In Burundi, around 90% of the population lives in rural areas, where wood is the primary energy source for cooking and heating. This leads to significant deforestation, with serious consequences for the environment and climate. The non-profit organization AgrarKontakte International (AKI) e.V. is actively committed to sustainable agriculture and climate protection in Burundi and has developed projects with a model character. Below, we present some pioneering solutions from these projects

1. Energy-efficient cooking stoves

Mid of this year, the AKI team conducted initial attempts to build energy-efficient cooking stoves. Thanks to the expertise of Traugott Binder, the master craftsman of the stove-building company Traugott Binder GmbH from Herrenberg in Baden-Württemberg, the stoves were further improved and optimized. In August, Mr. Binder conducted a training session for 25 people, teaching them how to construct these stoves effectively.

The simple cooking stoves made from bricks and clay are ideal for households struggling with the high cost of firewood. Firewood is often the only and most expensive energy source for over 90% of Burundians living in rural areas, who typically cook on traditional, inefficient three-stone fire pits. AKI therefore supports the construction of energy-efficient stoves, which can be built in less than a day and offer the following benefits:

• Consumes less firewood than traditional three-stone fire pits;
• Allows cooking with two pots simultaneously using a single fire source;
• Does not require specialized skills to construct;
• Is made from inexpensive locally available materials;
• Reduces indoor air pollution thanks to a chimney and lowers the risk of fires since the flame is contained within the stove.

These improved cooking stoves could be the future of cooking for many Burundians.

2. Portable energy-efficient stoves

Another innovation supported by AKI is the portable stove, made from clay and fired for durability. This stove has dual function and can be fueled by either wood or charcoal. The affordability of these stoves makes them accessible to poorer communities, allowing them to benefit from the advantages they offer. Lea Nduwayo, a participant in the training with Traugott Binder as part of the AKI project, had already completed training in a program funded by the World Food Program (WFP). During the AKI training, she demonstrated to other participants how to build and operate these stoves. She will continue to train more individuals in stove making and AKI is providing further support to enhance both the production and marketing of these stoves.

3. Energy-efficient clay oven

Together with master craftsman Traugott Binder from the stove construction company Traugott Binder GmbH, AKI has also built an energy-saving clay oven, which is made almost entirely from local materials such as clay and stones that are otherwise used for house construction. The aim is to reduce wood consumption and open up new perspectives for the people. The oven enables them to become self-employed and generate income through selling bread. These ovens will also be used in communities and cooperatives.

4. Transportable metal wood-burning stoves

Together with the “Bread against Misery” foundation, AKI has launched the “Burundi Microbakeries” project. These transportable and extremely efficient wood-fired stoves for baking bread are designed to enable young entrepreneurs in Burundi to set up their own small bakeries. The ovens are not only mobile, but also save considerably on wood consumption.

AKI remains committed to combating massive deforestation in Burundi and thus also climate change. The organization plans to further expand its activities and develop additional innovative solutions in order to make a sustainable contribution to climate protection.

The two projects, "Agricultural social education and Training Centre in Gitega, Burundi" (since July 2020) and "Green Future: Sustainable Climate Protection in Burundi" (since January 2024), are funded by the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection of Baden-Württemberg (MLR).