Promoting Improved Cookstoves for Sustainable Conservation of Ibanda Makera Natural Forest

Since 2020, REDO, in partnership with LIKANO, has been implementing the project “Promoting Improved Cookstoves for Sustainable Conservation of Ibanda-Makera Natural Forest” in Kirehe District. The initiative promotes the use of improved cookstoves, locally known as Canarumwe, as a sustainable solution to reduce deforestation, promote clean cooking, lower household fuel consumption, and protect Rwanda’s natural forests. In 2022, the project expanded to four additional districts Ngoma, Nyagatare, Rwamagana, and Karongi under the Rwandan Improved Cookstove Project. By the end of the year, a total of 115,000 cookstoves had been distributed across all districts: 55,317 in Kirehe, 27,539 in Ngoma, 12,371 in Nyagatare, 15,334 in Rwamagana, and 4,439 in Karongi. In addition, 10,000 trees were planted around the Ibanda-Makera natural forest to further support forest conservation efforts. To ensure effectiveness and sustainability, regular field visits, monitoring, and evaluations were conducted. These visits confirmed that the stoves are being used properly, are safe, and are well-received by beneficiaries. The use of improved cookstoves has significantly reduced firewood consumption, lowered indoor air pollution, improved household savings, and reduced the daily workload for women. The project has also played a key role in protecting natural forests by reducing pressure on protected areas for cooking fuel.