The solar-powered kilishi making factory built under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in 2020 has transformed lives and livelihoods in Yaba village in the Funtua senatorial Zone of Katsina. A technological demonstration project to reduce charcoal and firewood use, and thus deforestation, it aimed to counter climate change and promote local livelihoods. The 650 million Naira (~USD 157,000) spent to set up solar-powered meat drier domes, fuel-efficient kilns, heat extractors, security lights, borehole; and office, has led to less time and drudgery for local butchers making kilishi, more (hygienic) production, a surge in demand (even from neighbouring states), secondary employment for ancillary suppliers, reduced migration (and even return of migrants) and the empowerment of local women (who supply the spices (yaji), chilli, groundnut cake powder, pepper, and salt – and many of whom also paid their husband’s membership fees to join the new Kilishi Cooperative!).