Inclusive CO2 sequestration in the Kenyan nut industry – A closed project

The objective of the maturation project was to validate the reduction of CO2 emissions through an Inclusive Business Model with the key commercial partner’s, MashMakes, pyrolysis solutions for producing biochar from cashew nut residue. Based on laboratory tests the partners established during the project, that the local nut waste in Coastal Kenya is of a sufficient high quality for pyrolysis. The project furthermore engaged with 50 local nut farmers who applied 10.000kg of biochar to their fields to test for soil quality improvements (water retention, soil pH, and microbial habitat) and consequently in yield increases. The trial plots planted with maize increased production significantly in the test period. The potential sequestration of CO2 was estimated close to 50.000 MT per year by use of pyrolysis technology. Based on the positive results the project established three different business cases:  

• One for the company producing the nuts, because a more consistent inflow of raw material, both in terms of quantity and quality, will lead to increased profitability.

• Another for the processing of nut waste in the biochar production, where income will be generated from sales of CO2 credits.

• A third for the farmers, based on a one-to-one swap of waste for biochar. The value from increase in yield will be a net-revenue stream and thus increase livelihood among small-holder nut farmers and make them more resilient towards climate change. 

The field trials also pointed to some potential wider market effects as they resulted in an increased resilience towards climate change when applying biochar for soil improvement. Also, it can be foreseen that production of biochar, not only from nut shells, but biowaste in general will increase across Kenya and in the region. As the biochar increases, the water retention capacity of the soil may even be used for reclaiming land in semi-arid areas. However, more trials are needed to validate this.  

Despite the overall positive results, the key commercial partner, MashMakes, decided not to establish a pyrolysis plant in Coastal Kenya to produce biochar, electricity, and biofuel. The value chain analysis showed that not enough biomass was available in the area to ensure a stable and sufficient supply for a pyrolysis plant. The project partners will continue engaging with each other and continue exchanging knowledge and ideas for future pyrolysis and biochar initiatives in Coastal Kenya.