List of Research Projects under P3
Title of Project:
Testing opportunities for households’ utilisation of charcoal wastes for reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions in Kilosa District, Tanzania.
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Norbert J. Ngowi
Co-Investigator:
Dr. Athanas A. Ngalawa
Project Summary
Unutilised charcoal wastes (mainly small particles or residues and wood scrap produced during the carbonising process from wood to charcoal in the kilns or produced during transportation to selling centres in the warehouses or dumped in open areas) has a significant effects to rural energy, forests, and climate. Despite being a global problem, the information showing the actual or estimated quantity of these wastes and associated volume of trees and greenhouse gas effect challenges is not well known. There is limited knowledge on household attitudes, quantity generated and disposal techniques of charcoal wastes. Besides, information on existing efforts in tackling the problem in Tanzania is currently lacking. This project aims to understand the household attitudes, quantity of charcoal wastes generated and the disposal techniques in Kilosa District, Tanzania. The project will (a) generate knowledge on household attitudes on charcoal wastes, (b) quantify the amount of charcoal wastes generated, (c) profile the techniques used to dispose charcoal wastes by households, and (d) engage the local community through training in briquettes making using charcoal wastes. This project will have a broader implication in reducing deforestation, which directly increases global temperature and rural energy insecurity in Tanzania. The project is of relevance to the national climate change strategy, climate resilience and to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1: poverty reduction; 7: affordable energy; 14: climate action, 15: improve life, and goal 17: collaboration and partnerships.
Project Duration and Location:
One Year,From 01.10.2020 to 30.9.2021
Location: Kilosa District, Morogoro, Tanzania
Project Output Status:
In progress
Objectives (a) and (c)
Submitted Manuscripts:
1. Charcoal wastes-to-fuel energy conversion for circular economy and environmental sustainability in the global south: A case of wood charcoal industry in Tanzania.
2. Factors influencing households’ charcoal wastes utilisation for the green environment in Tanzania.
Objective (b)
It is ongoing and more testing of the calorific value of recyclables is recommended.
Objective (d)
Ongoing
Training on the best ways of using charcoal wastes.
An outreach activity: Engaging local community to develop briquettes as a source of energy by recycling wood charcoal wastes was conducted on 19th May 2021. Participants were: members of the Village Council, members of the Village environmental Management Committee (VEMC), and representatives of the charcoal makers and traders of Ulaya Mbuyuni Village, Kilosa District. Tested preliminary results have shown that the recyclables produce enough energy and through households recycling of charcoal wastes can reduce pollution in the area.
Photo Gallery
Participating researchers in the project sharing the research findings with the local community through training at Mbuyuni Village, Kilosa 
Trainees witnessing a display of recyclables.
The leading researcher demonstrating how to turn charcoal wastes into valuable source of fuel energy with the local community at Mbuyuni Village, Kilosa. 
Enlightened recyclable briquettes burning in the charcoal stove.