School of Natural and Applied Science

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Browsing School of Natural and Applied Science by Author "Brenda"

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    Organic matter fuel briquettes as an alternative to charcoal: an initiative for forest conservation
    (Kampala International University, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, 2015-05) Mahoro, Gloria; Brenda
    Biomass briquettes, made by compacting biomass waste, have a wide variety of uses from househoid to institutional and industrial fuels but have not been fully exploited as a fuel source in the past. The overall objective of this study was to generate information on organic biomass fuel briquettes that can be utilized as an alternative fuel to unsustainable wood charcoal in order to conserve Uganda’s forest resources. Questionnaires, face-to-face Interviews and experiñients were uàed to obtain data. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 16.0. Analyses induded descriptive statistics, multi-linear regressions, Spearman’s rank correlation coeffident, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient, chi-square, cross-tabs, t-tests, one way ANOVA with PosthocLSDandtheTukeytest Data was collected on the different types of blomass briquettes commonly used by households in Kampala city and the raw materials from producers of briquettes. Results revealed that many households had not realized the potential benefits of briquettes use and technology adoption. The types df briquettes commonly used in Kampala included stick briquettes, honey comb, cylindrical, round and doughnut shaped. The majority of the households are still dependant on wood charcoal, gas and electricity which are expensive and un-reliable energy sources, yet the use of briquettes could reduce deforestation, minimize waste streams, reduce indoor air pollution, reduce odors and enhance local job creation. However, those households using briquettes decried the low level technologies available, lack of equipment for use in making their own and lack of well-trained or skilled personnel to aid in sensitization and waste separation trainings. Ninety three percent (93%) of the energy consumption in Uganda is still woodfuel (firewood and charcoal) and agricultural wastes. There is need to have systems-modeling to identify and find the best possible solution and strategies needed in implementing household biogas digesters in communities.