[Based on the Project Idea Note of July 2008]

The principal objective of the project is to reduce the consumption of non-renewable biomass through the diffusion of 6 000 improved cook stoves within three years, as well as to strengthen the capacity of villagers in the extreme north of Cameroon.

After its establishment in 1998 in Maroua, the Association pour la Protection de l’Environnement et la Lutte contre la Désertification (APELD) started its activities of environmental protection in the northern province of Cameroon, primarily in Garoua, with the foundation of the nursery of Lamidat. At a youth forum in 2003, a campaign to promote and diffuse improved cook stoves was started. About 500 representatives of at least 10 different municipal secondary schools and youth associations participated.

The results have been satisfactory and since then several projects have been executed. Almost every city in the North has been included. This positive outcome is attributed to the applied methodology which takes into account the characteristics of the target population and its involvement.

Circa 85% of the population in the target area use traditional (so called ‘three stone’) stoves leading to local deforestation. The project aims at manufacturing and disseminating improved cook stoves that require at least 50% less wood fuel compared with the traditional stoves. This will not only reduce carbon emissions but also allow the participating households to save money they spend on fuel wood.

Widespread awareness is deemed a key determinant of the success, effectiveness and sustainability of the project. To achieve a significant reduction of carbon emissions and local development objectives, the project developer APELD appropriates a participatory strategy in its project management: housekeepers, tinsmiths and other local actors are involved and a comprehensive programme for technology transfer to the northern areas. 

The various components of the project include:

• Sensitising stakeholders on the concept of sustainable management of biodiversity and on wood fuel;
• Capacity building of key actors (housekeepers and tinsmiths) through training and testing of controlled cooking;
• And, monitoring and evaluation of project activities to measure the project’s impacts.