Our project advanced the uptake of a sustainable firewood alternative in the informal settlements of Katutura, Namibia. The small business enterprise of a burnable paper block will reduce unemployment and combat desertification. We worked with Men on the Side of the Road (MSR) to improve upon the paper block’s performance and created a new business model to promote its use. We conducted interviews with the local community exploring the current domestic fuel use, tested old and new versions of the paper block, and determined how it could best be brought to market. We created a new block design with improved burning capabilities, trained local MSR members in its production, and developed a viable community business model.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Vu, Phuong Thuy
• Hunt, Mitchell Alden
• Strauss, Michael Parry
• Woodyard, Alexander Harrison

Subject

• Environment
• Energy
• Industry
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050814-094534

Palabra Clave

• Sustainability
• Social entrepreneurship
• Community development
• Sustainable development--Environmental aspects

Advisor

• Belz, Melissa
• Hersh, Robert

Year

• 2014

Center

• Windhoek, Namibia Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Men on the Side of the Road (MSR)

Date created

• 2014-05-08

Ubicación

• Windhoek

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright