Assessing the Use of Agro-Waste Charcoal (Carbonized Briquettes) as an Alternative Energy Source: A Case of Katete District in Zambia

Traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal dominate rural household energy use, contributing to deforestation and environmental degradation. The study aimed to evaluate the environmental and socio-economic benefits of agro-waste charcoal briquettes, identify adoption barriers, and propose strategies for increased uptake. Anchored in the Sustainable Development Theory and Innovation Diffusion Theory, the research employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 376 participants using surveys and interviews, with 364 valid responses analyzed. Participants included households, briquette producers, government officials, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and community leaders, selected through purposive and stratified sampling. Findings showed that 85% of respondents believed briquettes help conserve forests, 73.85% reported daily use, and 63.7% viewed them as more affordable than charcoal. Additionally, 58.5% saw potential for job creation, especially for women and youth. However, limited awareness (64.7%), high production costs, and poor distribution networks hindered adoption. The study recommends community awareness campaigns, policy incentives, and enhanced stakeholder support. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and development actors promoting sustainable energy solutions in Zambia and similar contexts.