More than 100 pastoral women in Chumvi village, Laikipia County have benefited with energy saving jikos that aim to address respiratory complications associated with use of high carbon emitting fuel for cooking.
The initiative dubbed “MotoSafi Mashinani” and supported by Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) through Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) targets to promote accessibility and affordability for energy solutions in arid and Semi-Arid areas (ASALs).
‘’The communities have expressed health challenges, when you scan around, there are children who are under five years and we are connecting it with women’s role in which we trace it from smoke while cooking by use of firewood,” reveals Ms Gedhia Mamo, NRT Gender lead.
She explains that in patriarchal society, women have been subjected to roles of collecting firewood, fetching water while using their back and head causing them chest pains and other health risks.
‘’Everyday chores of women fetching and water on their backs, heads, and how they cook bring about soot in their houses hence causing health issues. Cooking stoves is a lifeline for them on saving energy and taming health issues,” notes Ms Mamo.
Ms Mamo highlights that the initiative will also boost the environment by minimizing deforestation and restoring the natural ecosystem.
Ms Christine Shuel, one of the energy saving jiko beneficiary, lauded the project noting that it was relief for them since most of the time they spend on searching for charcoal and firewood which was costly amid high cost of living, with bunch of firewood priced between Ksh300 and Ksh350.
‘’It’s a relief for us because we travel far to fetch firewood and most of the time we buy them, it’s unsustainable. For sh.300 a bunch of firewood, can’t even last for a week but with the energy saving jiko , it can take my household for two weeks, a boost for women,” she says.
She observes that jikos will enable them to concentrate on other economic development activities which were previously hampered for lack of sustainable energy solutions and at the same time minimize health complications due to use of firewood.
Ms Modesta Lemanayo, also a beneficiary of the initiative, she says that it’s a win for women and the conservation effort since there will no forest logging for firewood and charcoal and on the flip coin , women will save their time and money initially robbed while trying to access energy for their daily needs.
According to a survey they conducted in 2023 in the region, it showed that about 76 percent and 48 percent of households relied on firewood and charcoal respectively in ASALs hence putting them at the risk of eye diseases and other health complications.
At the same time, the initiative will address the risk of respiratory health issues by 60 percent , improve education for learners and encourage local green enterprises as a way to empower youth and women led energy based micro enterprises.
Additionally, Motosafi mashinani will reclaim up to 15 hours spent by the pastoral women in search of charcoal and firewoodwith a target to benefit 5000 people before end of next year.
