Disseminating Efficient Cookstoves in Tanzania
“The Challenge”
Over 80% of the energy used by a typical Tanzanian household is for daily cooking and lighting, the main sources of which are wood and charcoal. The indoor air pollution that results from the inefficient combustion of these materials is responsible for 1.5 million deaths per year globally, primarily among women and young children. Low-income households can spend up to 10% of their income on energy services, primarily for cooking. Finally, up to 500,000 hectares are deforested in Tanzania each year; to which the consumption of wood for fuel may contribute. (Right: Colleague using the KUUTE stove to cook "ugali". Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Credit: Niels Tomijima)
(Above Left: KUUTE stove liner workshop. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Credit: Niels Tomijima; Above Right: Customers discussing the benefits of the KUUTE stove. Morogoro, Tanzania. Credit: Niels Tomijima)
“The Opportunity”
Efficient, cleaner cookstoves have the potential to simultaneously lower indoor air pollution exposure, reduce fuel cost, and slow deforestation. As a low cost technology that uses available fuels, improved cookstoves can be locally made and purchased by households without subsidies. Households can recoup the additional cost of the improved stoves within two weeks.
“The Response”
The “KUUTE” stove, developed in Tanzania and made by local artisans, is twice as efficient as prevalent improved charcoal stoves. However, many well- engineered stoves have failed to impact livelihoods, as they are not adopted by households. The Blum Center is supporting research on cost-effective dissemination methods. Uptake of the stoves will be measured using innovative contracts and guarantees. The results will be used to focus the diffusion of the KUUTE stoves in Tanzania.
Dan Kammen, Professor, Energy and Resources Group (Principal Investigator)
Professor Alex Pfaff, Duke University
Participating Students
Niels Tomijima, Ph.D. Student, Energy Resources Group
Partners
Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)
Dr. Valerie Mueller (Columbia University)
Geographical Focus
Tanzania, East Africa