In many rural communities such as Soko and Judah villages in Zambia, women and girls depend on firewood and charcoal as sources of fuel for cooking. Oftentimes, these women commute long distances to fetch firewood and buy charcoal. According to a report by USAID Zambia, 150-250,000 hectares of land are being destroyed annually due to deforestation mainly caused by the demand for charcoal. The prolonged use of firewood and charcoal poses a health risk and harms the environment.
Forty-two YDOS Volunteers from Elichi Greens Youth group in Zambia, in partnership with the Young Women Christian Association in Zambia, trained 30 women in Soko and Judah villages, Kapiri Mposhi district on how to produce sustainable charcoal briquettes.
In contrast to conventional charcoal, Charcoal briquettes are not only environmentally friendly but can be used for extended periods, have higher calorific value, protect the environment and do not constitute respiratory health risks.
Today, women and girls in Soko and Judah villages in Zambia can produce charcoal briquettes for domestic use and sell them as an extra source of income. Also, women and girls in Soko and Judah villages no longer need to travel long distances and spend a lot to purchase firewood and charcoal that they need for fuel.