocate it well, it will go a long way to help our people especially people in rural areas. Cutting of tree are now becoming too much for us. So, grass is a free thing we have to embrace”. He said Regarding government intervention, Mr. Yenbapono stressed the importance of policy support to promote this innovation. He suggested that government policies, such as incorporating biochar into school curricula or promoting its use through traditional authorities, can go a long way in enhancing its adoption. Mr. Yenbapono also acknowledged the rampant issue of bush fires in the Savannah region and expressed his belief that this innovation can help minimize the occurrence of such fires. By promoting the use of biochar, communities can reduce the amount of dry grass that fuels bush fires. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Grass Biochar, a life saver for us as Ghanaians– Abu Dokuwie Alhassan
Abu Dokuwie Alhassan, Executive Director of Capacity Enhancement and Community Support (CAPECS), has emphasized the significance of the Grass biochar innovation introduced by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS). He describes the innovation as a life saver. Apexnewsgh reports This technology has the potential to restore environmental dignity, improve soil health, and increase productivity. Alhassan highlighted the widespread use of chemical fertilizers by farmers in Ghana, which harms the environment and perpetuates reliance on imported products. He stressed the need to promote indigenous technologies like grass biochar, which can create jobs, generate generational wealth, and improve soil health. “As far as am concerned, biochar is a life saver for us as Ghanaians, biochar serves as a very important manure and you realized in recent times practically every farmer have resorted to the use of chemicals and that is disingenuous to our environment. If we can promote the use of indigenous technology like this biochar that is been introduced by Millar Institute, i think we have the opportunity to make our soil better” Sharing his personal experience as a farmer, Alhassan noted the high cost of chemical fertilizers and the burden it places on rural farmers. He emphasized that adopting indigenous approaches can reduce costs, improve soil health, and increase income for farmers. Alhassan called on the government to promote the use of indigenous technologies and reduce reliance on imported chemical fertilizers. By doing so, Ghana can create a more sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and the environment. The benefits of grass biochar include: Improved soil health, Increased productivity, Job creation in the grass economy, Generational wealth creation, Reduced costs for farmers, Improved soil health, Increased income for farmers By embracing this innovation, Ghana can take a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Commercializing grass biochar is something we are going to go— Madam Miyella Lydia
Executive Director of Maaltaaba Pesaent Women Farmer Cooperative, Miyella Lydia, has expressed her enthusiasm for the grass biochar innovation, pointing its potential to improve the environment and empower vulnerable widows. Apexnewsgh reports During a zonal dialogue meeting in Bolgatanga, Madam Miyella shared her organization’s experience with grass biochar and their plans to commercialize its production. “Our main focus is on the environment, and when this technology was introduced, I was thrilled,” she said. “Through the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) project, we have acquired a lot, and Chief has given us land where we have demonstrated the grass biochar. The women I work with cannot afford certain inputs for their farms, so when this technology was introduced, we embraced it.” Madam Miyella explained that her organization has demonstrated grass biochar in their farms, backyard gardens, and Portray farms, encouraging their women to use it. “We know that when there’s enough biochar on the soil, it helps with water retention, which is crucial in the Upper East region where we have drought issues,” she added. She highlighted the benefits of grass biochar, including its ability to take away the scent in Portray farms and its use as fertilizer. “We are planning to commercialize it next year, and we pray that if you want to buy, you can visit Maba, and they will start measuring it in both for people to buy,” she said. Madam Miyella further emphasized that her organization has received the technology wholeheartedly and is committed to promoting it. “It is a very good technology, and we are going to do it because it is something that will help our women,” she concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Grass Biochar: Adding Value to grass will go a long way in putting money into people’s pocket—Awal Ahmed Kariama
Alhaji Awal Ahmed Kariama, Executive Director of RISE Ghana, has expressed his enthusiasm for the new grass biochar innovation introduced by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS). He believes, adding value to grass will go a long way in putting money into people’s pocket. Apexnewsgh reports During a zonal dialogue meeting in Bolgatanga, Alhaji Awal shared more interesting views on the potential of this technology to improve soil health, increase productivity, and reduce poverty. Ahmed highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, including the high cost of inputs, particularly fertilizer. He emphasized that the introduction of briquettes from this innovation will significantly reduce the cost of farming, leading to improved income for farmers and reduced poverty levels. “As for farmers, some challenges that they have is the high cost of inputs and by inputs particularly fertilizers, is very expensive for most of our farmers and so the introduction of grass biochar will go a long way in reducing the cost of farming for our farmers and by reducing the cost of farming that means that the impact in terms of the income the farmer is going to get, is going to improve and when that is improved the level of poverty in the house is improved” He said As an NGO focused on supporting vulnerable groups, RISE Ghana sees the potential for grass biochar to benefit women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. Ahmed expressed his organization’s commitment to exploring ways to integrate this innovation into their strategic plan, focusing on income generation, promoting inclusion, and reducing economic vulnerability. “If we add value to grass like Prof Millar is trying to do I think it will go a long way to equally put money into people’s pocket, but it will also help protect our environment. So, for me I see it as a very creative idea, and I think everybody who interested in the environment who is interested in reducing poverty should come all out and support this to become a reality” He tressed Regarding policy, Ahmed acknowledged the importance of government support but emphasized the need to leverage existing policies and entry points to promote this innovation. He called on the government to take immediate action to support sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration through innovative technologies like grass biochar. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
