Indoor LPG Stoves: A Sustainable Solution for Women in DarfurIndoor air pollution, caused by the excessive use of fuelwood, has long been a concern for the residents of El Fashir in North Darfur, Sudan. Not only does the excessive use of fuelwood lead to deforestation and the depletion of forest resources in the region, but it also poses significant health risks, especially for women and children under five. In an effort to address these issues and promote sustainable cooking practices, Practical Action, in collaboration with the Women's Development Association Network (WDAN), has implemented the Darfur Low Smoke Stoves project.Thanks to the generous funding of £316,000 from Carbon Clear Ltd, Practical Action has been able to distribute over 12,000 LPG stoves in El Fashir, significantly reducing the reliance on fuelwood as a cooking fuel and improving the overall health and well-being of the community. These LPG stoves have been accredited by The Gold Standard for their ability to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4 tCO2e each year, making them not only environmentally friendly but also economically sustainable.The objectives of this third phase of the project are multifaceted. Firstly, the project aims to reduce the pressure on dwindling forest resources in Darfur by promoting the use of LPG as a clean and efficient cooking fuel. By raising awareness among the residents of El Fashir about the negative impacts of excessive fuelwood use on both health and the environment, the project aims to instill a sense of responsibility and a desire for change within the community.One of the main beneficiaries of this project is the women of El Fashir. Traditionally burdened with hours of cooking using traditional stoves, the introduction of LPG stoves has not only significantly reduced their cooking time but has also improved the overall health and well-being of women and children under five. Indoor air pollution, caused by smoke and toxic fumes emitted by traditional stoves, often leads to respiratory diseases and other health issues. By promoting the use of LPG stoves, the project aims to mitigate these health risks and create a safer environment for women and children.To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, Practical Action is working closely with the Women's Development Association Network (WDAN). Through this collaboration, the project aims to document the learnings and experiences gained during the implementation of the project, which will serve as valuable insights for future work in the region. Additionally, Practical Action is also focused on developing a microfinance credit system to facilitate access to LPG for poor households. By building the capacity of Women Development Associations to run a sustainable microfinance credit system, the project aims to empower women economically and create a self-sustaining model for the adoption of LPG stoves.The impact of LPG stoves on the lives of women in El Fashir has been tremendous. One beneficiary stated, "I spent 3-4 hours cooking before. Now, in one hour I can do everything. I recommend LPG to my friends. I tell them it has been a benefit, and they should go and get it. With LPG, my husband is now willing to help me." This testimonial showcases the transformative power of LPG stoves, not only in terms of time-saving but also in terms of fostering gender equality and shared responsibilities within households.In conclusion, the Darfur Low Smoke Stoves project, spearheaded by Practical Action and supported by Carbon Clear Ltd, has made significant progress in addressing the issue of indoor air pollution and the depletion of forest resources in Darfur. By promoting the use of LPG stoves, the project aims to improve the health and well-being of women and children, reduce carbon emissions, and create a sustainable and environmentally friendly cooking solution for the residents of El Fashir. With the continued support and funding, this project has the potential to create a lasting impact, not only in Sudan but also as a model for future similar initiatives in other regions.
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