Efficient Cookstoves, Ghana

Many countries rely on biomass or charcoal for cooking, which is a root cause of poverty, poor health, gender inequality, and environmental degradation. The stove used by this project is popular for its ease of use and robust design, being durable yet portable. 

By reducing charcoal fuel consumption by over 50 percent compared to traditional stoves, households throughout Ghana are able to realise significant financial benefits, leaving more to spend on essential items like family health and education. Investment in the project has established a local production facility based near Accra, with over 20 local technicians and artisans trained at stove manufacturing, and a distribution network generating income for more than 200 retailers.

In addition to delivering emissions reductions to help take urgent action to combat climate change (SDG 13), the project delivers a number of other sustainable development benefits. These include:

• Good Health and Wellbeing: Making it safer to drink and cook by reducing water-borne disease and also reducing the need for fuelwood, decreasing indoor air pollution.
• Gender Equality: By reducing the time spent to collect fuel, families (often the women and children) have more time for other tasks. Women are also encouraged to be sales agents, with at least half of the sales agent workforce female.
• No Poverty: A reduction in time required to provide fuel for cooking makes time for other income generating activities. For some, it allows them to have a job.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth: Through the creation of a network of sales agents, there is an increased rate of employment and a new income generating opportunity.