African Improved Cookstoves Programme

Our first project – the “Commonland African Improved Cookstove Programme” – was launched in 2020 to equip low-income households in Simalaha Community Conservancy with 10,000 fuel-efficient cooking stoves. By doing so, we are making significant progress towards our goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices in the region.

Communities in and around the Simalaha Community Conservancy traditionally cook using wood or charcoal on open fires. Women living in rural areas face a multitude of challenges on a daily basis, including health risks from inhaling smoke from these fires and the time-consuming task of collecting wood. Our aim is to address these challenges and conserve forests by reducing the amount of wood used for cooking fuel. In addition to promoting sustainable practices, we also strive to create a sustainable revenue stream for the community through the generation of carbon credits. 

The “Commonland African Improved Cookstove Programme” is a joint initiative by the COmON foundation, the Peaceparks Foundation, and the Commonland Foundation. Our mission is to effectively implement a stove program for low-income households in Simalaha by scaling and improving existing efforts. To achieve this, Commonland is managing the program with initial technical support from the African Stove Company.  The Peace Parks Foundation is serving as the on-the-ground implementing partner, and COmON foundation provided a loan to support the initiative’s launch and operation.

Our fuel-efficient stoves are a significant improvement over traditional three-stone open fires, as they reduce both wood consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These stoves are key to rolling out the 4 Returns framework in this region because they enable us to generate benefits for both people and the environment while also restoring the landscapes. The positive impact on climate change mitigation is not only tangible and measurable but also certified by the Gold Standard Global Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG). Furthermore, our initiative contributes to several of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

In keeping with our commitment to community-driven solutions, the revenue generated from carbon credits will be reinvested in community-based projects. This reinvestment will empower the Simalaha community to lead positive change in their locality. By providing tangible benefits to both people and the environment, our programme helps create a sustainable future for all.