Local hero saves trees, creates jobs with sustainable charcoal

Tabora. As Tanzania continues transitioning from reliance on firewood and charcoal as primary cooking fuels, innovators have stepped up to provide sustainable alternatives.

Tabora-based innovator and Kuja na Kushoka Manufacture, Mr Leonald Kushoka, has been developing energy-efficient stoves and alternative charcoal production machines since 2018.

“I began manufacturing agricultural processing machines in 2008,” Mr Kushoka explains. “But the growing concerns about climate change and the widespread deforestation prompted me to focus on innovative charcoal production solutions.”

Developing clean energy technology

Mr Kushoka has specialised in manufacturing clean energy equipment, including energy-efficient stoves and machines for processing alternative charcoal.

Being one of the few Tanzania innovators who produce alternative charcoal machines, he says his products have been well-received by the community and various institutions. “The innovation reduces the use of dirty energy as most of our clients, including institutions and individuals, have been purchasing and using these machines, indicating that awareness has been growing,” Mr Kushoka says.

Regarding technology, Mr Kushoka emphasises the importance of quality, aiming to distribute these machines to institutions and individuals who can set up large-scale alternative charcoal production.

This initiative helps communities shift away from cutting trees for firewood and charcoal production.

Alternative charcoal, a sustainable solution

Explaining the materials used to make alternative charcoal, Mr Kushoka says: “The raw materials for making alternative charcoal do not require cutting trees. They are mostly plant waste, such as rice husks, peanut shells, and other agricultural residues.” He also emphasises that, unlike traditional charcoal or firewood, produced stoves and alternative charcoal do not emit smoke and generate more intense heat.

“Our buyers are also trained on how to produce this clean energy. I teach them how to make alternative charcoal, which is a sustainable energy source, unlike firewood that pollutes the environment by releasing carbon dioxide,” he stresses.

Raw materials, machine production, customisation

Furthermore, Mr Kushoka explains that the raw materials required for manufacturing machines are readily and locally available.

“Crucial materials like motors and diesel engines are easily sourced from local stores, which helps me to produce machines without major challenges,” he says.

Due to the varied needs of customers and users, Mr Kushoka customises machines based on their requirements and capabilities.

“We have machines that can produce 30 kilogrammes of alternative charcoal per hour, 100 kilogrammes per hour, and even those with a 300 kilogrammes per hour capacity,” he says.

“Besides alternative charcoal, we have also started producing machines for manufacturing alternative firewood. Prices vary depending on the type of machine required by the customer,” he explains.

Recognition, economic opportunities

In 2018, Mr Kushoka’s company won first place in the national “Alternative Charcoal Innovation” competition, organised by the Vice President’s Office (Union Affairs and Environment).

He says engagement in the clean energy innovation business has significantly benefitted him and the community.

“I’ve secured contracts to install clean energy systems in over 100 schools and retail customers nationwide. This has increased the company’s revenue,” he says.

He commended the government’s support for such innovations, motivating him to keep improving his products.

“What encourages me is seeing the government recognise our work and provide support,” says Mr Kushoka, who also won third place in a national innovation competition in 2022.

Market demand for clean energy equipment

Demand for clean energy machines has significantly risen, particularly after the government began promoting the use of clean energy.

“There is a huge market; many private individuals buy machines for domestic purposes. We also support them by guiding them on how to use machines in producing clean energy,” he said.

Challenges, recommendations

Despite his success, Mr Kushoka outlines some challenges, including high taxes on raw materials and finished products.

“Alternative energy is still expensive due to high taxes. The government should consider reducing taxes for sellers to make these products more affordable to the public,” he suggests.

Job creation

Mr Kushoka highlights that the clean energy innovation business has created job opportunities, hinting that his company has employed 13 young people—four in Dar es Salaam and six in Tabora—as machines and alternative charcoal sellers.

He adds that over 70 other Tanzanians have been indirectly employed in supplying raw materials for charcoal production.

According to him, clean energy innovation extends beyond electricity and gas utilisation; rather, it includes firewood and alternative charcoal.

“These energy sources can enable the country to win its battle against environmental destruction. Many people will stop cutting down trees and making traditional charcoal,” he shares.

Govt speaks on quality challenges for innovators

Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TIRDO) Director General, Professor Mkumbukwa Mtambo, highlights challenges facing alternative charcoal manufacturers, including lack of raw materials and substandard products.

“Many manufacturers use charcoal remains to make alternative charcoal due to the shortage of raw materials. We examined 43 samples from 12 regions countrywide, with 52 percent being below the quality standards,” he said.

TIRDO has trained innovators to produce quality alternative charcoal from coconut shells, agricultural waste, and rice husks.

REPOA executive director, Dr Donald Mmari, says environmental destruction is linked to human activities, hinting that 300,072 hectares were lost in 2015.

“The destruction increased to 469,420 hectares, equivalent to 26 percent reaching 2022,” he says, warning that deforestation will likely lead to severe droughts and other natural disasters.

Mr Kushoka Company’s efforts in clean energy innovation are not just business; they are part of the wider fight against environmental degradation in Tanzania. Through its innovations, there is hope to reduce dependency on unsustainable energy sources, provide economic opportunities, and protect the country’s forests.

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