Women in Nsanje District are making money by producing briquettes from waste under a project run by Native Youth Animators for Development organisation.
In an interview on Wednesday, Nthukuso Women Club chairperson Enert Kalumphalinga from Traditional Authority (T/A) Malemia said besides earning income from the sale of briquettes, their initiative is helping to clean the environment.
She said: “We use waste such as maize husks and used papers to make the briquettes.
“Our initiative has helped clear waste at Nsanje Boma, which is contributing towards clean environment.”
Kalumphalinga also said the production of briquettes will compel people to stop using firewood or charcoal for cooking.
Another woman Charity Mbereko said the briquettes are a low-cost source of energy compared to charcoal.
Native Youth Animators for Development executive director Jonas January said the six-month project will target 50 women from group village head Nthukuso in T/A Malemia.
He said they want women to be economically empowered; hence, training them to produce briquettes.
Nsanje district environmental officer Lusungu Msiska commended the project, saying it outlines initiatives to address deforestation.
“The project will help address deforestation. “We want Nsanje to be green.”
The organisation is implementing the Empowering Women Through Waste to Energy Project with funding from Haella Foundation
