ENVODEV

ENVODEV Chad is a MCC supported partner who works to create eco-charcoal and improved cooking stoves. On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to go to the village Domane with co-directors Ghislain and Aquilas to learn more about the production.

We left around 9 am and after a 50 minute drive on paved roads we arrived at the section which would be unpaved and lead to Domane. Many unpaved roads in Chad are very bumpy and this one was no different. On top of that, it had just rained the night before (and in my opinion this was the first heavy rain we have had this season). This meant that there were many puddles that needed to be navigated around. We got stuck in the mud once, but after some pushing we continued on our way. A kilometer later however we were in more trouble. This time our gearshift did not want to work. The one that switched the vehicle from 2 to 4 wheel drive was jammed and this meant that we were unable to move. We called a mechanic in Moundou to come, but during the wait Aquilas and Ghislain continued to work on it and figured out how to unjam it so we were on our way.

Once we arrived at the village, the Domane group greeted us warmly. They showed us their stock of eco-charcoal and they had a meeting about past trainings and future hopes. Then I was able to participate in helping to make some charcoal pieces!

Eco-Charcoal is created by taking the old stocks from sesame and burning them in large medal containers until they are carbonized. This carbonized material is then mixed with a bit of manioc (cassava) flour which creates a glue. This mixture is then put into small square moulds, compressed with a hammer and let to dry in the sun for 1-2 days. The eco-charcoal burns really hot and for a long time. I was happy to learn about and participate in the production of a eco-charcoal which recycles waste and creates an environmentally friendly alternate to regular charcoal.