EFFICIENT WOOD OVENS & STOVES
In many countries, the ability for people to access of cleaner burning energy technologies for cooking can be difficult, if not impossible. In those areas where cleaner fuels can be accessed, the cost of such technologies can be very expensive and comprise a large percentage of a family’s income. Therefore, often the only solution for many people is to cook with wood.
Burning wood for cooking has many disadvantages. In addition to spending huge amounts of time collecting firewood, time that could otherwise be used for economic activities, the use of wood increases deforestation rates and carbon dioxide emissions. There are also health consequences. Often the wood is burned inside in a confined space with little ventilation, which results in respiratory and other health problems, primarily for women and children who do most of the household cooking.
The distribution of efficient wood ovens, which can burn up to 75% less wood than traditional wood stoves, helps reduce the consumption of wood and decreases the negative impact of burning wood for cooking. For project examples of efficient wood ovens in the field, review the following project links.
Efficient Wood Oven Projects
Nicaragua, June 2010
Tanzania, Phase 1
Nicaragua, August 2011
Tanzania, Phase 2