What do we do?

In the "Clean Cooking in Harobanda" project, we aim to reduce the harmful effects of cooking on wood fires. In Niger, where 90% of the population cooks with wood or charcoal, millions of hectares of forest are being cut down, leading to biodiversity loss and desertification. The high CO2 emissions from cooking fires also pose significant health risks, especially for women who breathe in toxic fumes daily.

Through this project, we are installing three large "clean cookstoves" in the school restaurant of a newly established school in Harobanda, Niamey. The school serves 5000 children and their families. Weekly workshops and educational sessions will be held to encourage parents to transition to cleaner cooking methods. By September 2025, we aim for at least 1000 parents to make the switch. This project helps reduce deforestation, improves health, and lowers cooking fuel costs.

Why is this important?

This project is crucial as it can prevent the felling of 35,000 trees annually and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. In one of the poorest countries in the world, where families earn an average of €1000 per year, clean cooking not only improves health but also provides financial relief. The project also raises awareness about the benefits of sustainable energy and environmental preservation. By shopping at Productpine, you directly support this vital initiative.

Impact

• 35,000 trees saved per year.
• Reduced CO2 emissions through cleaner cooking methods.
• 1000 families no longer breathe in toxic fumes.
• 40% lower cooking fuel costs for 1000 families.
• Contribution to the protection of biodiversity in Niger.
• Reduced deforestation and desertification in the region.

How do we work?

In September and October 2024, the three clean cookstoves will be delivered and installed in the school restaurant in Harobanda, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Niamey, Niger. This project focuses on 5000 children and their families. Local partners, such as the school administration and IgniteNow Niger, will be closely involved in the execution. After the installation, weekly workshops and educational sessions on clean cooking will begin.

The goal is to have at least 1000 parents transition to using the clean cookstoves by September 2025. The local press will attend the opening, and updates on the project’s progress will be posted regularly on IgniteNow’s website and social media channels.

More information about the project

• Website Ignite a Better Future: www.igniteabetterfuture.org
• School Facebook page: https://bit.ly/3X81wnE

About the partner

Ignite a Better Future is dedicated to ending open-fire cooking by introducing Clean Cooking in African countries. Their goal is to prevent large-scale deforestation, reduce global CO2 emissions, and protect women from the toxic fumes caused by open-fire cooking. The organization began its efforts in Niger in 2023 and will soon expand to Uganda. Through their mission, they contribute to a healthier environment, improved health, and more sustainable use of natural resources. More information about their projects can be found on their website: www.igniteabetterfuture.org.