Acceptability of faecal sludge briquettes (Zambia)

One of the resources that can be recovered from faecal sludge, are briquettes. These briquettes can be used as a sustainable energy source. Despite faecal briquettes seeming to be a good sustainable source of energy produced from an abundant resource, end-user acceptability is still a challenge. This is mainly attributed to the perception that faecal sludge is regarded waste and not a resource. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors leading to acceptance for faecal briquette and market potential. Market Driven Approach (MDA) calculation tool was used to analyze the market potential of faecal sludge briquettes based on the substitute product, charcoal. Findings on market growth potential revealed that factors as an increase in the number of traders and the increase of the daily purchase of charcoal, were good indicators of growth. Calculation of the market volume revealed that 50kg bags of charcoal had the largest market volume ($1,356) while 1.5kg plastics of charcoal had the lowest market volume ($694). The application of a 1.1 adjustment factor resulted in a total adjusted market value for all the charcoal quantities to be $5,809 leading to the acceptability of faecal sludge briquettes in Kamanga compound included; Perceived usefulness, ease of use, affordability, smoke production, awareness creation, availability, and perceived performance of faecal sludge briquettes. A comparative cost analysis of currently used energy sources in the area was carried out where it was found that faecal briquettes cost ZMW 0.5 more than charcoal. Despite the ZMW 0.5 cost difference between charcoal and faecal sludge briquettes, the longer burning time of briquettes would make them more cost-effective. Based on participant responses, acceptability for faecal sludge briquettes is achievable if the product can meet the expectations of the users.