To ensure the environment continues to be preserved, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), through the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Tourism, Department of Forest Engineering and Wood technologies has initiated a pilot project for solar-powered wood drying technology, which is environmentally friendly because it prevents the use of other energy sources that harm the environment.
This pilot project, the first of its kind in the country, was unveiled on August 3, 2024, by Assistant Lecturer Mbonea Mweta from the Department of Forest Engineering and Wood technologies, College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Tourism, while speaking to SUA Media at the Nanenane Eastern Zone Exhibitions held in Morogoro.
Discussing the benefits of the project, the lecturer said it will help increase the value of wood, reduce costs because the kiln uses solar energy compared to other kilns that use electricity or diesel, which are not environmentally friendly. Additionally, the wood will last longer, thus preventing frequent tree cutting.
“But this kiln, as I mentioned, helps to obtain well-dried wood that meets the required standards, and using well-dried wood will obviously result in good furniture. However, if you join wood that has not been properly dried, it is clear that you will face challenges such as the joints coming apart or the wood being damaged by pests, resulting in losses,” said the lecturer.
He mentioned other opportunities that will arise once the project is completed, including providing employment for users of the kiln and generating government revenue through the wood drying business in the country.
He said that once the project is completed and operational, wood traders will benefit greatly and urged furniture makers to use dried wood to eliminate customer complaints about their furniture being damaged by pests.
