A local partner Devine Farming operated by retired Pastor James Kidulu and his family are looking to transition from using his family land from cane growing to an alternative sustainable use. His vision seeks to refocus their endeavours into more sustainable practices including alternative crops, Livestock breeding and dairy production.

The oversupply of sugar cane stock in the region also creates a motivating factor for changes in current practices and use of available resources. We are also seeking to investigate and support alternative use of land which also can initiate other changes to historic and cultural practices which are not sustainable and are having a negative environmental impact

The predominant means of cooking in the district is charcoal or wood burning stoves or simple wood fires. This practice is creating a degradation of the environment and a shortage of wood. Finding an alternative or recyclable resource however can change this.

As part of our investigation into alternative farming opportunities with James it was established that the waste product from refining the local cane is suitable for providing the base for a slurry that can be used for the production of pressed logs or Pucks (which essentially are a recycled fuel briquette). These can replace the use of natural timber logs from the forest and the need for production of charcoal using a free and readily accessible resource as an alternative

The mechanism for production can be manufactured at home initially using readily obtainable materials at very low cost.

A “pilot” project is being explored which will investigate viability, market acceptance, local government support and commercial production opportunities.

The completion of the Pilot is expected at the end of 2022