Call for Experts: Scaling Biochar Solutions for Climate-Resilient Cocoa Agroforestry in Bolivia

The CTCN is seeking experts to participate in the upcoming solicitation to provide technical assistance on:

Adaptation and Validation of Biochar Technologies to Improve the Resilience of Soils and Cocoa-Based Livelihoods in the Bolivian Amazon

Deadline: 10 September 2026

Bolivia is highly vulnerable to climate change, with drought and seasonal water stress reducing productivity in cocoa agroforestry systems in northern La Paz, while erratic and intense rainfall contributes to soil erosion and nutrient loss. At the same time, cocoa production generates significant residual biomass, including husks and pods, which is often underutilised. Transforming these residues into biochar presents an opportunity to improve soil quality and water retention, strengthen the resilience of cocoa-based livelihoods, and create value through a more circular agricultural system. However, biochar adoption in Bolivia remains at an early stage, with limited adaptation of technologies to local conditions, a lack of validated production and application protocols, and limited technical and financial evidence to support wider deployment.

Through this technical assistance, the CTCN will support Bolivia in adapting, validating and scaling biochar technologies produced from cocoa residues for application in cocoa agroforestry systems in northern La Paz. The assistance will combine a technical and territorial assessment with field pilots, laboratory analysis and development of operational protocols adapted to local conditions. It will also strengthen the capacities of producers, technicians and institutions and assess the technical and financial feasibility of establishing biochar as a sustainable service or input for cocoa-producing organisations and other agroforestry systems. Some of the expected outputs include:

• Technical and territorial assessment, opportunity mapping and roadmap for adaptation of biochar technologies in cocoa agroforestry systems;
• Technical validation of biochar technologies and development of operational protocols adapted to local conditions;
• Capacity building and institutional strengthening for producers, technicians and relevant public and technical organisations; 
• Development of an operational and financial model and scaling strategy for a local biochar supply chain, including pathways for financing and replication in other agroforestry systems.

For further information on this opportunity, visit the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM) or the UN website.

Deadline for applications: 10 September 2026

If you are not yet a member of the CTCN Network, you can apply to join here.