"Maximizing Sustainability: Exploring the Circular Bio-nutrient Economy Network During Monthly Catch-up"

Our first CBEN “Monthlies” call,, provided a productive platform for collaboration and planning.  With four new faces, we settled into the call with warm introductions outlining past engagement with CBEN. We had a great time getting to know new members. 

Screenshot: CBEN Team during the Monthly Catch-Up

The core of the meeting centered around better understanding each other’s expertise and contributions and announcing events for the year. As usual, the main -goal was fostering a sense of community and collaboration among ourselves.

Bella, the current CBEN Programs Manager, laid out the agenda for upcoming network event with Erick, CBEN Head of Communications. Notable among these is a four-day biochar event scheduled for June 2025. This event will focus on nutrient recovery and offer scholarship, aiming to advance biochar business capacity in the region. Additionally, there will be a collaboration with the German Biomass Research Institute, PlantVillage, and The International Institute Of Tropical Agriculture   IITA for study tours in Eldoret, Kenya, in October 2024. This tour will highlight artisanal carbon credit projects and explore potential collaborations in the sector across Kenya and Ethiopia.

The meeting concluded with breakout room discussions about the challenges of pyrolyzing various feedstocks, the vision of CBE within agroecology, and interest in upcoming events. Discussions allowed us  participants to dive into specific topics and one-on-one conversations about carbonizing technologies, individual projects, and potential points of collaboration.

As we look ahead, some key questions remain: What are the CBEN’s objectives for the 2024-2025 program years? How do CBE practice fit within agroecological frameworks? And how do we ensure collaborative events best serve CBEN interests? These questions will guide our future efforts and discussions, ensuring that our initiatives continue to be both relevant and impactful.

Overally, the meeting was a valuable opportunity to connect, plan, and advance our shared goals. Despite technical hiccups, the engagement and enthusiasm of the participants were evident, setting a positive tone for the future of CBEN.

By Erick Opiyo Abala