Innovative Youth Group Transforms Fruit Waste into Eco-Friendly Charcoal Briquettes in Kahama
In a groundbreaking initiative, local youth entrepreneurs in Kahama are revolutionizing clean energy production by converting agricultural waste into sustainable charcoal briquettes. The innovative project addresses multiple challenges, including waste management and affordable cooking fuel alternatives.
The local group specializes in transforming discarded agricultural materials such as banana peels, sugarcane fiber, orange rinds, and banana stems into high-performance cooking briquettes. Their unique approach provides an environmentally friendly solution to traditional charcoal consumption.
Currently producing over 100 briquettes per batch, the group sells their product at competitive prices while offering significant advantages to households. Users report substantial benefits, with food vendors noting that these briquettes can sustain cooking for three to four hours without frequent refueling.
Despite their success, the group faces production limitations due to manual processing methods. They are actively seeking technological support to enhance production capacity and reach more households.
Recent data reveals Tanzania’s growing alternative energy landscape, with approximately 45,000 tonnes of alternative charcoal consumed in 2024. However, challenges remain, as 85% of Tanzanians still rely on traditional firewood and charcoal for cooking.
This grassroots initiative represents a promising approach to addressing waste management and clean energy challenges, demonstrating how local innovation can contribute to sustainable development goals.
