Eco-friendly Charcoal and Fire Wood

Background

Likhona Lethu Services Director Thandeka Mayiji-Rafu decided to go plough back where she comes from. The main aim is water conservation by rehabilitating water catchments and river streams, to ensure food security through farming by bringing back grazing land, creating jobs for the youth, to open land to build homesteads and prevent bush encroachment through controlling Alien and Invasive Species. This land is overwhelmed by Sweet Acacia and makes it difficult to be used and also destroys other indigenous species.

Likhona Lethu Services therefore ventured into Eco-friendly Charcoal and Fire Wood Production. The idea of eco-friendly charcoal and fire wood production comes as a sustainability method by recycling the biomass from the invasive alien plants control. The production is taking place in South Africa, Eastern Cape at Mbhashe Local Municipality under Amathole District Municipality in Nqabara Administrative Area.

Eco-friendly Charcoal and Fire Wood Production

There is global outcry against the use of braai charcoal produced from rainforest trees, which leads to devastating forest degradation. Our eco-friendly charcoal is made from ideally suited hardwood invasive alien plant species in South Africa.

The logs are then recycled by preparing them for charcoal production and fire wood. We use the process called supra carbonizing for charcoal production through Kilns and packaged on two-ply paper bags.

The fire wood is also prepared in different sizes some are packaged in bags and the bigger ones are just loaded on transportation without packaging.

Need for Charcoal

Cost-Effectiveness

Charcoal is highly valued for its cost-effectiveness and accessibility, especially in rural and low-income areas where alternative energy sources like electricity may be scarce or expensive. The simplicity of the production process allows for local manufacturing, which supports local economies and ensures that even remote areas have access to this vital fuel source

Environmental Sustainability

There is enough invasive biomass to ensure continued charcoal production for probably decade to come.

Charcoal is considered a more sustainable fuel option as it is made from overwhelming invasive alien plant species. As South Africa continues to industrialize and expand its manufacturing capabilities, the demand for reliable and cost-effective energy sources is increasing

Household use

Charcoal can be used for braai and every day cooking. We have also came-up with custom made braai stands that can accommodate traditional cooking ports.

Charcoal is cost effective and sustainable. Can also be used to provide heat while cooking during cold weather.

Eco-friendly Charcoal and Fire Wood

Background