The world is facing great energy challenge's and Malawi has it's own particular challenges. There has been a year on year increased rate of deforestation in Malawi,for which there are several drivers- primarily Agriculture and settlement expansion, brick burning, tobacco growing and heavy use of wood for charcoal fuel.
Deforestation results in loss of biodiversity, erosion leading to flooding, soil degradation, loss of rainfall. Maize harvest levels are decreasing, partly because of either or too intense rainfall. Agricultural waste management has been poor, and lack of care of natural resources and mitigation measures have been minimal and the situation is now at a critical stage.
The government of Malawi is working hard to mitigate such challenges. To support the government, E&L suppliers is trying it's best, too, to educate communities about the need to reduce pressure on forest and natural resources and how to use agricultural waste more effectively to produce a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional charcoal use, the indiscriminate, unlicensed use of which is banned by the Malawi government.
We convert agricultural waste material into biomass Briquettes. Our Briquettes are considerably cheaper than fuel wood charcoal. Currently, a 50 kg bag of charcoal sells for 10,000 Malawi kwacha which is very expensive to purchase at rural level.
E&L Briquettes currently retail at 2,500 for a 50 kg bag, a very substantial cost reduction and we pack the Briquettes in smaller quantities so that they are very affordable both in urban and rural communities, thus assisting with poverty levels, also drivers for sustainable environmental practices.
Our partners USAID and UKAID who have visited us have been invaluable in helping us build and realise our vision for Env benefit to Malawi and cost benefit to Malawians, to bring back our natural heritage and ease major problems of deforestation.
