Mitsubishi Corporation Partners with Solidaridad to Distribute Energy-Efficient Cookstoves to Nigerian Cocoa Farmers

Ernest Ita, Programme Manager at Solidaridad in Nigeria, distributes fuel pellets for the improved cookstoves.

(IN BRIEF) Mitsubishi Corporation and Solidaridad have partnered to introduce energy-efficient cookstoves to smallholder cocoa farmers in Nigeria’s Ondo and Cross River states. Most rural households in Nigeria use traditional cookstoves made from mud or metal scraps, which require large amounts of firewood and contribute to deforestation and climate change. The new cookstoves are fueled with pellets made from farm residues, providing a low-cost and efficient energy source. So far, 200 improved cookstoves and pellets have been distributed to smallholder women cocoa farmers from 12 rural communities in the two states, reducing reliance on firewood for fuel and improving health outcomes in homes. The initiative is part of Mitsubishi Corporation’s efforts to contribute to the environmental, social, and economic development of the communities and regions where the company operates.

(PRESS RELEASE) UTRECHT, 27-Mar-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Solidaridad, an international civil society organization active in over 40 countries with 8 regional offices on 5 continents, announces a new programme that introduces energy-efficient cookstoves to smallholder cocoa farmers in Ondo and Cross River states in Nigeria is helping to reduce pressure on local forests and improve health outcomes in homes.

Most rural households in Nigeria cook their food over open fire on traditional cookstoves made from mud or metal scraps, which consume large quantities of firewood and contribute to unsustainable timber harvesting and deforestation. In addition, traditional stoves affect air quality in the home and produce emissions that contribute to climate change.

To address these issues, Mitsubishi Corporation has teamed up with Solidaridad to distribute environmentally friendly cookstoves to smallholder cocoa farmers. The new stoves are fueled with pellets made from farm residues, unlike traditional cookstoves that require firewood. So far, 200 of the improved cookstoves and pellets have been distributed to smallholder women cocoa farmers from 12 rural communities in the two states.

“To stimulate usage of the stoves, Solidaridad is supporting the manufacturer of the cookstoves to estimate the value of carbon credits related use of the stove and provide discounts on the next purchase of pellets,” said Kenechukwu Onukwube, Programme Manager at Solidaridad in Nigeria.

The use of energy-efficient cookstoves contributes to climate change mitigation and reduces the workload of harvesting firewood. The fuel pellets, which are made from dried coconut shells, provide an easy-to-use, efficient energy source at a low cost. Kenechukwu, a local farmer, shared that the low cost, combined with carbon credit discounts, will enable users to save on fuel and improve the income of smallholder farmers.

“I am excited about the cooking stove as it will improve my health. My physician had cautioned me to stop exposing myself to smoke, after complaints of constant migraine, now I can cook with a smokeless stove,” said Mary Ovat, a participant from Cross River.

Improved cookstoves emit less smoke than traditional cookstoves, making it a healthier alternative for families in the programme. Juliet Enang, one of the beneficiaries of the programme, added that the stove will save her the stress of harvesting wood for cooking, especially during the rainy season.

“Most times, it is difficult to cook for my family during a heavy downpour because my kitchen is detached from the main building. This stove will solve that challenge as it is safer and can be placed anywhere for cooking,” said Juliet.

Mitsubishi Corporation funded the distribution of the energy-efficient cookstoves as part of its efforts to contribute to the environmental, social, and economic development of the communities and regions where the company operates. Ernest Ita, Programme Manager at Solidaridad in Nigeria, distributes fuel pellets for the improved cookstoves.

“We are very pleased to work with Solidaridad to support projects that reach people in rural areas to aid conservation efforts, improve quality of life, and contribute to an inclusive society,” says Makoto Saito, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Corporation in Nigeria.

Media contact:

Tel: +31 (0)30 275 9450
Email: info@solidaridadnetwork.org

SOURCE: Solidaridad Network