More VICOBA Visits

During our second week with EARD-CI, we visited two more VICOBA groups to learn more about the different environments and economic situations of the various villages EARD-CI works with. When we visited the second VICOBA on Monday, it was our third time driving out to the village. The first two times, the village was experiencing some social problems that prevented us from presenting to them. Luckily, this third time, they were able to give us some time to present. 

Because we had to squeeze seven people in the car, we only brought the single lever press which was smaller and easier to carry. As a consequence, the machine didn't have the appearance of a great tool to work with and required more effort for the VICOBA to use. Nevertheless, they seemed excited about the technology and said that they would try to see how they could prepare either that press, or the compound lever press whose manual we brought with us. They did want to see both presses in person this coming Monday for the carpenters to look at along with the drawings, but unfortunately, there was no one available to take us to the VICOBA. We will work with EARD-CI to make sure the appropriate next steps are taken with this VICOBA as we will not be able to visit. Compared to the first VICOBA, this VICOBA has fewer members, is located in a dryer, more barren environment, has less farming, and spends half as much money on firewood per week (6,000 shillings, same price of 2,000 per bundle). Villagers in this village also have an extensive process to cut down firewood which is that they have to appeal to the village leaders and then a leader has to come and see the tree to approve it being cut down.

The third VICOBA we visited was located in a green environment which was slightly dryer than the first VICOBA but had more agriculture than the second VICOBA. This VICOBA spent the same amount of money as the second VICOBA on firewood  (6,000 shillings for 3 bundles) which was half as much as the first VICOBA. This VICOBA had a similar village leaders appeal policy for cutting down firewood as the second VICOBA, but the leader didn't actually have to come to the tree. For this visit, we made sure to bring the large press and we presented how the press and briquette making process work. The VICOBA members were excited to learn more about this new technology and tried it themselves. They were more excited than the second VICOBA members, but less than the first VICOBA group members.

Overall, it seems like we have three solid village groups who are interested in briquetting and might be good groups for pilot programs. The first village we visited seems most eager and might be the best village to move forward with initially. If more than one pilot program can be initiated, both of the other VICOBAs seem to be excellent as well. While these villagers spend less money on firewood per week, firewood appears to be more scarce and briquetting might make a more significant impact in these areas.