Gender Equality Ghana Project #44943

Grass Fuel, an alternative Energy for the Pro-poor

by Sustainable Agriculture & Female Empowerment, Ghana(SAFE Ghana)

Summary

Grass Fuel will serve as an alternative source of energy for over 500 rural women and children who do not only engage in tree logging as an energy source for both domestic and commercial use but also as a source of livelihood for them after their farming season in the rural communities. Grass abounds in Northern Ghana which is being destroyed by devastating bush fires yearly. It will therefore be the first innovative solution to saving the forests and economic trees, creating jobs among others

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total raised

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donors

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monthly donors

4
years

Challenge

Fuel for cooking is a basic need for most households in rural communities in Northern Ghana but comes with cost. Cheap fuel sources are thus tasteful by pro-poor populations , pushing women and children who are within the poverty bracket, to deplete forests for fire wood and charcoal. This devastating nature of tree logging of economic trees as a source of livelihood for them, is adversely effecting the health of the people, soil fertility and rainfall pattern. Over 200000 women are targeted

Solution

The innovation is compacting of abundant, renewable grass and fruit shells as an alternative to woody trees as fuel for cooking. The beneficiaries will be trained and supported with requisite resources and equipment to actively participate and share the knowledge and skill to other communities. The Grass Fuel will save the forests and economic trees, reduce bush fires, create jobs, provide eco-friendly and affordable fuel product and contribute to reducing climate change.

Long-Term Impact

The project will educate and train over 100000 household in selected communities in the five Northern Regions of Ghana to replicate the technology. Grass charcoal (fuel) meets user taste in shape, size, smell and does not stain, offers long burning time with good heat supply. Also, small volumes are required to do same cooking as wood charcoal. All direct jobs related to grass fuel will impact so many lives and therefore adoption and use of this innovation is of global advantage and interest.