A Solwezi-based member of the Farmers Development Cooperative Union (FDCU) has urged citizens with a visionary business mindset to venture into charcoal briquette manufacturing due to a ready market at Kansanshi Mine.
Ms. Judith Mulemba of the Kapijimpanga Cooperative, affiliated with FDCU, said other clubs, such as Mapopo Women’s Club, Kakombe Women Club, and Mushitala Village Banking Club, are taking up the opportunity.
Ms Mulemba explained that the Green Charcoal Project aims to prevent deforestation despite climate change.
“To avoid cutting down trees, they have developed a concept using leaves, grass, maize shells, and bean shells to make charcoal briquettes,” she said.
She described the process of making charcoal briquettes as collecting leaves and maize shells, burning them, and then crushing them.
“The crushed material is mixed with cassava meal to form a paste, which should not be too hard or too soft. Using small moulds, they shape the briquettes. After drying them in the sun for an hour, they are ready to use. For cooking beans, 16 pieces are sufficient, while for vegetables and meat, 8 pieces are enough,” she said.
Ms Mulemba mentioned that green charcoal is performing well in the market.
“It is used by mines such as Kansanshi and exported to South Africa. The market is readily available, and anyone can join. The charcoal helps fight climate change by reducing the need to cut down trees. They aim to educate others about this concept to save trees and combat climate change,” she said.
She acknowledged the challenge of stopping traditional charcoal production immediately because many people rely on it for their livelihood.
“Government needs to provide alternatives and support to those in the charcoal business. We hope to collaborate with others globally to expand this project and provide grants for moulds to produce charcoal briquettes,” she said.
Ms Mulemba highlighted that President Hakainde Hichilema had supported the FDCU as a business person and farmer, not in his political capacity.
“HH encourages skills development and self-reliance. The cooperative aims to connect members to markets and provide grants for their projects. We are working hard to produce briquettes and soon will start exporting them,” she said.
