Energy-efficient cookstoves are a cornerstone of sustainable development, reducing wood consumption, improving air quality, and enhancing livelihoods. But what does it take to build a truly impactful cookstove project, from concept to long-term adoption?
Wienke at the cookstove factory. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
At DGB Group, our Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project project in Kenya exemplifies how local craftsmanship, scientific collaboration, and community-driven efforts come together to create a lasting impact. Our Environmental Solutions Manager, Wienke Schouwink, takes us through every stage of this process on her recent site visit—from design and manufacturing to distribution, usage, and long-term maintenance—showcasing the scale and significance of clean cooking solutions.
From concept to reality: the making of the Hongera cookstove
The journey of a Hongera cookstove begins with research and collaboration. Developed with the Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, the design prioritises efficiency, durability, and ease of use. To ensure local production and ownership, local artisans are trained in manual manufacturing techniques, turning raw materials into stoves that redefine home cooking for thousands of families.
Wienke observing a local artisan during the work. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
Production takes place in Kirinyaga, where our local implementing partner’s workshop manages each stage of manufacturing. The ceramic liners, a key component, require specialised skills. The clay and sand used for the liners are sourced from nearby communities.
After being soaked for a day, the clay is mixed with sand for optimal consistency, moulded into shape, and left to dry. Once hardened, the liners are fired, transforming them into durable ceramic capable of withstanding daily cooking needs. This meticulous process allows for a weekly production target of 1,000 liners, ensuring a steady supply.
Read more: Meet Kenya's green heroes: the team behind the Hongera projects
The stove’s metal cladding undergoes a process known as shell fabrication. Metal sheets are cut, shaped, and bent to form the cookstove’s body, including the casing, handles, stands, and pot rests. Once the ceramic liners and metal shells are complete, assembly begins. The ceramic component is fitted into the shell using a concrete mixture, ensuring durability and long-term use. A final protective coating is applied to prevent rust, and the fully assembled Hongera cookstove is ready for distribution.
Delivering change where it’s needed
The Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project focuses on reaching low-income rural households still using traditional three-stone fires. These open-fire cooking methods consume large amounts of wood, accelerating deforestation while generating high levels of indoor air pollution linked to severe respiratory health issues, especially affecting women and children.
The project engages local ambassadors who conduct outreach through community forums, helping families understand the benefits of transitioning to a cleaner, more efficient cookstove. Households voluntarily register, and distribution plans are carefully coordinated to ensure accessibility.
A DGB team member with the local community during cookstove training and distribution. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
Cookstoves are manually loaded onto trucks and delivered to designated locations, chosen for their proximity to beneficiaries. In many cases, local leaders provide storage spaces where recipients can collect their stoves. Each beneficiary signs a consent form and provides identification, ensuring proper documentation and long-term tracking of stove usage.
Read more: A firsthand look at our impact in Kenya
Once distributed, education becomes a critical component. Community ambassadors trained by DGB field staff conduct ongoing sensitisation meetings, often engaging with local women’s groups. These sessions reinforce the correct usage of Hongera cookstoves and provide a platform for addressing any concerns or challenges. Households are encouraged to exclusively use the Hongera stove, ensuring maximum impact in reducing wood consumption and indoor air pollution.
Maintaining a sustainable system
The success of an energy-efficient cookstove project depends not only on distribution but also on long-term functionality. Local artisans are trained to handle minor repairs, ensuring quick fixes without disrupting household cooking routines. In cases of major damage, replacements are provided, with a maximum turnaround time of seven days. A structured network of community ambassadors facilitates reporting and response, ensuring that each cookstove continues delivering its intended benefits without interruption.
Local artisans during the work. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
Scaling impact through frequent distributions
DGB has ramped up its efforts in cookstove distribution, expanding reach and accelerating impact. By integrating cutting-edge sustainability practices with strong community engagement, we are scaling a solution that reduces deforestation, lowers household emissions, and improves public health.
Close-up of a DGB team member and a local woman during cookstoves distribution. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
Our latest distributions have already made a difference, with thousands of stoves reaching new households. The momentum continues to grow as more communities embrace this shift toward cleaner, more efficient cooking solutions. Read more about our recent cookstove distributions here.
Why this matters for your business
Cookstoves represent one of the most immediate and scalable investments in sustainability. They provide measurable benefits in carbon reduction, environmental conservation, and public health, all while supporting local economies and employment. For businesses looking to address their carbon footprint and make a tangible difference, purchasing carbon units from projects like the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project offers both carbon compensation and environmental benefits.
DGB is committed to driving large-scale nature-based solutions, and the expansion of our cookstove initiatives reflects our dedication to sustainable impact. Investing in clean cooking solutions means investing in healthier homes, thriving communities, and a more resilient planet, all while balancing your business’ environmental impact.
Now is the time to join thousands of other companies in the movement towards sustainability.
