Promotion of stoves has formed an important part of Liana (NGO) development projects in Northern Tanzania from 2009 to 2011.

As we wanted to offer some choice of stoves to families with very differing means and needs, nine of the better documented models or locally known models were introduced to the farmers in Mwanga and Moshi in the initial theory training sessions. Following an exercise in which each farmer selected a stove type s/he would like to have and could afford to have in her/his home, the number of potentially suitable stoves was reduced. As women became more aware of the dangerous effects of indoor smoke, having a chimney became more and more important and many models without chimney dropped out.

Thus we remained with four main stove models. These are Vita metal stove, Upesi burned clay stove, Lorena mud stove (or built with bricks inside) and a rocket Brick and cement stove. During the process two of the stove models, Vita and Upesi were considerably modified. Vita obtained a short chimney (90cm measured from the middle of the hole to the top, 8x8cm) and Upesi was developed into two slightly different new models, both with a fire grate allowing air intake to the fire chamber through holes in the grate.

As part of our project Save firewood by improved stoves we assessed the stoves. The report of this assessment has the results of the boiling point tests, controlled cooking tests and an interview study on user experiences in Mwanga and Moshi.

You can access the report from the following link:
http://www.liana-ry.org/Liana_docs/Liana_stove_tests_in_tanzania_2011.pdf

Biochar Industries part of Biochar Project in Kunghur Australia is now selling Biochar TLUD cook stoves as part of our plan to make more people aware of the benefits of biochar.

T l u d

is an acronym for Top Lit Up Draught meaning you lite it at the top and the air is sucked up through the fire. Fantastic device that is light to carry and will work with all woods great survival tool . The best feature of this Tlud is when the flames go out you then have biochar. All you have to do is drop the embers on the ground and spray some water on them so they don’t continue to burn.

This particular model was imported from India and has a very nice finish and somehow I ended up with some to sell so I wanted to let my readers know first before I start selling them at stores and markets.

The Kitengela Arboretum Promoting sustainable agro-energy technologies and conservation education. Kenya Seeds of Change An initiative contributing towards national afforestation through direct seeding of woodlots. Concept Compiled by: Teddy M. Kinyanjui Sustainability Consultant Kitengela Arboretum Po. Box 23058 Lower Kabete Nairobi, Kenya. April 2009

Kenya Seeds of Change
Overview
The degraded state of Kenya’s national and private forests (and therefore, the overall environmental health of the country) borders on the point of no return. Unless large scale forestry efforts are undertaken by both the public and private sector in the next few years, the damage that has been done to the countries forests will become irreversible. Due to the slow pace of natural regeneration of forests (as compared to their exploitation), a boost is sorely needed to meet current and future demands by Kenya’s ever growing population for sustainably grown wood by-products, especially the charcoal and firewood that is used daily by 80% of the country’s population.
The Kenya Seeds Of Change initiative aims to contribute towards national afforestaion by land owners through the countrywide sales of inexpensive tree seeds and the promotion of direct seeding woodlot establishment. Seeds are by far the best method of promoting wide scale tree planting in Kenya. These are some of the benefits from the direct planting of tree seeds compared to planting seedlings;
• Seeds are Cheaper! (At roughly 0.25cents per tree compared to 20+ shillings per seedling)
• The tree’s hardiness and survivability increases.
• Thousands of seeds can be transported and stored much more easily then thousands of seedlings can until the planting time comes.
• Seeds can be massively disseminated through existing retail outlets with minimal price increments from producer to consumer. Tree seedlings face problems of availability at the right time, dissemination logistics etc.
• Partially domesticated indigenous tree species are best grown from seed. They are already adapted to Kenya’s climate, soils and pests and the trees are currently widely used and understood by the population.
• Seeds simplify the enhancement of the genetic diversity of planted woodlots.
• The above/below ground biomass ratio is more conducive to healthy growth when a tree is planted from seed.
• Overall financial losses and risks from drought, animals etc. are significantly less under direct seeding.
Limited Access to Good Seed
• From large commercial plantations to small scale rural and urban farmers, the access to purchase certified tree seeds according to their growing zones and uses is extremely limited to anyone who would like to plant trees.
• Currently the only place to buy graded, certified tree seeds is at KEFRI (The Kenya Forestry Research Institute), located in Muguga, on the outskirts of Nairobi.
• In contrast all the Nakumatt and Uchumi supermarket chains and all of the Agro-Vets in small or large towns and cities stock a variety of seeds ie. sukuma wiki (Kale) and maize etc.
• Which of course raises the question; why don’t they all stock small packages of tree seeds that are suited to their market base?
This is what the Kenya Seeds of Change initiative has been started to get done.

From My Home Good Stove

From My Home Good Stove

From

"My Home Good Stove" is a low cost efficient good stove of Magh series. http://goodstove.com . Also see My Home Stove 2 http://myhomestove2.blogspot.com/It is also safe, low heat conduction to the stove body mass, low weight, saves 30% to 50% fuel as compared to traditional stoves, convenient for using all types of biomass fuels. The temperature of the flame is around 400 to 500 degree centigrade and reaches maximum of 700 degree centigrade. Convenient for cooking all types of food. http://myhomestove.blogspot.com/ This stove lasts longer due to use of steel mesh inside, which is low cost and easily replaceable. Other wise majority of metal stoves last around one year only. This stove is named as My home because it appears like home.