As part of efforts to tackle environmental degradation and promote climate-resilient livelihoods, Youth Partnership for Peace and Development (YPPD) has rolled out a community training program on charcoal briquette production for residents of Matham, Kassassie, and Koya 2 communities in Kambia District.
The training, conducted with technical support from Trocaire, brought together local leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations to explore practical, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional charcoal use. Participants were equipped with skills in carbonizing organic waste and producing biomass briquettes—a cleaner and more sustainable source of household cooking fuel.
“We believe that empowering communities with practical climate solutions is essential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving our forests,” said a YPPD representative during the training. “This initiative supports our broader climate justice agenda by promoting clean energy at the grassroots.”
One of the highlights of the training was the introduction and demonstration of energy-efficient cooking stoves, which use less fuel and produce significantly less smoke, offering both environmental and health benefits to rural households.
Residents embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, citing the rising cost and environmental impact of conventional charcoal as a major concern. “This training has opened our eyes,” said Fatmata Kamara, a participant from Kassassie. “Now we know we can turn waste into useful cooking fuel and protect our environment at the same time.” As part of its action plan, YPPD has committed to expanding the training to other communities and supporting the establishment of green enterprises that will produce and distribute charcoal briquettes locally.This intervention forms part of YPPD’s ongoing work to build climate resilience in vulnerable communities while creating economic opportunities through green skills development
