AgrarKontakte International (AKI) e.V., Char2Cool e.V., and their Burundian partner Ordre Saint Camille jointly organized a practical training on Sustainable Organic Farming Practices and Biochar Production in Burundi. The training was led by Samuel Safari Elijah, an experienced expert from Kenya, and strengthened practical skills in organic farming and biochar production. Thirteen trainers were prepared to cascade the knowledge to fellow trainers and farmers.

The initiative highlights a strong South–South exchange embedded in international cooperation. It connects local farmers, regional expertise, and international partners in a collaborative effort to advance sustainable development.

Samuel shares his experiences, insights, and recommendations following the training. The interview follows:

Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Samuel Safari Elijah. I work for a conservation organization called Bahari Hai, based on the Kenyan coast, which focuses on environmental protection and community engagement.

Q2. What is your role in relation to Char2Cool e.V. and AgrarKontakte International (AKI) e.V.?

I collaborate with Char2Cool e.V. as a trainer, supporting local communities through practical training on sustainable agriculture practices and biochar production to address food insecurity.

The Managing Director of Char2Cool e.V., Mr. Walter Danner, connected me with AKI and invited me to travel to Burundi to train new trainers. I gladly accepted this opportunity and held a successful training in Burundi.

Q3. Which key topics were addressed during the training, and how do these practices support soil health, agricultural productivity, and climate protection in local communities?

The training focused on practical sustainable organic farming techniques, including vermiculture, the production of organic manure from food waste, organic pest control methods, and biochar production.

These practices reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by relying on locally available resources. In particular, biochar improves soil structure by enhancing water and nutrient retention, which increases soil fertility and crop productivity. At the same time, organic farming practices protect the environment and human health by minimizing chemical pollution. Biochar also contributes to climate protection by storing carbon in the soil and improving drought resilience, helping communities adapt to climate change.

The availability of the chemical fertilizers is very limited and costly. 

Q4. Which methods or practices did the participants find most valuable?

The practical training in biochar production was the highlight of the training. They really liked the idea of biochar. 

Q5. What differences did you observe in the level of application and practical use of the techniques in Burundi compared to Kenya?

In Burundi, particularly in Gitega, the application of the techniques mentioned above is still new. The trainers I trained did not have any knowledge of these techniques. In Kenya, the level of application is more advanced.

Q6. How do you see the potential for scaling up these sustainable practices in Burundi?

Burundi has strong potential to scale up these practices. Farmers are highly motivated, and the necessary raw materials are readily available. With continued practical training and periodic refresher courses, they can further strengthen their skills and achieve sustainable, long-term results.

Q7. How does collaboration between organizations like AKI and Char2Cool enhance the effectiveness of such training programs?

Collaboration between organizations like AKI and Char2Cool enhances the effectiveness of training programs in several ways. It makes logistical arrangements easier, such as facilitating travel for trainers from Kenya. The partnership also enables valuable South-South knowledge exchange, allowing regional expertise to be shared with local communities. Additionally, the collaboration is cost-effective, as both institutions can pool and share resources to maximize the impact of their training.

Q8. Can you share a memorable moment or success story from the training?

A memorable moment from the training was during the session on organic pesticides for pest and disease control. Some participants believed that pests in their gardens were resistant to pesticides and even named specific pests they thought could not be treated. When we prepared and applied two organic solutions, they saw firsthand that the pests were effectively controlled. The participants were amazed and genuinely excited to witness the results themselves. 

Thank you very much for your time!

You are welcome.

AKI would like to thank Mr. Walter Danner and his organization Char2Cool e.V. for their financial support in the implementation of this training with Samuel Safari Elijah.

“This project is implemented with financial support from the Parliament of Baden-Württemberg and the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg.”