Uganda loses more than 250,000 acres of forest annually. Some of the world’s most outstanding animals are facing extinction due to this increased pressure on their natural habitat. This is linked closely to one of the world’s highest population growth rates.
With almost no access to electricity, alternative fuel sources are severely needed. Eco briquettes can replace the need for wood by turning agricultural and industrial waste into a carbon-neutral cooking fuel.
The Kibale Eco-Char Initiative aims to develop a sustainable and wildlife-friendly form of income generation that is a viable replacement for firewood and charcoal, thereby complimenting the continuing work of the Kibale Fuel Wood Project.
NNF’s Eco-Char Briquettes do more than cook meals – they restore forests. In 2025, we reimagined our formula by utilizing carbonized Acanthus pubescens, an invasive plant being removed from Kibale. Bound with cassava starch, this innovative fuel replaces natural charcoal, reduces pressure on forests, and helps native ecosystems recover.
Over 5.6 million briquettes have been produced since inception, equaling over 1.53 million pounds of wood and charcoal saved, much of which would have been taken from Kibale National Park.
Partner families from around Kibale trade farm waste for finished briquettes and surplus briquettes are sold.
Carbonized briquettes are made using Acanthus, a woody shrub that has taken over portions of Kibale. Mixed with a small amount of low-grade cassava flour as a binder, the briquettes are offered for sale to those currently cooking with charcoal, further broadening the effectiveness of this program to protect wildlife habitat.
For non-carbonized briquettes, the co-op uses farm waste (like banana and cassava peels), paper and sawdust. The ingredients are mixed together, then compressed into briquettes and dried in solar tents. These briquettes are an attractive alternative for those currently cooking with firewood.
Buy Eco-Char in Uganda! Stop by the Fort Portal Science Center or contact Sam Murungi at 0783-611-612
click here for more detailed instructions.Carbonized briquettes are produced by NNF staff utilizing Acanthus cut by our partners at Kibale Biodiversity Restoration.
The Kibale Kuchumbrick Project is a women-led cooperative transforming farm waste into clean, non-carbonized briquettes with NNF’s support since 2023. Utilizing banana peels, waste-paper and sawdust, they create a sustainable alternative to firewood – reducing deforestation, lowering fuel costs and supporting healthier homes.