Improved, high-efficiency cookstoves that burn less charcoal can provide tremendous socioeconomic and environmental benefits to stove users and their communities. In environmental terms, use of improved stove technologies slows the rate of deforestation by reducing the consumption of charcoal made from felled trees.
Stoves also lessen emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
The improved cookstove yields average charcoal savings of 47 percent versus the traditional all-metal stove commonly used in Senegal. The popular stove also provides additional income for metalworking artisans and ceramicists and generates new employment opportunities in marketing and sales. Originally based on a similar program in Kenya, EnterpriseWorks has expanded its Household Energy program from Senegal into neighboring Mali, and a program is now underway in Benin. Currently, six types of stove are available to meet the diverse needs of households in project countries, including charcoal stoves, woodstoves, a special grill, and an incense burner.