Fuel Efficient Stoves
Fuel-efficient stoves (also called "rocket stoves") are having a major impact on the amount of firewood being used by villagers surrounding Kibale. On average, a household using one burns 37% less wood than those using a traditional stove. The project began constructing these stoves in the fall of 2006, and to date (February 2008) the staff have assisted in the building of nearly 300. This adds up to over 2,000 lbs. of wood being saved each day! Much of this wood would have been cut or collected in Kibale.
Each family supplies the majority of the materials (bricks and mud) themselves, with harder-to-find sheet metal sold to them at our cost. The cost to build a stove is just slightly over $2, making it affordable to those living in very rural areas.
The traditional-type stove currently used by most families around Kibale. Three-stone stoves produce large amounts of black smoke and much of their heat-energy is lost to the surrounding air. The smoke is a health risk for the entire family, but especially the women who are normally the ones cooking.
The brick structure of the rocket stove (which is surrounded by ash and mud when complete). This design directs all heat generated from the fire directly at the food, so less wood is needed. The fire also burns much hotter than in a traditional stove, which creates much less smoke.
Building a stove requires constructing a reed or brick structure around the stove, which will later be covered in mud. A metal skirt is constructed which helps direct heat to the sauce pan.
On the left children help carry bricks for their family stove. The men on the right were also very enthusiastic to learn the building method. Families are encouraged to build the stoves themselves so they can be prepared for any maintenance it may need in the future. Also, by having this knowledge they can teach others how to build their own fuel efficient stove.
A finished rocket stove in Kyanyawara village.