Design of Agricultural Waste Charcoal Cooking Fuel for Developing Countries

Charcoal made from agricultural waste (AWC), intended for use in developing countries, has the potential to be a cooking fuel with health, economic, and environmental benefits. Investigations were undertaken to integrate the technical understanding of the fuel with the real-world context in which it may be produced and used. Multiple formulations of AWC were studied to understand the impact of raw material variation on charcoal briquette emissions. A key finding is the viability of manure as a binder, which should improve AWC production costs and proliferation. In Nicaragua, AWC emissions, end user interest, and producer economic viability was examined. Emissions of AWC appear to be similar to or less than wood and wood charcoal. End user interest seems moderate, a positive outcome given the lack of charcoal usage in the region studied. Based on the outcomes of pilot production, development of the manufacturing system must account for local preferences.