The promotion of the Rocket-Lorena Fuel Efficient Stove has been an ongoing project in Kyetume since March 2008.  The Rocket-Lorena Stove is a stove constructed from all local materials (clay, grass, bricks (if the family can afford them), water and banana stems). This stove reduces the amount of firewood used because of the insulation provided by the clay and grass mixture.  It also reduces the amount of smoke women and children are exposed to by directing the smoke out of the kitchen with use of a chimney.

Current Accomplishments

The project began with the training of our CCA’s in the construction of the stove.  The CCA’s based out of Kyetume were trained first, followed by two more trainings.  One took place in Seeta Nazigo, where 34 CCA’s where trained, and another in Ntenjuru, where 47 CCA’s were trained. The response was overwhelming and both groups have started to build stoves in their communities.

If a household is interested in constructing this stove, then they approach the CCA in their respective parish. The only cost to the family is providing lunch for the CCA and 1000 ushs.

So far, over 40 stoves have been built in two subcounties - Nakisunga and Ntenjeru in the Wantoni junction.  The 120 trained CCA’s are helping to expand the project in their various parishes and villages.  The CCA’s are from 8 parishes in the coverage area of Nsanja, Ntanzi, Mpunge, Saayi, Terere, Bugoye, Bunakija, and Kabanga.

Future Growth

Currently we are looking into expanding this project by building similar stoves at local schools. Kyetume CU Primary was the first school.  If the stoves are well received there other schools will be approached in hopes to reduce cost to school due to the purchase of firewood and to improve the health of the school cooks.

Also Kyetume CBHC is planning a refresher course for the project to clarify procedures and address raising issues concerning the use of the stoves.  Kyetune CBHC hopes that each CCA will be a part of building at least one stove per month, with a long term target of 500 stoves.

If you are interested in helping this project progress, please see our project at http://www.betterplace.org.