Who can build the spiffiest improved cookstove?

Our workshop training team decided unanimously: if there might be a first price for the most innovative improved cookstove this would be it.

This innovative improved cookstove was invented and designed by on of the villages. Not only can it be used for two cooking pots at once, such as cooking e.g. rice and soup next to each other, but the warming chamber in the middle can keep e.g coffee or rice hot for a long log time. It is rather large in size and was built inside in the kitchen 'on location'. The team decided that they will getthe prize for most innovative improved cookstove in 2020: a bucket with sugar, coffee, salt and oil.

It is enjoyable to witness over the last 12 months how a simple model of a utilitarian improved cookstove transformed into an object for artistic expression. Our workshops are always community-wide events of two or three days. Spending this time together with your neighbors, seeing what they are building might just foster your creativity.

The team has been teaching improved cookstove building, bio charcoal making and reforestation for over a year now and already included 10 communities. Their preliminary evaluation showed that people are most interested in building their own improved cookstove and learning about bioremediation against plant pathogens and insects that do not require purchased pesticides. One of our teachers' other passions, besides having developed the improved cookstove model, is natural insect and pest control and he and his expertise are in high demand. As our founder put it: “I think he really enjoys to apply his knowledge out in the field with the villagers and not just teaching about it in a classroom.”

The other photographs are of improved cookstoves being used in rural kitchens.