Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, millions of households still depend on firewood and charcoal for daily energy needs. Such fuel sources accelerate deforestation, expose users to health risks, and entrench poverty. Yet these same landscapes are rich in underused agricultural residues with untapped energy p...

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Autores principales: Somorin, Tosin, Oyedepo, S. O., Kilanko, O., Onwordi, P., Gitau, J. K., Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.
Formato: Brief
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: International Water Management Institute 2025
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177638
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author Somorin, Tosin
Oyedepo, S. O.
Kilanko, O.
Onwordi, P.
Gitau, J. K.
Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.
author_browse Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.
Gitau, J. K.
Kilanko, O.
Onwordi, P.
Oyedepo, S. O.
Somorin, Tosin
author_facet Somorin, Tosin
Oyedepo, S. O.
Kilanko, O.
Onwordi, P.
Gitau, J. K.
Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.
author_sort Somorin, Tosin
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Across Sub-Saharan Africa, millions of households still depend on firewood and charcoal for daily energy needs. Such fuel sources accelerate deforestation, expose users to health risks, and entrench poverty. Yet these same landscapes are rich in underused agricultural residues with untapped energy potential. This technical brief introduces an affordable, low-emission carbonization system designed to convert such residues as maize cobs, palm kernel shells, sawdust, and similar biomass into carbonized products. Engineered for mobility, safety, and multi-feedstock use, the system addresses the limitations of traditional kilns through improved airflow control, insulation, and modular assembly. Field tests in Nigeria confirmed efficient thermal performance and consistent yields of biochar. Beyond its technical merits, the innovation demonstrates how localized engineering, training, and small enterprise engagement can simultaneously advance clean energy access, reduce environmental degradation, and create new income opportunities in rural and humanitarian settings.
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publishDate 2025
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publisherStr International Water Management Institute
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spelling CGSpace1776382025-11-24T10:51:45Z Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods Somorin, Tosin Oyedepo, S. O. Kilanko, O. Onwordi, P. Gitau, J. K. Gebrezgabher, Solomie A. sustainable livelihoods solutions briquettes biomass deforestation degradation air pollution Across Sub-Saharan Africa, millions of households still depend on firewood and charcoal for daily energy needs. Such fuel sources accelerate deforestation, expose users to health risks, and entrench poverty. Yet these same landscapes are rich in underused agricultural residues with untapped energy potential. This technical brief introduces an affordable, low-emission carbonization system designed to convert such residues as maize cobs, palm kernel shells, sawdust, and similar biomass into carbonized products. Engineered for mobility, safety, and multi-feedstock use, the system addresses the limitations of traditional kilns through improved airflow control, insulation, and modular assembly. Field tests in Nigeria confirmed efficient thermal performance and consistent yields of biochar. Beyond its technical merits, the innovation demonstrates how localized engineering, training, and small enterprise engagement can simultaneously advance clean energy access, reduce environmental degradation, and create new income opportunities in rural and humanitarian settings. 2025-11-06 2025-11-06T09:32:17Z 2025-11-06T09:32:17Z Brief https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177638 en Open Access application/pdf International Water Management Institute Somorin, T.; Oyedepo, S. O.; Kilanko, O.; Onwordi, P.; Gitau, J. K.; Gebrezgabher, S. 2025. Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Program. 24p.
spellingShingle sustainable livelihoods
solutions
briquettes
biomass
deforestation
degradation
air pollution
Somorin, Tosin
Oyedepo, S. O.
Kilanko, O.
Onwordi, P.
Gitau, J. K.
Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.
Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods
title Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods
title_full Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods
title_fullStr Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods
title_full_unstemmed Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods
title_short Designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods
title_sort designing carbonisation solutions for sustainable livelihoods
topic sustainable livelihoods
solutions
briquettes
biomass
deforestation
degradation
air pollution
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177638
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AT gitaujk designingcarbonisationsolutionsforsustainablelivelihoods
AT gebrezgabhersolomiea designingcarbonisationsolutionsforsustainablelivelihoods