Developing a cookstove for Ethiopia

12.12.2023

One part of the ETH-Soil project is the development of a biomass-fuelled cooker that can be used in rural households to prepare food efficiently and with low emissions. From 21^st to 29^th November, Clement Owusu Prempeh and Jan Kossack therefore travelled to Ethiopia to meet with important stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on cookstove development initiatives. The visit aimed to foster cooperation, share knowledge, and contribute to sustainable rural energy solutions in Ethiopia. Our key findings were that Ethiopia has implemented commendable initiatives to promote clean and efficient cookstoves in rural areas, with a focus on reducing indoor air pollution and improving health outcomes (you can find more information on health risks here). However, there is a need for cookstove technologies that are culturally adaptable and easily maintainable by rural households, considering local cooking practices and traditions.

We would like to thank everyone for welcoming us and explaining their efforts towards clean cooking. Now, we hope to transfer all these experiences and insights into our own cookstove development.