Fuelwood Modernisation

We all know that charcoal and firewood are consumed daily across Zambia to cook meals, and heat water for baths and in the cold season to keep warm. It is taken for granted where it comes from, just out there in the forest. At the rate the forest is being decimated in Zambia it is just a matter of time before there will be no forests left. So what is going to boil water for making nshima or for baths? Yes, there are alternative methods to take the place of fuelwoods but in the meantime let us move forward with better methods to make fuelwood sustainable. This will be with kilns that are 100 percent efficient and planting trees that produce good charcoal. We also cannot forget firewood; many housewives spend hours a month cruising through the local forest collecting firewood. Fuelwood is as vital as meale-meal to a rural Zambian household. Even in urban communities’ charcoal is a major commodity that most households cannot live without. Briquettes are the next step in convenience, nicely packaged, and yes…..sustainable.