Improved cookstoves prevent deforestation

The fact remains that most members of the community recognize the significant benefit of using and improved cookstove. They report benefits, such as: faster cooking through constant temperature from a renewable heat source, time saving not gathering wood, and cleanliness of the kitchen, less smoke while cooking, etc.
 
The success achieved so far lies in the fact that mainly households with children that are attending our Zahana schools are the most aware of the benefits that relate to using an improved cookstove. It is also important to mention that it was decided by the parents and teachers in 2022 that the use of an improved cookstove is a pre-condition for attending our schools. This is why the use of this improved cookstove as a requirement, could be considered the equivalent of a registration fee for our Zahana schools.
 
Zahana continues with awareness raising activities in the direction of their greater spread. In Tsaramandroso, the most advanced village in the use of the improved stove with over 90% of the households are already participating. Another indicator for success is that, especially in Tsaramandroso some are starting to use it as a source of income by developing their own models for sale in their own community and surrounding villages. (See report of Mr. Koh). We have attached photos of the creative new models that are available.