Application of biomass-energy technologies: II. Improved charcoal production: G. Local research initiatives and indigenous technical skills

Application of biomass-energy technologies

II. Improved charcoal production

		A. Introduction
		B. The Malawi Charcoal Project
		C. Charcoal markets
		D. Constraints
		E. Policy environment and role of the Government
		F. Role of entrepreneurs and informal-sector artisans
		G. Local research initiatives and indigenous technical skills
		H. Role of non-governmental organizations
		I. Role of end-users
		J. External financial support and local credit and banking institutions

G. Local research initiatives and indigenous technical skills

Involvement of local research organizations was not significant as demonstrated by the fact that the testing of local charcoal was carried out by a German Frankfurt-based company, Degussa AG. This is likely to impair the development of local capacity which could adversely affect continuity.

The Project contributed to the development of local technical skills particularly with respect to production of softwood charcoal. As explained earlier, the skill of operators is one of the two most important determinants of charcoal production efficiency (the other being the water content of the feedstock). By 1989, the Project had trained over 100 skilled charcoal makers who are expected to form the core of a future softwood charcoal industry in Malawi.