Charcoal from Typha grass
Typha grass is a problematic weed in some major African river systems
© WRENmedia
Typha grass - also known as Reed-mace, Cat-tail and Kachalla - is a problematic weed in some major African river systems. In The Gambia, the National Agricultural Research Institute has developed a simple pressing machine which can be used to convert the thick-stemmed grass into charcoal blocks. These are a very efficient source of fuel compared to normal charcoal, and making the blocks has now become a valuable employment opportunity for young people in the area.
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