This project had an ongoing experiential research component as well as capacity development and infrastructure development components. The project objectives were as follows:

(i) ?to acquire, test and use new technology for making charcoal production efficiently and
environmentally sustainably;
(ii) to make use of available sources of wood in a sustainable manner;
(iii) to add value to the final product by focusing on proper packaging and making use of the waste
products.?

By the end of the project the outputs were as follows:

(i) a newly designed fully functioning Kiln established and functioning (rights to use the patented
technology was acquired);
(ii) Four new products produced, packaged and being sold in the local market (activated charcoal;
bio char, lump charcoal; and mulch); and
(iii) Significant training in several technical and operational areas (e.g. use of kiln; use of and chain
saw).

A major outcome of this project was the introduction and adaptation of a new technology which produced charcoal in a sustainable manner and new by-products to the local market.

Specific Results included the following:

(i) 13 persons employed (12 men and one woman were employed in areas such as masonry and
operations management);
(ii) Total income earned during project implementation was US$4574.00 of which US$407 was
earned by one woman and US$4167.00 was earned by the men;
(iii) Sales by the end of the project had reached US$14,444.00
(iv) Fourteen persons were trained (10 men and 4 women) in areas such as chain saw use and
management; charcoal production and First Aid. Other skills acquired experientially, included
report writing, record keeping, planning, and team building.

The main lessons learned were as follows:

(i) The rate of responsiveness from local businesses is very slow and can lead to great frustration;
(ii) Many persons are willing to work but not willing to undertake leadership roles;
(iii) If not well trained and supervised, many workers do not maintain the health and safety
standard established.
(iv) Volunteerism amount young people can be very taxing because of what appears to be a conflict
between work and the need to earn money;
(v) Youth mentors who are well connected are needed to help youth groups traverse the complex
political, economic and political environment;
(vi) In-kind contributions are highly underrated; and
(vii) A full-time officer is required to make projects of this kind successful.