Fuel-efficient stove production in the Yeku watershed

Most Ethiopians in rural areas traditionally use wood fires for cooking in the open. A pot or pan is normally centered and placed on three stones. Open fires waste fuel because they focus flames and heat poorly on the bottom of the cooking pot. They are typically only about 15% efficient, which means 85% of the energy that is released from the cooking fuel is wasted. With the use of improved, fuel-efficient stoves, it is possible to increase efficiency up to 50%, which can contribute significantly to reduced deforestation. More importantly, improved stoves which burn wood in a closed area reduce smoke in the kitchen and its negative consequences on the health of women and children.

In 2004, at the Yeku watershed in Sekota, Ethiopia, 10 women were trained as a team by the AMAREW project on improved stove production. Currently, they are registered as a cooperative through the cooperative promotion bureau.

The production of fuel-efficient stoves by an organized group of women like these in the Yeku watershed not only helps women make money and contribute to a reduction of deforestation, but also reduces the drudgery caused by frequent wood collection from distant locations, and encourages the schooling of children. Another advantage of the stoves is that they reduce smoke-related eye problems.

The project initially provided these women with stove molds. The women then contributed part of their own funds to start stove production. They began production of the improved stoves with an initial capital of 500 Birr ($60). To date, the women's group has raised over 7,000 Birr ($810). This amount was sufficient to provide each member of the stove production and marketing micro-enterprise with a dividend of 500 Birr ($60). Individual annual savings of this amount by women were simply unthinkable in an earlier time in areas like Yeku.

With efficiency increased by 50% through the use of improved stoves, it is possible to reduce deforestation by 50%, which will ultimately result in an increase in the vegetation cover.

Increased efficiency reduces a household’s fuel wood requirement, which indirectly reduces the frequency of wood collection by women and children. This enables women to be involved in more productive work and leisure time while children will be more likely to attend school. Thus, the intervention has a positive environmental, social and economic impact.