Green Scene

Green Scene is decarbonising the turmeric processing industry by replacing firewood-based methods with solar-powered equipment. 

In Ethiopia, around 60 million people lack electricity, meaning smallholder farmers, often women, rely on outdated firewood-based methods for turmeric post-harvest processing. This approach is costly, inefficient, and environmentally unsustainable, contributing to deforestation and high carbon emissions. Green Scene estimates that a single traditional processing unit consumes up to 21 trees annually, equivalent to 8,200 kg of dry firewood, and emits 12 metric tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Green Scene introduces solar-powered post-harvest processing systems, which not only reduce costs but also produce a higher-quality product through controlled drying and minimised contamination risk. Alongside this, farmers and cooperatives receive comprehensive training on system operations, maintenance, and the use of solar energy.

TRANSFORM’s support will enable Green Scene to launch its solution by installing off-grid solar systems and processing equipment. By replacing firewood with solar energy, the project will reduce deforestation, lower carbon emissions, cut operational costs for cooperatives, and increase the income of smallholder farmers through improved product quality. Traditionally, turmeric processing is predominantly carried out by women. Therefore, TRANSFORM’s support will prioritise the project’s 645 female farmers, processors, and technicians through additional training, technology transfer, economic empowerment, and broader capacity-building efforts.