By Dyson Mthawanji
Deforestation is a pressing issue in Malawi, where the majority of the population relies on charcoal and firewood as their primary source of energy. The unsustainable harvesting of trees for fuel has led to widespread deforestation, resulting in loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. However, Tingathe, a Lilongwe based Non-Governmental Organisation, has a sustainable solution to this problem.
Tingathe’s solution is none other than the use of briquettes as an alternative energy source. Tingathe is empowering women to become resilient through briquettes manufacturing trainings. Recently, about 304 people graduated in briquettes production. They were all trained by Tingathe. They proudly went back into their communities to fight against deforestation and climate change through the production of briquettes.
Briquettes are a type of fuel made from compressed biomass materials, such as agricultural waste, wood waste, or other organic matter such as groundnut shells. They offer a sustainable and renewable alternative to charcoal and firewood, which can help reduce the pressure on Malawi's forests. By promoting the use of briquettes, Malawi can mitigate the effects of deforestation and promote sustainable energy production.
The briquettes are beneficial as they can be made from waste materials that would otherwise be discarded. Agricultural waste, such as groundnuts shells are collected and converted into briquettes, providing a valuable source of income for communities.
The use of briquettes also offers several advantages over traditional charcoal and firewood. Briquettes are a more efficient fuel source, producing more energy per unit than charcoal or firewood. They also burn cleaner, producing no smoke and particulate matter, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce the negative health impacts associated with traditional cooking fuels. Furthermore, briquettes are stored and transported more easily than charcoal or firewood, making them a more convenient option for households and businesses.
The amazing work which Tingathe is doing needs to be replicated across the country. To promote the use of briquettes in Malawi, several strategies should be employed. Firstly, awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate households and businesses about the benefits of briquettes and how they can be used as a sustainable alternative to charcoal and firewood. Secondly, incentives should be provided to encourage the production and consumption of briquettes, such as tax breaks or subsidies for briquette producers. Thirdly, infrastructure should be developed to support the production and distribution of briquettes, including the establishment of briquette production facilities and distribution networks.
Moreover, the adoption of briquettes can also contribute to Malawi's efforts to mitigate climate change. By reducing the reliance on charcoal and firewood, Malawi will decrease its greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Overall, the promotion of briquettes in Malawi offers a win-win solution for the environment, economy, and society. By adopting briquettes as a sustainable energy source, Malawi will reduce deforestation, promote sustainable development, and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
Tingathe which is a member of the Adult Learning and Education Thematic Group is doing this remarkable work through funding from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), allocated by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).