Tanzania is confronting a significant challenge in providing access to clean cooking energy. In response, a group of young innovators in Pangawe, Unguja, have developed an innovative technology that transforms sugarcane waste into an alternative charcoal source. This initiative is being celebrated as a crucial advancement towards environmental preservation, improved public health, and the creation of employment opportunities for young people.
The Zanzibar State of the Environment Report (2021) indicates that over 90% of rural households depend on firewood and traditional wood charcoal for cooking. This reliance is a major cause of deforestation across the islands. A 2023 forest inventory revealed alarming declines in mangrove forests. In Unguja, mangrove wood volume decreased from 41 cubic meters in 2013 to just 18.9 cubic meters. Pemba experienced a similar decline, from 39.8 to 38.3 cubic meters. Overall forest loss is estimated at 1.2% annually, equivalent to 1,277 hectares, driven by charcoal production, construction, infrastructure development, and the impacts of climate change.
The government has pledged to restore degraded forests through extensive tree-planting programs in collaboration with local communities. It has also committed to increasing access to clean cooking energy. However, this transition faces hurdles, including high costs, limited availability of appliances, and existing community perceptions about clean energy alternatives.
The Pangawe youth initiative offers a promising solution, demonstrating how grassroots innovation can support national climate action objectives.
Transforming Waste into Fuel
Michael Alfred, an environmental engineer who assisted in designing the project, explains that the group explored various types of waste to determine the most suitable material for energy conversion. They found that sugarcane waste, abundant in Zanzibar due to the thriving juice market, was ideal.
The process involves several stages:
- Drying: Fresh sugarcane waste is sun-dried for one to three days, depending on its moisture content.
- Carbonization: The dried waste is placed in a specialized barrel for partial burning.
- Grinding: The carbonized material is ground into a fine powder.
- Mixing: The powder is mixed with cooked cassava flour, which acts as a binding agent.
The mixture consists of three kilograms of cassava flour for every fifty kilograms of sugarcane powder. This combination produces durable briquettes that burn longer and emit less smoke than traditional charcoal. One kilogram of this sugarcane charcoal retails for Sh1,000 and is already being purchased by households and small hotels. According to Michael, one kilogram of this charcoal can cook meals for a family of five for a whole day.
Launched in 2023, the project is expected to continue through 2025, aiming to provide affordable energy, reduce urban waste, and combat environmental degradation caused by wood charcoal use.
Economic and Social Benefits
To date, the initiative has provided employment for over 30 young people, offering both income and practical skills. Abdulmalik Seif Issa, the group's secretary, emphasizes the social impact. He notes that young people are earning a living through this innovation. Although the market is still developing, demand is increasing, with some food vendors and hotels already purchasing the briquettes.
In addition to its environmental advantages, the sugarcane briquettes offer health benefits. Unlike traditional charcoal, they produce minimal smoke, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses. Aisha Badulla, a resident of Mwembetanga and a customer, shares that the charcoal is excellent, lasts longer than firewood, produces no smoke, and leaves no dirt behind. She believes that more people should be educated about and encouraged to adopt this energy source.
Challenges and Obstacles
Despite its successes, the project faces several challenges. Abdulmalik Seif Issa identifies the primary issue as a lack of equipment. The group currently has only one machine, leading to long production queues and delays.
Another challenge is the absence of a formal market. The group relies on leaflets, community outreach, and exhibitions to attract customers. Community skepticism also presents a hurdle, as some households doubt the ability of sugarcane briquettes to fully replace wood charcoal. Additionally, the group lacks a permanent workspace, which limits productivity and efficiency.
Yussuf Seif Issa, one of the project trainers, stresses the importance of government support. He suggests that if the government could provide a dedicated space to build a factory and facilitate access to larger markets, both domestically and internationally, the project could transform the clean energy sector in Zanzibar.
Government and Institutional Support
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, through the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-led innovations. Minister Tabia Mwita Maulid stated that the government will ensure that young people who demonstrate dedication and creativity in job-creating projects receive financial assistance and market access to expand their services.
Similarly, Salum Amer, Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Youth Council, notes that the council actively encourages young people to explore such opportunities and forwards their challenges to government authorities for resolution.
The Need for Urgent Change
Experts argue that with adequate investment and policy support, sugarcane charcoal could significantly reduce reliance on wood-based energy. Michael emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that deforestation accelerates climate change and threatens food security and water resources. He believes that this project demonstrates how waste can be turned into wealth while simultaneously saving forests and protecting livelihoods.
The National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034 underscores this vision. One of its expected outcomes is the expansion of innovative cooking energy technologies. The strategy highlights research and innovation as key pillars in driving the adoption of clean and affordable cooking solutions.
By aligning with this strategy, initiatives like the Pangawe sugarcane briquette project are positioning themselves as catalysts for change, bridging the gap between policy aspirations and practical solutions.
No comments:
Post a Comment