PHOTO CREDIT: WFP South Sudan
(RUBKONA COUNTY, UNITY STATE) – Communities in Rubkona are transforming the invasive water hyacinth plant into eco-friendly cooking fuel, in a project supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on firewood, protect the environment and provide households with an additional source of income.
Water hyacinth, which spreads rapidly and disrupts waterways, has long been a challenge for Unity State communities. Under the WFP supported programme, local participants are trained to dry, carbonise and compress the plant into fuel briquettes suitable for cooking.
The briquettes are sold in local markets, giving families the opportunity to earn extra income while contributing to environmental conservation.
The project also helps reduce deforestation and the time women and girls spend collecting wood, which can sometimes expose them to safety risks.
According to community members, the briquettes burn efficiently and produce less smoke compared to firewood, making them a cleaner and healthier option for cooking.
| Process Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| Drying | Water hyacinth is harvested and sun-dried |
| Carbonising | Dried plant material is burned in low oxygen |
| Briquette forming | Carbonised material is compressed into shape |
| Marketing and sales | Briquettes are sold in Rubkona markets |
For many families, this small scale business is providing a valuable supplementary income in addition to meeting their own household energy needs.
WFP says the project is part of its broader efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and climate smart solutions in South Sudan. The agency hopes that the model can be replicated in other flood prone and weed affected areas across the country.
Community leaders in Rubkona have welcomed the initiative, calling it an example of how environmental problems can be turned into opportunities for income generation and improved living conditions.
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