#MEET ALTERNATIVE CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN AFRICA
This is a short interview we conducted with Nyefene Martin Kwabena, the founder of “ALTERNATIVE CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN AFRICA”. If you like the concept of this idea and would like to vote for it, click HERE.
My name is Nyefene Martin Kwabena. I am a 34 year old Ghanaian youth. I am founder of ALTERNATIVE CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN AFRICA ( M-SOLUTIONS* ). My educational background is health science. I completed my bachelor studies from university of Ghana ( a combined health science/psychology major-including environmental psychology). I am passionate about environmental health and health in general. This passion grew even more whiles working with Projects Abroad Ghana ( a UK NGO). As medical projects coordinator, my role was collaborate in mobilising communities for health events or projects. My experience in this role, propelled me to keep searching for solutions and ways that make life better and healthier. I believe, better life or health of people and communities, lie in the nature of policies especially as they relate to health. With a background in health policy innovation and management (Maastricht university), my goal is together with a solid team of experts in the energy and environmental sector, Government and the international community as well as everyone affected by environmental health problems, help find feasible solutions to this future threatening problem however little this might start and where.
- Describe your idea or project in two sentences.
Industrial and human activities have and continue to destroy our environment despite a clear knowledge of this. Given available alternatives for charcoal production (a human activity), have not adequately addressed this future threatening problem, our project, integrating environmental, economic and social elements of sustainable development (World Bank), offers a solution that brings to the realisation that the best way to solving a problem is when you have created the problem, and we do this by engaging the people who are more directly affected, alongside experts and authorities in this sector.
- What are the benefits you take from the Entrepreneurship Campus?
Entrepreneurship campus has been a wonderful thing to me. Since joining, I have made new friends. I have had the opportunity to learn about so many projects and ideas that has contributed to enhancing my entrepreneurial drive. Comments about my projects from some campus members have been very useful. The campus has been a place for member interaction but I personally see this as a life long relationship with members for even future endeavours. Another useful benefit to me is the free online training. Following the modules has really reshaped my perception towards entrepreneurship. An example is this phrase that keeps sounding in my mind " complexity is the entrepreneurs enemy" as well as the module on turning fun into work. It was great.
- What motivates you to be an entrepreneur?
I should say my passion to help, support and see people happy. My passion and desire to change or improve conventional thinking or processes.
- Imagine you have ‚supreme power’ to create and innovate: how would your world look like? What changes would you like to make in your community and/or in the world? Share your thoughts from a ‚supreme power’ and entrepreneur standpoint.
I would want to see renewed communities, with strong motivation and commitment to keeping their environments clean and healthy. This motivation should be driven from direct positive life long benefits from their activities that lead to this reality. By extension, use practical local approaches that contribute to addressing the global environmental health concerns.
- What would you say to potential voters who may be reading your interview?
I would want to thank you for reading this interview. I believe you will agree with me that environmental health remains a global concern. Local activities or happenings, have even distant effects wherever you are on this earth. This is the reasoning I believe and I trust I do, that projects that have such high potentials, should be supported no matter where they are implemented and no matter how small the effect they may start with. By voting for this project, you are already directly contributing to this reality. Your continuous support is and would be highly appreciated. Thank you.
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