How to Make a Local Fridge using Charcoal(english version),Engeri yokukolamu fridge yamanda (luganda version)

Compiled by Karamagi Akiiki Ednah

Step 1 Identify a suitable location for your fridge. It does not matter whether it is under the sunshine or a shade. What is most important is that you choose a location where you do not have to shift the fridge from place to place – this is a permanent structure.

Step 2 Determine the size of you fridge that you want to construct.

Step 3 Erect a double wire mesh boundary with at least a sizeable width within.

Step 4 Pack large charcoal particles in between while filling the gaps with smaller charcoal particles. Avoid use of charcoal dust because it will pollute your food.

Step 5 For the base, use mud; and for the roof, use dry grass. Do not use wire mesh or charcoal for the base or roof construction.

Step 6 Do not forget to put a door to keep away animals and thieves.

Step 7 Also, you have to be mindful that you have to pour water on this charcoal to maintain the cool temperatures within. You can either do this manually or automatically using constructed structures similar to those used in Drip Irrigation. The pouring of water can be done continuously or at a time depending on weather condition outside. The higher the temperatures, the more the water required.

An interesting concept I came across was one used by farmers in western Uganda. Their fridges are much smaller both in width, length and height. These women farmers place a bucket full of water on top of the “fridge”; hanging from the bucket onto the charcoal edges are deep thick wicks (like those of a lantern). The logic is that the wicks suck water and drip it on the charcoal, thereby cooling it.

Charcoal is used as it is a good coolant. Wet charcoal does not allow easy passage of heat thus resulting into low temperature inside. Also, use of water on the charcoal is to minimize charcoal dust. Charcoal is made of wood which by nature do not transmit heat easily. Also, charcoal has pore spaces which absorb and store water inside, this reduces heat passing from outside.

On the other hand, because charcoal comes from trees, use of charcoal only contributes to environmental degradation; which is disastrous to our environment. It grossly affects the climatic condition of an area, as well as the soil. It is important therefore that you seek legal country permission and guidance before you undertake this project. Also, you can start an active tree planting campaign.

Special thanks to the following that enabled me compile this article
To CoRFiLAC, for inciting the curiosity in me. It all stemmed from need for a fridge so that the local persons also can make traditional cheese for both personal food nutrition and market consumption.

To Simbo N Ntiro, a member of the C3Net dgroup, where I posted the article; he picked it up and forwarded it to ethink tank and Tanzania gateway, both Tanzanian based dgroups.

To Athumani Mlinga who attended the Farmers’ Day Exhibitions (Nane Nane) in Morogoro (Tanzania); saw this cooling concept from The National Service pavilion made of charcoal into a small hut and agreed to share it with me. He also traced and found the actual person that makes the fridge, Winifrida Bhoke Matutu

To Winifrida Bhoke Matutu is from Ilala Municipal Council (Tanzania) and actually makes the local charcoal fridge. She is a horticulturist dealing with advising farmers on good methods of cultivating flowers, fruits, vegetables, and making land scalping.

1.Funa ekifo ekisaana okuteekamu fridge ebweru oba munda mu kasana oba mukasikirize.Fridge eno si yakujja mukifo

2.Salawo obunene bwa fridge gyoyagala

3.Zimba akatimba ng;okazinzemu emirundi ebiri mu makati nga wajaayo Amanda.beera ngazimba akayumba akatono nga mumakati mulimu emiti

4.Pakira Amanda amanene mu makati gakatimba,amabanga agasigadde ojjuzewo amatono.Tokozesa vvu

5.Wansi teekayo ettaka waggulu osseyo essubi ekkalu.Tekako oluggi okuziyiza ababbi

6.Oluvannyuma mu manda yiwamu amazzi buli kaseera okusobola okukuuma fridge nga ennyogoga

7.Oba osobola okuddira akalobo akalimu amazzi n’okassa waggulu nekaleebeeta noterezaamu entambi ne zitonnya mu fridge buli kaseera

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