24 July 2013
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| Filling the molds with cement which is pounded down for compaction |
Last year I was approached by a representative of a local
women’s cooperative who wanted training to learn how to produce fuel efficient
stoves. It’s a desirable technology in Ethiopia as traditional 3-stone fires consume
a lot of fuel wood leaving Ethiopia at its present state of having lost nearly
90% of natural forest coverage. Additionally, these traditional fires produce a
lot of smoke leading to pulmonary issues in women in children; this is common
in Africa and is the 2nd largest cause for mortality next to
Malaria. Fuel efficient stoves reduce and redirect smoke, use less wood which
saves families time and money.
The coop organized themselves by writing a business plan and
formalizing themselves through the regional cooperative office. Meanwhile, I
wrote a grant to some local NGO’s: FARM Africa and Frankfurt Zoological Society
(FZS) who partnered with us to purchase our raw materials and provide us training.
Our fuel stove training was done by FZS who brought 3 experienced women from
Dinsho town.. Everyone was consistently punctual and worked really steadily.
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| Our advertisement in 3 different languages |
The coop has 20 members: all women who are unemployed
between the ages of 40-70, half of who are illiterate, all mothers with
demanding families to feed, clothe and care for. I didn’t know what to expect
with this group and I’ll admit I wasn’t initially eager to work with them because
I was concerned they wouldn’t appreciate the reality of the opportunity as much
as the concept (which I’ve seen with so many other people who approach me about
collaborating on projects). My trepidation was quickly dismissed the first day
when all women were present and punctual and continued to work 6 hours a day
for the next 3 days until we finished. At the end we gave them per-diem for
their work and they said they didn’t need to be paid for
learning this skill,
so they decided to each donated 60% of their payment to the coop to build
capital. My head was spinning I couldn’t believe how motivated and clever these
women are! Our next step is to continue purchasing our supplies, build a
workshop for our production and hold demonstrations at the weekly market to
advertise our product. We’re on the way to something great!
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| This part diverts the smoke by acting as a chimney (see the advertisement photo) |
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| 4 of these parts make up the main wall around the fire |
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| Hauling the cement from the mixing area |
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| Add caption |
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| 1 of the walls waiting to dry after the mold is removed. |
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This piece is the final chimney to divert the smoke and is also used as a "stove burner"
for preparing wat and soup |
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| traditional 3 stone fire |
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Finished Mirt stove. The main fire is covered by a large clay plate
which is used to cook injera, the main staple food of Ethiopia |
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