Nabahya Food Institute’s independent evaluation (Sept 2024) reviews its biomass briquette programme in Uvira and surrounding towns and finds strong environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The report, funded by WE4F, used surveys of 50 end-users and 45 control households in total across Kamanyola, Kiliba, Lubarika, Luvungi, Sange and Uvira to assess energy, emissions and income effects.
Key achievements far exceeded targets in Year 1. Nabahya reported 109,629 innovation end-users (versus a 60,000 target), driven partly by a higher measured average household size (9.04 vs the assumed 5). Annual energy savings reached 112,578,623 kWh—many times the target—and estimated GHG reductions totaled 51,742 tCO2e (about 4.27 tCO2e per household). Economic benefits included 98,666 end-users with increased income; the survey sample’s mean income rise was $2,501.78 and, among those whose income improved, the average annual household increase was $2,858.08.
Methodologically, the evaluation applied rigorous data cleaning, currency conversion from CDF to USD and logical validation. The control group (45 households) enabled comparative analysis showing end-users, particularly in the highest income quintile (Q5), have higher average annual incomes than non-users. Operational notes mention one briquette machine malfunctioned temporarily, constraining production.
User patterns and benefits are clear: briquettes cost an average $0.31/kg (range $0.25–0.40), are used about 28 times per month at roughly 1.24 kg per cooking event, and deliver time and labor savings, lower fuel costs (avg. $329.37 saved annually), reduced smoke exposure and reduced deforestation. Biochar byproduct improves soil fertility, supporting agricultural livelihoods. The end-user sample was 60% women; the control group was 84.4% women, highlighting gendered energy burdens.
Recommendations focus on scaling production capacity, opening additional local production units, improving distribution logistics and customer service, and strengthening technical support to meet demand and boost adoption. Overall, the report presents Nabahya’s briquettes as a cost-effective, environmentally positive innovation with substantial livelihood gains and clear priorities for scaling.