
Decan - Biochar

Prosopis Eradication & Biochar Production
Problem
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Prosopis juliflora (from South America), an invasive species introduced to "green" the desert, has spread rapidly and displaced native plants, worsening overgrazing and ecosystem collapse.
Goals
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Scale up biochar/charcoal production with better packaging and machinery.
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Partner with East African experts to refine techniques.
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Turn Prosopis from a threat into an economic and ecological asset.
Activities
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As of today the DECAN project produces charcoal from prosopis and sells them in large 18kgs bags in local supemarkets for locals to use for cooking or heat. It is a more ecological solution than making charcoal from acacia trees. The DECAN project is working to sell them in smaller bags that will be more convenient for local residents to buy.
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They are facing the competition of charcoal imported from Turkey that are sold in smaller bags and that is less expensive
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KlimateNet members are collaborating with Bertrand Lafrance, DECAN founder to assess the option of producing biochar with prosospis
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Biochar enriches soil, boosts agriculture, and locks away carbon.
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Bertrand is also exploring the optoins to harvest the Prosopis fruit and to transform it into flour to feed animals feed and potentially humans (requires further R&D). The harvest needs to be done in season (Months of April/May)
Innovation & Impact
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The project turns an environmental problem (invasive species) into an economic opportunity.
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Biochar production has potential for both environmental restoration and local economic development.
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KlimateNet members are also investigating the option to produce biomass that could be buried underground
Challenges
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Packaging is currently in large, impractical bags; smaller, more attractive packaging is needed for wider adoption.
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The market is challenged by cheaper imported charcoal
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Lack of formal accounting/reporting limits growth and transparency (cash-based business).
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Production is limited by expertise, funding, and the need for better equipment (e.g., machines to standardize charcoal shapes).
Future Needs and opportunities
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Develop smaller packaging and clearer branding to distinguish Prosopis charcoal from traditional acacia charcoal.
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Secure funding to improve production technology and business operations.
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Explore use of Prosopis fruit as animal feed, requiring further research and equipment to process seeds for livestock health.
Success Metrics
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Volume of Prosopis removed and processed: DECAN produces 56 bags of 18kg each of charlcoal per month (tbc) i.e between 6 to 12 tonnes per year
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Sales of biochar/charcoal (by unit/weight).
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Number of local jobs created.
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DECAN has direct access to less than 100 tonnes of prosopis biomass every year but there is massive potential in the country
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Potential amount of tonnes of carbon equivalent that could be removed by eradicating prosopis in Djibouti
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