How clean cooking energy is gaining traction in Kyela

Mbeya. Efforts to reduce dependence on harmful sources of energy are gaining momentum in Kyela through the production of alternative charcoal, an environmentally friendly solution.

According to the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024-2034), clean energy must be environmentally friendly, easily accessible, and affordable. Although still at an early stage, innovators are shedding light on the possibilities.

"We protect health, the environment, create jobs, and reduce costs for citizens," says Deule Hussein, a clean charcoal innovator in Kyela, Mbeya, explaining his vision of combating the use of harmful cooking energy in Tanzania.

Mr Hussein is optimistic about increasing production, but he also faces challenges. He shared his journey, the successes, and the obstacles hindering his progress in an exclusive interview.

Mr Hussein, also an environmental officer in Kyela, realised that there were no designated forests for firewood in the area.

In December 2021, he collaborated with the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) to address this issue by providing citizens with alternative and sustainable charcoal.

"After consulting with TFS to help locals struggling with firewood, I decided to create charcoal-making machines and began producing it myself," says Mr Hussein.

He started by educating various institutions, distributing four tonnes of alternative charcoal to primary and secondary schools in Kyela.

Challenges in capital and equipment

While the initiative is showing promise, Hussein still faces challenges with the equipment needed to streamline production, especially drying machines.

He explains that his current operations are limited by his financial capacity, needing at least Sh50 million to meet the evolving technological demands.

"We wait up to three days for this charcoal to dry, but with proper machines, the process would be much faster. My capital is limited, and this technology needs significant investment. Fifty million shillings could push me further," he says.

Mr Hussein is also preparing a proposal to apply for a loan through the 10 percent community fund from the Kyela Council and is exploring external funding options to secure transportation for distributing the product to wider areas.

Electricity and water supply woes

In 2022, Mr Hussein was forced to halt production due to power outages. The technology used to produce alternative charcoal relies heavily on electricity and water, both of which were unreliable in Kyela. This has led him to relocate his operations temporarily to Mbeya Town, where electricity and water are more stable.

"The biggest challenge in Kyela is electricity and water. Without these, nothing can be done. Last year, I had to stop production due to these shortages. Now I've moved to Mbeya City where both are guaranteed to continue serving the people," Mr Hussein explains.

Additionally, he said the weather in Kyela posed difficulties, with insufficient sunlight to dry the charcoal, further hampering his progress.

Future prospects

Despite these challenges, Mr Hussein is optimistic. With increasing public interest in clean cooking energy, he aims to produce over 2,400 tons of alternative charcoal annually.

His team also visits villages, schools, and institutions like prisons to educate and promote the use of clean energy.

Apart from production, Mr Hussein highlights the job opportunities, health benefits, environmental protection, and cost savings that come with his alternative charcoal project.

"We sent samples to the lab that confirmed that this charcoal contains no carbon or sulfur. The smoke is captured during production, making it safe for users and free from harmful chemicals," Mr Hussein says.

"I currently employ three full-time workers and six others, including drivers and suppliers" he added. His charcoal sells for between Sh300 and Sh500 per kilo, offering an affordable and eco-friendly alternative for citizens.

Stakeholder support and community input

Stakeholders and citizens in Mbeya have expressed their support for the clean energy campaign. Mr Hamis Vitusi, a resident of Inyala and a miner, said the use of clean energy can help prevent environmental degradation and soil erosion.

"Charcoal comes from cutting down trees, which leads to soil erosion, drought, and environmental damage. The government, which has been pushing for various development projects, should increase its efforts in promoting clean cooking energy. Innovators should be supported with resources and capital," Mr Vitusi explains.

Similarly, Diana Mosha, a food vendor in Kyela, said many small-scale entrepreneurs like her are yet to fully understand the benefits of alternative charcoal and efficient stoves.

"We've heard about alternative charcoal, but some of us have neither seen it, nor have the efficient stoves. We hope these technologies will reach us, even if it's for purchase, so we can stop using firewood and traditional charcoal," she says.

Local government support

Kyela Council chairperson Katule Kingamkono said the council is aware of the project and is ready to help solve the challenges. The council has a fund of Sh900 million set aside for lending to groups, and they have already guided the project on how to apply for a loan.

"The government's goal is to support its people. We have nearly Sh1 billion available for groups. I encourage them to submit a proposal for the loan. Fortunately, the project leader is a government employee, so he knows the procedure," Mr Kingamkono says.

"We are eager to see this campaign succeed."

About clean energy

According to the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024-2034), clean energy and technologies recognized as safe for use due to their low toxicity levels include electricity, biogas, natural gas, LPG, bioethanol, solar energy, improved stoves, and certified alternative charcoal. These energy sources have been tested and approved by relevant regulatory authorities to meet safety standards.

According to the 2023 World Bank statistics, the number of Tanzanians using clean cooking energy has been gradually increasing, rising from 1.5 percent in 2010 to 6.9 percent in 2021.

However, this figure remains significantly lower than the global average of 71 percent in 2021.

This article is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation