UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI WANGARI MAATHAI INSTITUTE FOR PEACE & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES WMI605 EXPERIENTIAL FIELD TRAINING DOMESTIC ENERGY, CASE OF MAGINA PRESENTED BY LILIAN SARAH NAMUMA KONG’ANI REG. NO. A60/74990/2014

Problem statement About 2 billion people in the world rely on non-modern fuels to fulfil their cooking needs (UNDP, UNDESA, WEC, 2000). UNDP & WHO report on energy access situation indicates 69% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa rely on wood as their primary cooking fuel. In Kenya, about 90% of Kenyan rural households rely on wood fuel for cooking. (MoE, 2002) Fuelwood crisis has been predicted, women and children have been reported to be most affected in fetching and using firewood. Kenya & others have been in the forefront of cookstove development, marketing and distribution in the region for over thirty years now.(Winrock International, 2011), However, the adoption of improved cookstoves is still minimal at 5%, Muchiri, (2008).

Objectives General: Investigate types of fuels and cookstoves in Magina area, assess levels of adoption of improved cookstoves promoted and distributed by development programmes and factors affecting their adoption. Specific : To understand types of fuels and stoves used in Magina. To assess levels of adoption of improved stoves in Magina. To determine factors affecting adoption of improved stoves.

Study methods Questionnaires -30 purposefully sampled households, 4 sub-villages -2 development programmes (KENVO & CO2 Bal.) 2 FGDs – 2 with 6 & 4 participants each, aged between 16-52year olds & > 53years respectively Participant observations- (firewood collection- one woman, 40kgs bundle, approx. 6kms to and from; time average of 3 hrs 30mins) Photography

Key results and explanations Other types of fuel: LPG gas, sawdust, maize cobs & electricity Cited preference for firewood: Readily available & cheap unlike gas and others Cooks faster Heats space better. Social benefits

Types of stoves’ Main stoves; 52% traditional three stones, 29% improved firewood stoves, 7% traditional charcoal stove, 6% ceramic charcoal stove, 3% biogas stove and 3% kerosene stove.

Levels of improved cookstoves adoption Both KENVO and CO2 Bal. distributed ICS in 2009 to 2010 & in 2011 respectively. 93% received improved cookstoves 50% use these stoves (as alternatives) Only 14.3% of the 50% use it as the main stove. ICS, stoves promoted and installed through development program, saves on carbon, halves the amount of smoke thus providing potentially lifesaving impact in the household.

Factors affecting adoption Efficiency and suitability of the stove; design not friendly to households needs and also not durable; 1/3 reported breakages. Social-cultural. Lack of clear understanding of ICS concept. Magina community lives close to both Kinale & Kereita forests- (adoption higher in communities further from forests, eg in Chuka where CO2 has also worked). Non-stringent firewood collection permit policy.

Conclusions and recommendations Adoption of improved cookstoves is very low (14.3%) in Magina and is aggravated by factors like efficiency & suitability, socio-cultural aspects thus the intended purpose of ICS continues to be unfelt. Educate community more about ICS concept, upscale research to harmonize and incorporate community needs in designing of stoves. Review firewood collection permit policy. Empower community on diversified livelihood options to enable access other fuels like briquette hence reduce pressure on wood fuel.

Acknowledgements The WMI and UoC Dr. T. Thenya and Prof. R.G. Wahome, the coordinators, and together with Prof. Mungai & Dr. Cecilia for their invaluable inputs in preparations. Domestic Energy supervisors; Prof. S.G. Kiama and Dr. Mary Njenga The Northern Supervisors, Prof. Eben & Dr. Martin My teammates Anne from the South, Ida, Sofie, Mirja & Helle from the North. Host family, Mr. & Mrs. Mbugua, village guide; Samuel & Leah the youth leader Leah

End Rahab and Sophie carrying 40kgs and 18ksg bundles respectively. It took an average of 3hrs 30mins; 6kms to and from firewood collection— Adoption of improved cookstoves would save women from this tideous task.