By Patrick Obia
To achieve food security and enhance the quality of life for local farmers in rural areas, the United States-based Afri Decarbonization Corporation (ADC) is seeking a partnership with the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
Founded with the mission of improving the lives of people in West Africa, ADC focuses on developing nature-based decarbonization strategies while preserving and optimizing sustainable ecosystems and biodiversity.
During a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Stephen Ncha Ochang, discussions centered on research and a “train the trainer” program involving Dispersed Biochar Kilns (DBKs).
According to UNICROSS Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onen Onen, the kilns were locally fabricated by Engr. Ikem Azorshubel from the Department of Mechanical Engineering are designed to help local farmers convert waste biomass from forests and food crops into biochar credits and organic fertilizer.
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“The DBKs are intended to aid farmers in producing biochar and organic fertilizers from waste biomass,” explained Prof. Michael Shaffa, an international expert on biochar, who led the ADC team. He emphasized that “the project aims to achieve food security and improve the quality of life for local farmers.”
The VC represented by Professor Matthew Nsing Ogar, Dean of the Post Graduate School, the Acting Vice Chancellor expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and assured that UNICROSS is ready to support ADC’s proposal. He urged the faculties of Agriculture and Engineering to take full advantage of the opportunity for the benefit of both the institution and the wider community.
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High points of the visit were with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and group photographs.