A farmer in Kasenga ward of Chongwe district has encouraged residents in the area to consider using animal waste as an alternative source of energy to curb charcoal burning.

Charles Zulu who is a farmer and climate change activist in Kasenga area in Chongwe district, has opted to explore the use of animal waste to produce bio energy to electrify his household.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Zulu stated that he has been processing animal droppings from the chickens, cattle and goats which he has been keeping at his farm into safe biogas.

He explained that he uses a bio digester to convert the bio gas into electric energy which he utilises to electrify his house.

Mr Zulu said the energy produced from the animal waste is clean and is not harmful to the environment.

He added that many farmers in Chongwe are keeping livestock on their farms which are a readily available source of waste which they can utilise as a source of energy.

Mr Zulu stated that everyone needs to play a role in conserving the environment by adopting climate smart habits such as the use of clean and safe sources of energy.

He added that cutting down trees for firewood and charcoal burning should be discouraged because the vice has affected weather patterns in the area.

Mr Zulu also highlighted the benefits of liquid fertilizer produced from animal waste to the soil.

He noted that the liquid fertilizer produced from animal waste is cheaper and more nutritious to the soil compared to chemical fertilizers.

“This is a cheaper and faster way of composting the waste into fertilizer. The final product contains ingredients that are also found in D Compound fertilizer,” Mr Zulu said.

Mr Zulu further encouraged farmers to take up climate smart agricultural practices to conserve the environment.

Chongwe Mayor Christopher Habeenzu also stated that the use of biogas as an alternative source of energy should be explored by various stakeholders to ensure that it is practiced by more people in the area.

Mr  Habeenzu added that there are a number of people in the district who are using bio digesters to produce energy adding that the idea should be promoted among local communities if forests are to be conserved.

He also stressed the need to explore other income generating activities to empower charcoal burners.

Mr Habeenzu says most charcoal burners are selling charcoal to earn an income to support their livelihood.

“There is a need to find alternatives to the income generation aspect of deforestation for charcoal burners in Chongwe. Finding alternative sources of income generation will divert them from cutting down trees for charcoal,” Mr Habeenzu said.