Data-driven optimisation of integrated engineered biochars in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Ecosystem for sustainable energy, food, water and health nexus: Focus on South Africa, Ghana and Kenya

Diğer Uluslararası Fon Programları, 2026 - 2028

Proje Türü: Diğer Uluslararası Fon Programları
Başlama Tarihi: Ocak 2026
Bitiş Tarihi: Aralık 2028

Proje Özeti

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces challenges of poverty, hunger, disease, and water, food and energy supply shortages. These issues undermine the
aspirations of the UN SDGs and Africa's 2063 Development Agenda. Seed donations, supply of food parcels and chemical fertilizers, free basic
electricity and water have tried to address these challenges. However, they targeted specific sectors, with limited and unsustainable coverage.
Engineered biochar, a type of charcoal often made of plant waste, is a promising solution to ensure water, food and energy security, thus improving
the health, economic and social well-being of communities. Engineered biochar is used to improve soil health, clean water, improve air quality,
produce bio-oil, store energy and capture carbon, among other uses. Although the benefits of engineered biochar are known, better understanding
its functions could optimize how it is used. This research will assess the current status of engineered biochar production, particularly characterization
and application, focusing on water, food, energy and health. Our research group will: · Assess existing commercial technologies to produce
engineered biochar · Determine the availability and carbon neutrality of the used engineered biochar · Ask End-Users how they view the benefits,
opportunities and challenges of engineered biochar · Conduct economic analyses to learn how using engineered biochar more widely could improve
health and save money for healthcare institutions · Calculate the contribution of engineered biochar towards food production and security · Establish
the role of engineered biochar to help industries work together and its place in the circular economy, where resources are used for as long as
possible We will use a mixed methods approach, combining laboratory experiments, sample collection and data modeling alongside interviews and
questionnaires. Results from previous studies will be pooled for meta-analysis to find knowledge gaps and to direct our research.