03Projects

Waste-to-Wealth Project

Transforming agricultural waste into clean energy through briquette production, empowering 24,000 beneficiaries in Niger and Kogi States.

Briquette production training for women cooperatives

Clean Energy SolutionNiger & Kogi States, NigeriaIFAD-VCDP Programme

Clean Energy & Women Empowerment

The Waste-to-Wealth intervention, implemented under the ASAP-funded IFAD-VCDP programme, represents a transformative approach to clean energy access and women's economic empowerment in Nigeria. This innovative project enhances resilience among 24,000 beneficiaries across Niger State (18,710 beneficiaries) and Kogi State (5,290 beneficiaries).

At its core, the project deploys briquette production machines and cassava peel pelletizing units to rural women's cooperatives, transforming agricultural waste into valuable clean energy products. This approach addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: waste management, energy access, women's empowerment, and climate change mitigation.

The initiative provides comprehensive technical training to cooperative members, with over 50% of beneficiaries being women. Training covers machine operation, briquette production techniques, quality control, packaging, and marketing strategies. This holistic approach ensures that beneficiaries can establish sustainable clean energy enterprises.

By establishing functional production hubs in rural communities, the project creates affordable alternatives to traditional charcoal and firewood for households. This transition to clean energy significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions through avoided open burning of agricultural waste and decreased pressure on forests from firewood collection.

Figures

Figures as published by the programme, not yet verified against a report.

  • 24,000BeneficiariesPeople empowered across two states
  • 50%+WomenFemale participation in cooperatives
  • 2 StatesCoverageNiger (18,710) & Kogi (5,290)
  • 100%Clean EnergyAlternative to charcoal & firewood

Key Achievements

  • Successful delivery and installation of briquette machines across multiple communities
  • Installation of cassava peel pelletizing units in rural women cooperatives
  • Training of over 12,000 women (50%+ of beneficiaries) in production techniques
  • Establishment of functional production hubs in Niger and Kogi States
  • Creation of clean energy enterprises providing affordable fuel alternatives
  • Reduction in GHG emissions through waste valorization and avoided burning
  • Development of packaging and marketing capabilities for cooperative members
  • Empowerment of women's groups with new entrepreneurship opportunities

Regional Implementation

  • Niger State

    Beneficiaries
    18,710
    Communities
    Multiple rural communities
    Focus
    Briquette production & cassava pelletizing
  • Kogi State

    Beneficiaries
    5,290
    Communities
    Rural cooperative hubs
    Focus
    Waste valorization & clean energy

Environmental Impact

  • GHG Reduction

    Avoided emissions from open burning and deforestation

  • Clean Fuel

    Affordable alternative to charcoal and firewood

  • Waste Valorization

    Agricultural waste transformed into energy products

Benefits

  • Clean Energy Production

    Transforming agricultural waste into affordable briquettes and cassava peel pellets, providing households with sustainable alternatives to traditional charcoal and firewood.

  • Women Empowerment

    Over 50% of beneficiaries are women, receiving technical training, equipment, and support to establish clean energy enterprises and new income streams.

  • Emissions Reduction

    Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through avoided open burning of agricultural waste and decreased deforestation from firewood collection.

  • Skills Development

    Comprehensive training in machine operation, briquette production, packaging, marketing, and entrepreneurship for sustainable livelihoods.

Photographs

Cassava peel pelletizing equipment in operation
Community members learning briquette production techniques
Clean energy briquettes ready for distribution
Women entrepreneurs packaging finished products
Equipment installation and technical training
Functional production hubs in rural communities

Scale Clean Energy Access

Partner with us to expand waste-to-wealth initiatives, empower more women's cooperatives, and accelerate the transition to clean energy in rural Nigeria. Together, we can transform agricultural waste into sustainable livelihoods.