Charcoal & Biogas
Charcoal
The cake from Jatropha seed will be promoted for direct combustion
or will be converted into charcoal, as there is sufficient demand
for charcoal in urban centers of Zambia. This will minimize
deforestation of urban neighborhoods.
Biogas
Where demand is
justified, we shall also target
biogas which is a by-product of biodegradation of organic materials
such as animal wastes (e.g pig and
chicken droppings),
agricultural residues, grass, garbage and even human
waste. This biodegradation is done under anaerobic conditions. The
organic material is mixed with water to make it pulpy. Jatropha cake
is a very good substrate for biogas production because of its high
protein and mineral content.
It can be used for
cooking, heating, lighting and running commercial machines such as
engines and incubators. It is now commonly used for cooking
elsewhere in rural Africa. |
