Eco Briquettes: The Local Solution Fighting Climate Change in Sierra Leone
Author: Alhaji Sesay, Greenlead Sierra Leone Country Rep.
Meet Alhassan Barrie, a visionary agricultural entrepreneur from Kambia district, Sierra Leone, whose passion for farming has blossomed into a ground-breaking environmental solution. Faced with the twin challenges of deforestation and pollution, Alhassan turned to what others saw as waste—coconut shells, rice husks, cassava peels—and created Eco Briquettes, an eco-friendly alternative to firewood and charcoal. His innovative approach not only addresses the climate crisis but also transforms agricultural waste into wealth, empowering rural communities along the way.
A Problem Close to Home
In Sierra Leone, the majority of households rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. This reliance on traditional fuels has serious consequences:
- Deforestation is depleting valuable forests, causing soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
- Air pollution from burning firewood affects the health of families, especially women and children.
- Economic strain is a constant for many households, as they bear the rising costs of fuel, and farmers struggle with waste that goes unused.
Alhassan saw an opportunity to turn these challenges into a solution. Rather than seeing agricultural by-products as waste, he envisioned a way to transform them into a valuable resource.
What Are Eco Briquettes?
Eco Briquettes are a simple yet powerful innovation made from agricultural waste like coconut shells, rice husks, cassava peels, sawdust, and other organic materials. These waste products, typically discarded or burned, are compressed into durable, easy-to-use fuel blocks. Unlike firewood, Eco Briquettes burn cleaner, produce less smoke, and are longer-lasting, making them a safer and more sustainable option for cooking and heating.
By replacing firewood with Eco Briquettes, families can help protect forests, reduce pollution, and save money.
Real Impact, Real Change
The benefits of Eco Briquettes extend far beyond just providing an alternative fuel:
- Environmental Benefits: By reducing the demand for firewood, Eco Briquettes help prevent deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Economic Opportunities: Local farmers can sell their agricultural waste, creating new income streams and job opportunities in rural areas.
- Healthier Communities: With cleaner burning fuel, indoor air pollution is reduced, making homes healthier, especially for women and children who are most affected by smoke inhalation.
Challenges Along the Way
As with any grassroots initiative, there have been challenges. Limited funding and infrastructure are obstacles to scaling up the production of Eco Briquettes. However, the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the positive impact the project is having on local communities continue to drive Alhassan’s mission forward.
Call to Action: Join the Movement
Eco Briquettes are more than just an eco-friendly alternative—they’re a movement towards a cleaner, greener future for Sierra Leone. By supporting this initiative, whether through investment, awareness, or adoption of this initiative, you’re contributing to the fight against climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
Together, we can turn agricultural waste into wealth and ignite change in our communities. Let’s fuel a cleaner future with Eco Briquettes—one briquette at a time.
