Saving Stoves Distribution

As part of UN Joint Programme for Sustainable Charcoal Production and Alternative Livelihoods, Candlelight for Environment, Education and Health secured small grant from UNDP through ministry of environment and rural development. The scope of the project was to set up of energy retailed shops for 100 women charcoal dealers in six regions of Somaliland (Awdal, Maroodiijeex, Saaxil, Togdheer, Sanaag and Sool) and provision of  5000 local made improved cooking stoves.

The project time frame was Sept- -Dec 2018. In line with the Project Plan, Candlelight signed memorandum of understanding with the Burhan workshop that has local Artisan trained by Candlelight through KNH project. Therefore, Candlelight developed and signed temporary contract with Burhan workshop to jointly implement and produce 5000 energy saving stoves using Burhan workshop facilities and their skilled staff for period of four months in Burao.

Distribution of the first patch of stoves in Burao

Ministry of environment and rural development has organized and submitted a list of 10 women who were charcoal dealers. The idea is for the women to start small business as they sell the 50 stoves in market price. Women were selected because of they are from poor families and charcoal dealers.

Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Rural development, beneficiaries, Candlelight officials and other stakeholders attended the distribution ceremony. Officials from Candlelight welcomed the participants and shared the agenda of the distribution. “This is to announce the distribution of the first 500 saving stoves out of 5000 target saving stoves in Somaliland” said Hassan, Candlelight. He added the major aim is for the women to start small business and stop selling charcoal. This will save the cutting of thousands of trees as well as will be alternative livelihoods for the women and their families, he added.

Officials from the ministry stated that Somaliland government is committed to reduce the production of charcoal by any means possible. In line with national development plan and sustainable development plan the ministry is struggling to contribute fight against global warming through plantation of trees and reduction of cutting of trees.

Handing over of 2000 saving stoves to ministry compile

Odweine and Hargeisa was member of saving stoves beneficiary districts in Somaliland. Candlelight prepared 2000 saving stoves as part of total 5000 saving stoves in Somaliland. Candlelight handed 2000 saving stoves over to Ministry of Environment officials to distribute to 20 women in Odweine and 20 women in Hargiesa for selling and starting small businesses from those incomes. Officials from the ministry who received and distributed the stoves reported that everything has been done smoothly.

Distribution of 600 saving stoves in Burao

In addition to previous 500 saving stoves distributed to 10 women in Burao, 600 more saving were distributed to 12 women in Burao. Likewise, the aim was for the women to sell and start small business from the income. However, the major aim always is to reduce charcoal consumption at household level through the saving stoves. The event was organized by Candlelight and Togdher ministry officials attended the distribution ceremony.

Distribution of 500 saving stoves in Berbera

Ministry of Environment assigned Berbera district to receive 500 saving stoves from the 5000 target saving stoves. Candlelight transported 500 saving stoves to Berbera for distribution. The ministry officials organized an event to distribute to 500 saving stoves for 10 women to start 10 small businesses in Berbera. The event was attended by the mayor and district secretary who both have appreciated the joint efforts of the Ministry of Environment, UNDP and Candlelight to create a project that has multiple benefits. Finally, Regional coordinator for the ministry of Environment along with the mayor and secretary have distributed to saving stoves to target women.

Distribution of 1400 saving stoves in Borama

Candlelight prepared last patch of saving stoves for transporting to Borama. In line with project schedule, Borama was allocated 1400 saving stoves out of 5000 total saving stoves. Candlelight officials have transported 1400 saving stoves from Burao (the base of stove making workshop) to Borama to hand over the ministry to co-distribute to 28 women to start 28 small businesses from the income they receive when they sell it out. Regional coordinator for Ministry of Environment along with other regional officials from the ministry organized an event to distribute to 1400 saving stoves to 28 women beneficiaries with Candlelight officials been present. Finally, the distribution finished accordingly.