Salima people hail fuel efficient cook stoves

People in Senior Chief Khombedza and Traditional Authority Mwanza in Salima District have commended Ripple Africa for introducing fuel-efficient cook stoves in their areas.

In an interview on Wednesday, one of the beneficiaries, Margaret Meliyasi, said the stoves use less firewood.

“Previously, I used up three bundles of firewood a week,” she said.

Meliyasi said the cook stoves, dubbed Changu Changu Moto, have saved her the labour of searching for firewood.

Another beneficiary,  Enita Jofati, said the stoves retain heat, as such, saving firewood, adding that she can now cook beans within an hour.

On her part, Zione Bauleni, a community member, said the stoves produce less smoke.

“I used to cough during cooking as smoke from my cooking place filled the kitchen,” she said.

Salima district environment officer Jason Adam welcomed the initiative, saying it will reduce the demand for firewood.

He said the use of the stoves will save the environment as people will cut less trees for fuel. 

Ripple Africa project manager Force Ngwira said they have constructed 3 000 stoves and have reached out to 23 000 households in the district.

He said they have employed community volunteers to work with beneficiaries.