Environmental research

The project aims at addressing growing firewood concerns in Otse and Botswana by producing fuel briquettes from waste paper, saw dust and other waste. The machine to be used willl be purchased and installed and the Botlhale Jwa Phala members will be trained in its use, testing and efficient use of briquettes from various raw materials. Fifty families will be involved to switch from fire wood to briquettes and provide feed back, baseline study and subsequent monitoring and evaluation will assess impact. The briquettes will be sold at the factory in Otse and eventually retail outlets in Gaborone and Lobatse. The project facilitates the removal of barriers to energy conservation and energy efficient by raising awareness regarding energy alternatives and good practice in domestic fuel use patterns. Additionally, the project will reduce land degradation that is a result of current unsustainable use of forest resources around Otse including bush encroachment and soil erosion. The introduction of fuel briquettes and energy efficient stoves aims to reduce the number of families who are cutting fresh wood and thereby protect the natural resources, prevent land degradation and remove barriers to using alternative energy sources. The project will empower youth especially women through training. The trust comprises eleven members, of which ten are women. The members will gain additional skills, income and improved energy use in their homes. The benefit to the community include reduction in time spent collecting fire wood specifically for children and women, less money spent on firewood as the briquettes will be sold at a competitive price and if used more properly burn more slowly eventually improving the vegetation, soil and rangeland for farmers over the long term

Botswana