Biochar for sustainable agriculture: potential to mitigate climate change and advance sustainable development goals in Ghana—review

This review explores the potential of biochar as a sustainable agricultural tool in Ghana, focusing on its ability to address critical challenges associated with traditional crop residue management practices. These practices, including open burning and poorly managed decomposition, contribute significantly to soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased greenhouse gas emission. The review synthesizes existing literature on impact of biochar on soil health, crop productivity, and carbon sequestration, contextualizing these findings within the unique environmental and socio-economic landscape of Ghana. It focuses on bridging the gap between global biochar research and the specific agricultural needs of Ghana. The key findings indicate that biochar can significantly improve soil water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, leading to enhanced crop yields and more sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the ability of biochar to sequester carbon makes it a valuable tool for climate change mitigation in the region. The review identifies barriers to biochar adoption, such as technological, economic, and social challenges; and offers actionable policy recommendations to promote its acceptance. While the study provides a comprehensive analysis, it acknowledges limitations related to the variability of biochar effects and the need for further localized research. This review contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable agriculture in Ghana, offering insights that can inform policy and practice aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and climate resilience.