Tanzania’s Village Transforms: From Charcoal Trading to Clean Energy Revolution
In the heart of Morogoro District, a remarkable story of environmental transformation is unfolding. Ally Mikola, a 76-year-old elder, has transitioned from a decades-long charcoal trading career to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainable energy and forest conservation.
For 20 years, Mikola earned his living transporting charcoal, but now he champions clean cooking energy and alternative charcoal production to protect forests and improve community health. “I started the charcoal business in 2005, but later saw its devastating effects on our environment,” Mikola explains.
The local community is pioneering innovative alternative charcoal production using agricultural residues like sugarcane husks, coconut shells, maize cobs, and sawdust. This groundbreaking approach not only preserves forests but also creates economic opportunities from potential waste materials.
Ngerengere village, once rich with fertile forests, has suffered significant deforestation. However, local initiatives are changing the narrative. The community now produces over one ton of alternative charcoal daily using specialized machinery, demonstrating a practical solution to environmental challenges.
Villagers like Hidaya Shabani are experiencing direct benefits. “Traditional charcoal used to cause eye irritation during cooking. Since switching to alternative charcoal, that problem is gone,” she shares.
Local authorities are supporting these efforts. The Morogoro District Council is conducting educational seminars about alternative energy, with Environmental Officer Rosemary Semiono noting that 75% of residents are farmers with potential to produce biogas at home.
The national goal is ambitious: ensuring 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034. This community-led initiative in Ngerengere represents a promising step towards that vision.
Mikola’s personal journey symbolizes hope. “Now, when I see people saving forests and protecting their health, I feel far happier than when I was running the charcoal business,” he reflects, embodying the potential for individual transformation in addressing environmental challenges.
