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Effect of Extension Education on Farmers’ Knowledge of Biochar Production from Farm Residues

Abstract

Biochar production from farm residues is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves converting crop residues and other suitable biomass into a stable carbon-rich material through controlled heating under limited oxygen conditions. The practice provides an opportunity to utilize agricultural waste, reduce residue accumulation, improve soil management, and support the recycling of farm resources. Extension education can equip farmers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand suitable raw materials, production methods, safety requirements, and potential agricultural uses of biochar. This study will examine the effect of extension education on farmers’ knowledge of biochar production from farm residues. The study will assess farmers’ existing knowledge of biochar production, determine their exposure to extension education, and examine the influence of extension education on their understanding of appropriate biochar production methods. It will also identify farmers’ information needs and challenges associated with acquiring technical knowledge about biochar production. The study will focus on farmers’ knowledge of suitable farm residues, biomass preparation, drying, size reduction, production methods, controlled heating, temperature management, oxygen limitation, cooling, storage, and safe handling of biochar. It will also examine farmers’ knowledge of appropriate production equipment, quality characteristics, and possible uses of biochar for soil improvement, moisture conservation, and nutrient management. Exposure to extension meetings, training programmes, demonstrations, farm visits, and advisory services will also be considered. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from farmers using structured questionnaires designed to measure their knowledge of biochar production and exposure to extension education activities. The data will be analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to determine the relationship between extension education and farmers’ knowledge of biochar production from farm residues. The study is expected to reveal that farmers who receive regular extension education and practical training may demonstrate higher levels of knowledge of biochar production than farmers with limited exposure to extension services. Practical demonstrations may improve farmers’ understanding of residue selection, biomass preparation, controlled heating, production conditions, cooling, storage, and safety procedures. However, limited technical information, inadequate training facilities, lack of suitable equipment, production costs, and insufficient practical demonstrations may contribute to knowledge gaps. The study will be useful to farmers, agricultural extension agents, soil management specialists, agricultural development agencies, environmental organisations, farmers’ associations, policymakers, and agricultural researchers. The findings may provide useful information for strengthening extension education programmes that promote agricultural residue utilization, sustainable soil management, waste reduction, and environmentally responsible farming practices. The study concludes that extension education can play an important role in improving farmers’ knowledge of biochar production from farm residues. It is therefore recommended that extension agencies strengthen practical training, field demonstrations, farm visits, and farmer group activities on biochar production. Farmers should also be provided with clear technical guidance on suitable residues, production methods, safety measures, storage, and quality management to support effective and sustainable utilization of farm residues.

Keywords: Extension education, farmers’ knowledge, biochar production, farm residues, agricultural waste, biomass utilization, soil management, agricultural extension, residue management, soil fertility, waste reduction, sustainable agriculture, carbon-rich soil amendment, farm resource management, agricultural productivity.