Alafia Eco-Charcoal: Sustainable Energy Against Poverty and Deforestation
Gbobètô is an association whose goal is to turn waste into a lever for regional development and the circular economy in Porto-Novo.
Overview of the project
In Benin, 95% of households use charcoal as their primary cooking fuel, and the industrial sector largely relies on the same energy source. Population growth, the expansion of industrial parks (notably the GDIZ), and, more broadly, the country’s industrial development are putting increasing pressure on already fragile resources. Indeed, Greenpeace ranked Benin in 2019 as the 4th African country most affected by deforestation and its consequences.
It is therefore urgent to develop forest-friendly alternatives that are adapted to local realities, particularly in terms of cost, to ensure access for vulnerable households. Gbobètô has developed such an alternative: an eco-charcoal made from agricultural residues (cassava starch, palm nut shells), distributed under the ALAFIA brand.
This initiative follows a circular economy approach, and each stage of the value chain involves beneficiaries who are almost exclusively women, the explicit target of Gbobètô:
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Professional training and material support for 50 women’s agricultural cooperatives supplying Gbobètô’s eco-charcoal production unit with raw materials (agricultural waste: cassava starch, palm nut shells). This support has enabled them to become reliable suppliers and access other socio-economic opportunities.
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Production of ALAFIA eco-charcoal at Gbobètô’s unit by 4 skilled female workers.
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Establishment of a distribution network of 10 women to reach end-users of charcoal, including household cooks, street vendors, and small restaurants.
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Sale to the industrial sector to maximize the environmental impact.
Offering an affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to charcoal while creating a circular economy for the Ouémé region and promoting a fair energy transition.
Ongoing research
01/10/2021 - Still ongoing
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The cooperatives’ productivity has increased by 30% thanks to the equipment provided by Gbobètô.
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The training assimilation rate is 80%, despite a low initial literacy level.
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Gbobètô’s production unit is capable of producing 300 kg of Alafia eco-charcoal per day.
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Gbobètô can supply 200 vulnerable households per day.
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Since the beginning of the project, over 15 tons of Alafia eco-charcoal have been distributed across the Ouémé region.
The four partner women’s cooperatives are formally registered with the authorities, and 50 female farmers across the four cooperatives have been trained in business development, cash management, and conflict management.
The trainings have enabled these 50 farmers to establish partnerships with other organizations.
The agricultural waste supply network is smooth and secure.
The workers at Gbobètô’s production unit are trained and fully autonomous in operating the equipment.
The project was financed through a hybrid model: French public funding (FORIM, AFD, French Embassy in Benin), private sponsorship (Valorem Foundation, Agir Sa Vie Foundation), donations from the general public and self-financing.
organisation
Gbobètô is an association whose goal is to turn waste into a lever for regional development and the circular economy in Porto-Novo. By using waste as a resource, Gbobètô, which means ‘garbage collector’ in the Goun language, has three objectives: to create and promote sustainable and long-lasting recycling channels, to contribute to cleaning up the area, and to create green and sustainable jobs. Gbobètô is developing four projects. Green Energy: production of Alafia eco-charcoal, a healthy, economical and ecological alternative to charcoal made from agricultural waste. The Plastic Counter: recycling of plastic waste. Recycling Centres: socio-professional reintegration of women waste sorters. Operation 2-in-1: establishment of zero-waste schools.
Benin Ministry of Energy, ReCASEB Programme, Experts Solidaires, ATDA (Territorial Agency for Agricultural Development).