Charcoal Briquetting - Mali

Firewood and charcoal represent more than 90% of Mali's household energy consumption, equaling an annual consumption of 5 million tons of wood. Such dependence on traditional sources causes forest degradation leading to erosion of the forest floor, desertification, and contributing to overall poverty. In order to conserve the precious forest resource in Mali, alternative cooking fuels must be developed.

A local company is addressing this need by manufacturing briquettes from agricultural by-products. The wastes are recovered from stems of millet, coconut husks, hulls of groundnut, sawdust, peanut shells, and rice husks. The company also recycles carbon dust to make charcoal briquettes

The costs of these products compare favorably with the traditional fuels on the market. However, market acceptance has been difficult as briquettes are sold by weight. Even though the agri-by-product briquettes have higher heat content than traditional briquettes, they weigh less, making it appear as if the customer is not receiving as much per kilogram. AREED, in cooperation with the GEF Small Grants Programme, is assisting the company with a market study and strategy that will allow them to market their product more effectively and prepare the company for business expansion. AREED contracted AFRITEC, a local NGO with expertise in the agricultural sector in Mali to carry out the study in consultation with Mali-Folkcentre, AREED's local partner.