Production of the MIG bio cooker

Going Green through the Sustainable energy solutions for Africa (SESA)Project which aims to tackle energy challenges as large part of Africa still lacks access to affordable, reliable electricity and clean cooking and to transform towards low-carbon energy solutions is involved in the manufacturing of an improved cooking stove called MIG Biocokes designed by Make It Green. The stove uses fire briquettes made from solid waste biomass that is not sourced from forest reserves.

Some of the biomasses are from crop residuals like groundnuts straws, and maize and sunflower stalks. The stove technology uses pyrolysis to produce heat for cooking. By heating biomass under oxygen-limited conditions the development of smoke is significantly reduced, and a biochar product is also produced. Biochar is used as a soil improver in agriculture- In addition to binding plant nutrients in the form of cations and anions, biochar also binds water molecules. Thus, biochar can reduce stress during, for example, drought.

Biochar can also have a positive effect on the structure of the soil and has also shown positive effects on soil micro-life. In general, it can be said that the use of biochar makes a difference, especially in Malawi where the soil often lacks organic material, has a poorer structure and where there is a lack of water and a risk of erosion