SWFA Trains Members on Innovative Grass Charcoal and Biochar Production
The Savannah Women Farmer Association (SWFA) has successfully trained its members on the production of grass charcoal and grass biochar, thanks to the expertise of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary Development Studies. Apexnewsgh reports SWFA Project Coordinator, Mr. Oseni Kabiru, shared the impact of this training during a regional stakeholder’s dialogue in Tamale on Monday. According to Mr. Kabiru, the training empowered members to harness the potential of nuisance grasses, preventing bushfires and the destruction of farmlands. By harvesting these grasses, members were able to produce charcoal for domestic use, reducing the need to cut down trees for fuel. Although the goal is to scale up production for commercial purposes, members are currently using the charcoal for personal consumption. The training also focused on using grass as organic manure to enhance agricultural productivity. By adopting this innovative approach, SWFA members are reducing their reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and enriching their soil. Mr. Kabiru expressed pride in the progress made, stating that the initiative has not only eliminated the need for tree cutting but also empowered members to manage their natural resources effectively. The successful implementation of this project is a testament to the impact of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Innovative Biochar Production from Grasses: A Laudable Solution to Bushfires and Soil Fertility– Isaac Kofi Ntori
Mr. Isaac Kofi Ntori, a project officer with A-Rocha Ghana, has commended the innovative idea of producing biochar from grasses, describing it as “very laudable”. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at a stakeholder’s dialogue meeting organized by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies in Tamale on Monday, July 8, 2024, Mr. Ntori highlighted the potential of grass biochar production to address two major challenges in the northern region of Ghana: bushfires and soil fertility. According to Mr. Ntori, grasses are a major cause of bushfires, which pose a significant threat to the landscape, agricultural farms, and properties. However, by harvesting these grasses and converting them into biochar, the soil structure and fertility can be enhanced, leading to increased productivity and reduced bushfires. He emphasized that this innovation has multiple benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, increased forest cover, and enhanced environmental and agricultural security. Mr. Ntori believes that this approach has great prospects, particularly in the agricultural sector, and encourages stakeholders to embrace this innovative solution. He believes, by converting grasses into biochar, Ghana can reduce the risk of bushfires, improve soil fertility, and promote sustainable agriculture practices. This laudable innovation he said has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape in Ghana and ensure a more secure and sustainable future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Tempane: District Health Committee Inaugurated to Improve Health Quality
The Tempane District Assembly led by the District Chief Executive (DCE) Issaka Anabida has inaugurated District Health Committee (DHC). According to the constitutional mandate; the Ghana Health Service and the Teaching Hospital act of 1996, Act 525 requires the establishment of the District Health Committees whose duties are mostly to advise the District Director of Health Service in the performance of his duties in the district and shall perform such functions of the Council in the district as the Council may assign to it. Meanwhile, during the inaugural ceremony, the DCE charged the committee to be focused on their mandated responsibility. “I want to charge all members of the committee to put aside every other personal interest and focus on the collective health interest of the people of this District”. He charged According to Mr. Anabida, he followed the health sector performance with keen interest and the last time he checked, the current performance they are enjoying at the end of 3rd quarter 2021, the Tempane district was placed 1st. “I want to task this committee to ensure that, we don’t as slip down as a district, let every one of us here show commitment to ensuring quality healthcare is delivered in this district” He stressed The Upper East Regional Health Director Dr. Emmanuel Kofi Dzotsi who was present at the inaugural ceremony could not hide his excitement. According to him, the occasion made his day the happiest one since the year began because he was always wondering how the inaugural ceremony will be done for the first time in the history of Tempane District. He, however, admonished the committee to do their best to serve the people and forward any issue beyond their control to the Regional Directorate. He extended his appreciation to the DCE for his commitment to the health sector since he assumed office. The District Health Director Cosmos Minyila on his address heaped praises to the DCE for always availing himself to support the directorate whenever he’s called upon. He also used the occasion to announce that Tempane is 3rd in the region when it comes to Covid-19 public vaccination. He reported that the District had a few people infected with Covid-19 but they’ve all passed out and doing well. He charged his colleagues in the committee to put up their best for the District. The Regional Health Committee Chairperson Moriama Gumah swore the members into the office and pledged his readiness to work with them to the benefit of the people of Tempane district. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen