Posted May 13th, 2009 by mark
Researchers are looking into ways of using banana waste for fuel in countries across Africa.
The simple, low-tech idea, was developed by researchers at Nottingham University.
see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8044092.stm
They used banana skins to create briquettes that can be burned for cooking, lighting and heating.
It could alleviate the burden of gathering firewood, the dominant energy source in many parts of the continent.
This would help reduce deforestation, which makes a significant contribution to global climate change.
In some African countries, like Rwanda, bananas are an important and versatile crop, used for food, wine and beer.
But experts estimate that the edible fruit makes up just a small part of what the plant produces.
“ The banana skins bind other materials together really well, they act like glue ” Joel Chaney, Nottingham University
