Coffee Husks, Briquettes Making as an Alternative Source of Income for the Youth in Uganda

By Aloysius Ssendegeya

In Uganda, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, coffee production is a significant contributor to the country's GDP.

However, while the coffee beans are the primary focus, the by-products of coffee processing, such as coffee husks, are often overlooked.

These husks, considered waste, can be transformed into a valuable resource, offering an innovative and sustainable alternative source of income for Uganda's youth.

One such opportunity lies in the production of briquettes from coffee husks, a venture that not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The Potential of Coffee Husks

Coffee husks are the outer layers of the coffee bean that are removed during processing.

In Uganda, where coffee is widely grown, these husks are often discarded or burned, contributing to environmental pollution.

However, with proper utilization, coffee husks can be converted into briquettes a type of biofuel that serves as an eco-friendly alternative to charcoal and firewood.

This presents a dual benefit: reducing waste and providing a sustainable energy source.

Why Briquettes?

Briquettes are compact blocks made from compressed organic materials, such as coffee husks, sawdust, or agricultural waste.

They are an excellent alternative to traditional charcoal and firewood, which are commonly used for cooking in Ugandan households.

The production and use of briquettes offer several advantages:

Environmental Sustainability: Briquettes reduce deforestation by providing an alternative to firewood and charcoal, which are often sourced from cutting down trees. Additionally, using coffee husks prevents them from being burned openly, reducing air pollution.

Cost-Effectiveness: Briquettes are cheaper to produce and purchase compared to charcoal, making them an affordable energy source for low-income households.

Income Generation: The production of briquettes creates employment opportunities, particularly for young people who can engage in collecting, processing, and selling briquettes.

Empowering the Youth

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 78% of its population under the age of 30.

However, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, with many young people struggling to find meaningful employment.

The production of briquettes from coffee husks offers a viable solution to this problem. Here’s how:

Low Startup Costs: The production of briquettes requires minimal investment. Basic equipment such as briquette presses and drying racks can be acquired at relatively low costs, making it accessible for young entrepreneurs.

Skill Development: Young people can acquire skills in briquette production, marketing, and business management, which can be applied to other ventures in the future.

Community Impact: By engaging in briquette production, youth can contribute to their communities by providing an affordable and sustainable energy source, while also addressing environmental challenges.

Steps to Start a Briquette Business

For young people interested in venturing into briquette production, the following steps can serve as a guide:

Collect Coffee Husks: Partner with local coffee processing plants or farmers to collect coffee husks, which are often available at little to no cost.

Acquire Equipment: Invest in a briquette press and drying racks. These can be sourced locally or fabricated with the help of artisans.

Processing: Dry the coffee husks to reduce moisture content, then compress them into briquettes using the press.

Marketing and Sales: Develop a marketing strategy to promote the briquettes to households, restaurants, and institutions. Emphasize the cost savings and environmental benefits.

Scaling Up: As the business grows, consider diversifying the raw materials used for briquettes, such as agricultural waste or sawdust, to increase production capacity.

Challenges and Solutions

While the briquette business holds great promise, it is not without challenges.

These include limited access to financing, lack of awareness about briquettes, and competition from traditional charcoal sellers

To overcome these challenges, young entrepreneurs can:

Seek partnerships with NGOs or government programs that support green initiatives and youth entrepreneurship.

Conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of briquettes.

Form cooperatives to pool resources and share knowledge.

Conclusion

The production of briquettes from coffee husks is a practical and sustainable solution to two pressing issues in Uganda: youth unemployment and environmental degradation.

By tapping into this innovative venture, young people can create a reliable source of income while contributing to a greener future.

With the right support and resources, coffee husks and briquettes can become a cornerstone of Uganda's green economy, empowering the youth and fostering sustainable development.

The Author is the founder and CEO of Roy Coffee Processors and Exporters Co Ltd.