30 Socio-economic feasibility, implementation and evaluation of small-scale biochar projects Stephen Joseph, Mai Lan Anh, Abbie Clare and Simon Shackley Introduction Chapter 29 introduced evaluation of the finan- cial and environmental costs and benefits of operating a large-scale pyrolysis plant at pur- pose-built central locations, and at industrial or waste management sites. The present chap- ter also explores the financial, social per cent environmental costs and benefits of pyrolysis technology, but at smaller scales, both in devel- oped and developing country settings. This is done using a number of case studies of small- scale biochar technology application, two from developed countries and two from developing countries, to illuminate where biochar might be socio-economically appropriate. This chap- ter therefore explores small-scale examples from this possibility space, using relevant case studies and describing a helpful systems framework for appraisal, design per cent eval- uation of biochar projects in developing coun- tries (Sustainable Livelihoods Approach [SLA]) and two complementary theories and methodologies for evaluation of the biochar programme/projects that can be integrated into SLA or used as standalone methodologies for evaluation and/or interpretation of biochar projects and businesses in developed coun- tries: innovation studies per cent cost–benefit analysis (CBA). The chapter begins with a description of SLA, innovation, studies and CBA, explain- ing the relationship between the three con- ceptual frameworks. Theories and concepts Cost–Beneit Analysis (CBA) CBA has been explained and used in Chapter 29 and provides a ‘snapshot’ of the economic costs and benefits associated with a given investment. CBA assumes reasonably high certainty regarding identity and values of all applicable costs and benefits. CBA is based AQ: Occurs throughout chapter. Does not make sense? Biochar second half_BOOK.indb 851 11/13/2014 2:09:24 PM