Innovative Sugarcane Waste Transforms Clean Cooking Energy in Zanzibar
Tanzanian youth in Pangawe, Unguja, have developed a groundbreaking technology converting sugarcane waste into alternative charcoal, offering a sustainable solution to environmental and energy challenges.
The initiative addresses critical environmental concerns, with recent forest inventories revealing alarming declines in mangrove forests. Forest loss, estimated at 1.2 percent annually, stems from charcoal burning, construction, and climate change impacts.
Utilizing an innovative process, the team transforms sugarcane waste into high-quality charcoal briquettes through careful drying, carbonization, and mixing with cassava flour. The resulting product offers significant advantages:
– Burns longer than traditional charcoal
– Produces minimal smoke
– Reduces respiratory health risks
– Costs approximately 1,000 Tanzanian shillings per kilogram
– Can cook meals for a family of five for an entire day
The project has already created economic opportunities, employing over 30 young people and generating interest from local food vendors and hotels. Community members like Aisha Badulla praise the briquettes for their efficiency and cleanliness.
Despite promising potential, the initiative faces challenges including limited production equipment, market penetration difficulties, and community skepticism about alternative cooking technologies.
The Zanzibar government has expressed support, with officials committing to assist youth-led innovations. The National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034 further emphasizes the importance of innovative cooking solutions.
Experts argue that with adequate investment and policy support, sugarcane charcoal could significantly reduce reliance on wood-based energy, simultaneously addressing environmental preservation and sustainable development goals.
This grassroots innovation represents a critical step towards combating deforestation, creating economic opportunities, and developing clean energy solutions for Tanzania’s future.
