Decentral manufacturing and dissemination of energy efficient improved cook stoves (ICS) was supported including the development & testing of even more efficient, cleaner and safer combustion technologies.

The stoves save ~1,600 t of charcoal p.a., worth a total of EUR 187,500 or EUR 15 per household (which corresponds to a 25% drop in expenditure). Alternative sources of energy such as LPG are tested. Retailers and end consumers receive information and advice, partly in the context of public-private partnerships.

A women’s association (15 members) was created to promote the use of ICS in households. It focuses on educating households about the environmental and health hazards associated with traditional stoves & benefits of ICS. Most of the established ICS production sites and selling points are run by women. A panel comprising 150 households has been established to monitor annually the consumption pattern as well as the adoption rate of ICS. To date, around 12,500 families (about 30% of all households in Diego) use ICS. Instead of 117 kg/pers./yr., the households only consume 89 kg/pers./yr of charcoal.