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Fuelling Sustainability: Improved Cook Stoves for Sustainable Mangrove Forest Management in Kenya

Fuelling Sustainability: Improved Cook Stoves for Sustainable Mangrove Forest Management in Kenya

Despite their immense benefits for coastal communities, Kenya’s mangroves face increasing pressure from unsustainable fuelwood harvesting. In Lamu County, households rely heavily on mangrove wood for cooking, often using inefficient three-stone stoves that consume excessive amounts of fuel.

To address this challenge, Wetlands International collaborated with local communities and researchers to introduce improved cook stoves (ICS) in Lamu’s Matondoni and Pate villages. This community-led initiative has benefited 3,010 community members. By decreasing fuelwood consumption, the ICS reduce pressure on mangroves and contribute to their conservation. This also translates to cost savings for households, as they use less fuelwood, freeing up income for other needs. Additionally, ICS produce less smoke, improving respiratory health and indoor air quality. Furthermore, the initiative has enhanced social cohesion by creating a sense of community ownership and encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences on the use of the stoves.

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