Manyatta B, Kenya – In the face of climate change, communities across Kenya are finding innovative ways to adopt nature-based solutions and promote sustainability. One such inspiring effort comes from the Makwangla Women Group in Manyatta B, who are turning agricultural waste into eco-friendly briquettes. These briquettes offer a clean and affordable energy source for households, addressing environmental and economic challenges simultaneously.

Supported by STIPA Kenya NGO, the group has transformed their vision of recycling agro-waste into a thriving initiative that is not only mitigating the effects of climate change but also empowering local women with practical skills and economic opportunities.

A Sustainable Solution to Energy and Waste Challenges

The eco-friendly briquettes are crafted from readily available agricultural by-products, including wood shavings, soda ash, and rice husks. This process not only diverts waste from the environment but also provides an alternative to traditional charcoal and firewood, which contribute to deforestation and indoor air pollution.

“The beauty of these briquettes is that they burn cleaner than firewood or charcoal, reducing the smoke that harms our health and the environment,” explained one member of the Makwangla Women Group.

By utilizing waste materials, the group has created an affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy source for local households. This aligns perfectly with Kenya’s broader goals of promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

STIPA Kenya's Role in the Initiative

STIPA Kenya has been instrumental in the success of the Makwangla Women Group’s project. Through training sessions, technical support, and funding, the organization has empowered the women to master the art of briquette production and scale their operations.

“We are proud to support the Makwangla Women Group in their journey toward sustainability. Their work exemplifies how communities can combat climate change while fostering economic development,” said a representative from STIPA Kenya.

The training provided by STIPA focused on key aspects of briquette production, including:

• Identifying and sourcing agro-waste materials.
• Mixing and binding the materials effectively.
• Molding and drying the briquettes to ensure quality and efficiency.

Impact on the Community

The introduction of eco-friendly briquettes has had a profound impact on Manyatta B and beyond:

• Affordable Energy Source: With rising costs of firewood and charcoal, the briquettes provide an economical alternative for households, reducing the financial burden on families.
• Environmental Conservation: By utilizing agro-waste, the project has reduced deforestation and waste pollution in the area.
• Women’s Empowerment: The initiative has equipped women with new skills and a steady source of income, contributing to their financial independence.

“Our lives have changed for the better. We no longer depend on unsustainable energy sources, and we’re earning money by selling briquettes to neighboring communities,” said one group member with pride.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite their success, the Makwangla Women Group has faced challenges, including limited access to advanced briquette-making equipment and competition from traditional energy sources. However, with the continued support of STIPA Kenya, the group remains determined to expand their reach and improve their processes.

Looking Ahead

The Makwangla Women Group envisions a future where their eco-friendly briquettes are widely adopted not only in Manyatta B but across Kenya. Plans are already underway to:

• Increase Production Capacity: Acquire more equipment to produce briquettes at a larger scale.
• Expand Market Reach: Raise awareness about the benefits of briquettes in surrounding communities.
• Engage Youth in Climate Action: Train young people in the community to participate in briquette production, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

A Model for Climate Action

The Makwangla Women Group’s initiative serves as a model for how local communities can adopt nature-based solutions to address climate change. By combining innovation, training, and collaboration, they have demonstrated that small-scale efforts can yield significant environmental and social benefits.