Selected
Climate: Ecosystems + Housing

BIOSORRA

We transform crop waste into crop yield by producing BIOSORRA, biochar soil improver that increases farm crops by up to 150% while sequestering CO2.

Team Leader
Ines Serra
We transform crop waste into crop yield by producing BIOSORRA, biochar soil improver that increases farm crops by up to 150% while sequestering CO2.

The Problem

Africa's population will double by 2050, and with climate change threatening, there will be a food supply shortage that directly impacts malnutrition and sustainability while also increasing poverty. It is a vicious cycle of land degradation: unsustainable farming techniques leads to fewer crops, which lowers farmers' incomes.

The Solution

BIOSORRA exists to support farmers and the climate. The solution breaks the cycle of land degradation by providing organic fertilizer (biochar) and training to farmers and farming cooperatives across Kenya. Biochar is a soil improver that harnesses the power of crop waste to increase yields and simultaneously capture carbon.

BIOSORRA has developed an approach to supporting smallholder farmers to shift away from slash and burn techniques and towards sustainable techniques that will support increased food security across Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa.

Given BIOSORRA is carbon-negative and sequesters CO2 out of the atmosphere, BIOSORRA is able to provide carbon credits to companies that need to offset their CO2 emissions to comply with decarbonization regulations and provide a secondary revenue stream to financially sustain the scalability of BIOSORRA to other SSA countries.

Stats

Through BIOSORRA, 28,000 farmers have been trained in sustainable farming practices.

What is the name of your organization?
BIOSORRA
What is the name of your solution?
BIOSORRA
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
We transform crop waste into crop yield by producing BIOSORRA, biochar soil improver that increases farm crops by up to 150% while sequestering CO2.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Nairobi
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
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What type of organization is your solution team?
For-Profit
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
Africa's population will double by 2050, and with climate change threatening, there will be a food supply shortage that directly impacts malnutrition and sustainability while also increasing poverty. It is a vicious cycle of land degradation: unsustainable farming techniques leads to fewer crops, which lowers farmers' incomes.
What is your solution?
BIOSORRA exists to support farmers and the climate. The solution breaks the cycle of land degradation by providing organic fertilizer (biochar) and training to farmers and farming cooperatives across Kenya. Biochar is a soil improver that harnesses the power of crop waste to increase yields and simultaneously capture carbon. BIOSORRA has developed an approach to supporting smallholder farmers to shift away from slash and burn techniques and towards sustainable techniques that will support increased food security across Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa. Given BIOSORRA is carbon-negative and sequesters CO2 out of the atmosphere, BIOSORRA is able to provide carbon credits to companies that need to offset their CO2 emissions to comply with decarbonization regulations and provide a secondary revenue stream to financially sustain the scalability of BIOSORRA to other SSA countries.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
BIOSORRA exists to support smallholder farmers. We are launching in Kenya, where 2.4 million farms operate and 60% of the population relies on agriculture, contributing 26% of GDP. Harmful slash-and-burn practices, low productivity, and soil degradation contribute to a malnutrition rate of ~26% (WFP 2021). Our field observations identified acidic soils, desertification risk, and persistent water shortages. These challenges disproportionately affect low-income farmers earning approximately $1.60 per day, limiting yields and household income Biochar improves crop yields by up to 150%, reduces water use by 30%, increases income by 75%, and sequesters carbon. It is affordable, durable, and impactful (1 ton captures 3 tons of carbon). A byproduct of crop waste also provides clean cooking fuel Our impact extends beyond farmers to families and national food security. Long term, we will scale through a franchise model, training trusted women community leaders to operate BIOSORRA units locally

Organization Type:
For-Profit

Headquarters:
Nairobi, Kenya

Stage:
Growth

Working In:
Ghana, Kenya

Solution Website:
https://www.biosorra.com/

Solution Team:
Ines Serra
Ines Serra
CEO and Founder