With a new fuel-efficient cookstove comes a lesson for all of the family. Not only is it hard to build a cookstove, known locally as a Changu Changu Moto, without all of the family wanting to be involved, we also think it is really important that everyone learns how to use it correctly and the benefits of having one.

One of these benefits is that it improves the health of women and children. According to the World Health Organisation (2018) close to 4 million people die prematurely each year from illness attributable to household air pollution from inefficient cooking practices.

The Changu Changu Moto produces less smoke, reducing smoke inhalation by people cooking or sitting around the fire.

Also in Malawi, women traditionally prepare the food with their children playing near them in the kitchen and it is common for children to fall into the fire or for women’s long skirts to catch fire.

Sixty percent of households consulted by Ripple Africa reported that a member of their family had sustained serious burns from a traditional three-stone cooking fire. The Changu Changu Moto fire is contained, greatly reducing the risk of burns while cooking.

Read more about the other environment and social benefits here: https://rippleafrica.org/project/fuel-efficient-cookstoves-in-malawi-africa/

There’s also a benefit to you as you can offset your unavoidable carbon emissions here: https://rippleafrica.org/carbon-offsetting/