In Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world, over 90% of the population uses firewood or charcoal for cooking, which exacerbates deforestation in this overpopulated country.
It is against this backdrop that the Energising Development (EnDev) project was launched in 2021 with the main objective of promoting the development of a sustainable market for improved cookstoves (ICS) in Burundi.
It was funded by German Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Norad, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC and coordinated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
The ICS introduced save 30% on charcoal and 50% of firewood compared to traditional stoves. These stoves have been recognised by the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Energy, Industry, Trade and Tourism as the best, in terms of value for money.
Technical training in the manufacture and sale of ICS, distribution of kits and construction of storage sheds
To achieve its objective, the EnDev project has diversified the types of support provided.
This includes organising training on techniques for manufacturing different types of ICS (‘BIIKIGITI’, metal, large-scale models for restaurants), marketing, the provision of kits and the material for construction of workshops.
As a result, the project has facilitated the production and sale of 336,452 ICS, and 72 ICS producers have been established. These producers have provided employment for 1,025 people. The EnDev project has also trained 850 people in ICS manufacturing techniques. To sell these products on the local market, 600 sales outlets were set up across Burundi, creating 691 jobs.
“I earn up to 1.2 million Burundian francs a month, I employ 16 people, I have built a house and bought a motorbike thanks to the production and sale of improved metal stoves”
Elie Nijimbere, from the Bwoga neighbourhood in the town of Gitega.
EnDev has successfully engaged the most vulnerable
As part of the ‘Leave No One Behind’ (LNOB) approach, which promotes sustainable development, the EnDev project has engaged members of the Batwa indigenous community, vulnerable women, Congolese refugees and people with disabilities. These vulnerable groups have learnt to manufacture and sell ICS, thanks to the support of the EnDev project and by taking into account the specific needs of each group.
The Batwa, a long-marginalised indigenous community, flourished immediately, as they already had expertise in working with clay. The transition from making pots (a trade that is no longer profitable due to competition from metal pans) to ICS was swift and greatly appreciated.
We knew how to make clay pots, so the switch to making improved cookstoves was easy for us, especially as this new activity is more profitable
Agnès Niciteretse, a member of the Batwa indigenous community in the Ruhororo area, Butanyerera province (in northern Burundi).
The project did not limit its support to technical and financial aspects; this group also received social support. As a result, access to healthcare and education was ensured. Furthermore, the project facilitated the establishment of community savings and credit groups, which now serve as a stepping stone to their economic empowerment.
To their benefit, the EnDev project established 25 ICS producers, and 397 members of the Batwa community were trained in ICS production techniques. To facilitate access to healthcare, 1,202 Batwa households received Health Insurance Cards (CAM). To tackle school dropout rates and lack of access to formal education due to financial constraints, 364 Batwa children received school supplies (exercise books and uniforms).
There is hope for the future
As the project concludes its activities in Burundi, the trained producers and sellers, with the support of public authorities and other partners, will take over to continue promoting the use of clean energy in Burundi.
EnDev has successfully shared the best practices, equipment and infrastructure necessary to continue this noble task towards sustainable development.
The closing ceremony
On April 24, EnDev, through AVSI, organized a closing workshop in Bujumbura to present and share the project’s achievements, in the presence of representatives from Burundi’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Energy, Industry, Trade and Tourism, the Province of Bujumbura, EnDev, and the project beneficiaries directly supported by the initiative.
In Burundi, the EnDev project has achieved tangible results through targeted and effective interventions, focusing on locally produced improved cookstoves and thereby creating a resilient market — but behind these figures lie human stories and a real impact. We are grateful for the project’s positive results in Burundi. We want to explore how these successes can be integrated into the institutional framework
Judith Steffens of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The necessary expertise has been transferred, and the infrastructure – such as production facilities – is in place. It is now up to us – the government, our partners and the private sector – to ensure that this market continues to grow
Mr. Emile Niyongabo, the representative from the Ministry of Mining, Energy, Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Before, we Batwa people lived off selling clay pots, which weren’t profitable. Thanks to the EnDev project, we learned how to make and sell improved cookstoves. Thanks to this activity we have improved our homes, invested in livestock, gained access to healthcare. Now our social status is better
Joël NDAYISHIMIYE, a member of the Batwa indigenous community in the Yaranda area of Kirundo commune and leader of the ‘Kazoza mu Bacu’ association.