Dynamic realtime monitoring reporting and verification system for enabling climate-smart agricultural practices across Africa (CarbonXtras)

Empowering African farmers as active participants in the global fight against climate change

Project Partners: CSIR – Crops Research Institute (Kumasi, Ghana), Embrapa Rice and Beans – Santo Antonio de Goias, (Brazil), Sonavision Limited (UK) and the James Hutton Institute (UK) 

CarbonXtras is focused on helping smallholder farmers in Ghana adopt climate-smart, regenerative agricultural practices. 

The project addresses two significant challenges faced by farmers today: poor soil health and the increasing impacts of climate change. Both of these issues threaten food security and rural livelihoods. Many farmers in Ghana struggle to maintain crop productivity due to soil degradation and unpredictable weather patterns. Some are resorting to gold mining on their farmlands as a last option, which further damages the soil and jeopardises long-term food production. CarbonXtras offers an innovative and sustainable alternative by helping farmers restore their soil, increase crop yields, and access new revenue through carbon farming.  

Digital monitoring of regenerative practices

The project brings together experts from the UK, Ghana, and Brazil, including scientists, technology developers, agricultural researchers, and community organisations. They are collaborating to create and scale a low-cost, farmer-friendly digital system that measures how much carbon is stored in the soil when farmers employ regenerative practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage. At the core of the project is a real-time Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system. This digital tool collects data from farms using specially designed soil sensors and mobile applications. The system tracks soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon storage, providing farmers with tailored advice on improving their practices and adapting to climate risks. The verified data generated through the MRV system has the potential to provide farmers with a new income stream that rewards them for sustainable farming. This project builds on successful trials conducted in Scotland and data generated in Brazil, with technology adapted to local African conditions and languages.  

Ultimately, CarbonXtras aims to empower African farmers as active participants in the global fight against climate change while enhancing their ability to produce food, support their families, and protect the land for future generations. 

For more information

For more information on this project, contact us, or view all projects funded under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnership programme.

Innovate UK Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnership: UK-Brazil-Africa brings together innovative people and organisations to promote climate-smart agriculture in Africa.