About Carbon roots international
Carbon Roots International: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Agriculture
Carbon Roots International (CRI) is a non-profit organization that aims to empower communities in Haiti and beyond through sustainable agriculture. Founded in 2010, CRI has been working tirelessly to address the root causes of poverty and environmental degradation by promoting regenerative farming practices that not only improve soil health but also increase crop yields and income for farmers.
At the heart of CRI's mission is the belief that sustainable agriculture can be a powerful tool for social and economic development. By providing farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to adopt regenerative farming practices, CRI is helping them build resilient communities that are better equipped to cope with climate change, food insecurity, and other challenges.
One of CRI's flagship programs is its biochar initiative. Biochar is a type of charcoal produced from organic waste materials such as agricultural residues or wood chips. When added to soil, biochar can improve soil fertility by increasing water retention capacity, reducing nutrient leaching, and enhancing microbial activity. Moreover, biochar has been shown to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for hundreds or even thousands of years.
CRI works with local farmers in Haiti to produce high-quality biochar using locally available feedstocks such as sugarcane bagasse or coconut shells. The organization provides training on how to use biochar effectively in farming systems as well as access to affordable financing options for purchasing equipment needed for producing it.
Another key program area for CRI is its agroforestry initiative. Agroforestry involves integrating trees into agricultural landscapes in ways that provide multiple benefits such as shade regulation, erosion control, biodiversity conservation while also improving soil health and productivity.
Through its agroforestry program, CRI works with smallholder farmers in Haiti to establish tree-based cropping systems that combine food crops like maize or beans with fruit trees like mangoes or avocados. This approach not only diversifies farmers' income streams but also helps to restore degraded landscapes and improve soil health.
CRI's work is guided by a commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. The organization recognizes that sustainable agriculture is not just about producing food but also about creating resilient communities that can thrive in the face of adversity.
In addition to its on-the-ground programs, CRI also engages in advocacy and outreach activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of sustainable agriculture for achieving global development goals such as poverty reduction, food security, and climate change mitigation.
Overall, Carbon Roots International is a shining example of how non-profit organizations can make a real difference in people's lives by promoting sustainable agriculture practices that benefit both farmers and the environment. Through its innovative programs and partnerships with local communities, CRI is helping to build a more just and sustainable world for all.
carbonrootsinternational.org
