Utilization of cow-dung in brickmaking
Practical Action
Table (4) shows improvements achieved by Abdel Hamid Ahmed Ali as a result of training and
proper use of cow-dung.
Aspect
Before (Ls) After (Ls) % of total production cost.
Cost of production (14000 bricks):
Before
After
Cow dung
200,000
430,000
Fuel-wood
1,637,000 913,970
Total fuel
1,837,000 1,343,97 53.16
35.63
0
Labour cost
1,438,000 2,223,86 41.62
58.96
9
Tools
180,000
203,500 5.20
5.39
Total prod. Cost
3,455,000 3771339
Cost/ 1000 bricks
24,679
26,938
Sales / 1000 bricks
45,000
50,000
% Surplus over costs
82.34
85.61
Table (4): Comparison of production costs and profits before and after Practical Action’s
intervention.
From the table, it is clear that energy cost is reduced from 53.16 % to 35.63 % of the total
production costs. This is due to the use of more cow-dung which resulted in a reduction of fuel-
wood. Labour costs increased intervention because more labour was needed in the preparation of
clay and careful moulding. Although the percentage of profit does not show an appreciable
increase, quick return of capital was experienced instead. The good quality of the bricks
generated a higher demand. Besides the appearance of the bricks, the Sudanese Standards
Authority was convinced that the use of improved bricks (25 x 12 x 7 cm) in building
construction can save up to 25 % of the quantity of bricks required to build a unit volume of
wall. There is also an accompanying saving in the consumption of plasters, mortar and other
materials.
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