By Irene Nasimiyu
In the heart of Kakamega County, where the comforting aromas of obusuma and ingokho often mingle with the smoky haze of traditional charcoal fires, a quiet revolution is taking root. Spearheaded by resourceful women, this movement transcends cleaner cooking; it embodies a powerful act of climate resilience, ingeniously transforming everyday waste into sustainable charcoal briquettes.
For generations, charcoal has served as the primary fuel source for numerous Kenyan households. However, the conventional production of wood fuel significantly contributes to deforestation as trees are felled to create this energy source. This practice not only degrades the environment but also negatively impacts climate change. Furthermore, the smoky emissions released from burning traditional charcoal pose serious health risks, particularly for women and children who spend considerable time near cooking fires.
Recognizing these interconnected challenges, the women of the new recada group are proactively addressing them by converting an environmental nuisance – organic waste – into a climate-smart solution. This determined group is actively involved in collecting agricultural residues such as maize cobs, banana peels, and sugarcane bagasse, alongside household waste like paper and cardboard. Instead of these materials ending up in landfills and contributing to methane emissions, they are being processed into valuable charcoal briquettes.
The benefits of this women’s initiative are multifaceted. Environmentally, it provides a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal, thereby reducing pressure on forests and mitigating deforestation. By effectively utilizing waste materials, it also tackles the growing problem of waste management and diminishes greenhouse gas emissions originating from decomposing organic matter in dumpsites.
Moreover, these briquettes exhibit superior burning efficiency and produce significantly less smoke compared to traditional charcoal. This results in healthier homes and a reduction in respiratory illnesses, particularly benefiting women and children. The extended burning time of briquettes also translates to long-term cost savings on fuel for families, contributing to economic empowerment.
For the women directly involved, this initiative offers more than just environmental and health advantages. It presents an opportunity for income generation, fostering economic independence and empowering them within their community. Through the formation of this group, the women are now able to engage in social entrepreneurship, local fundraising, and maintain an endowment kitty for their collective benefit.
“Before, we would simply discard the maize stalks after harvesting and burn waste papers after school activities,” explains Mama Florence, a member of the group in Emusonga village. “Now, these materials have become a source of income for my family. We are also happy that we are contributing to the protection of our trees and breathing cleaner air.”
The success of this women’s initiative underscores the vital role that women play in addressing climate change at the community level. Their resourcefulness in identifying sustainable solutions from locally available materials is proving to be a powerful catalyst for change.
However, challenges persist. Scaling up production, gaining access to improved technology and training, and establishing reliable market linkages are crucial for the long-term sustainability and broader adoption of these briquettes. Support from the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector is essential to further empower these women and replicate their success in other communities.
In Kakamega, the story of women transforming waste into clean fuel transcends a mere environmental success story. It stands as a testament to the power of community-led action, the resilience of women, and the potential for innovative solutions to tackle the complex challenges of climate change, one briquette at a time. As the smoke clears from their kitchens and the trees continue to stand tall, these women are not just cooking meals; they are cooking up a brighter future for themselves and their planet.
