Burundi is one of the countries most affect by climate change. At the same time, the country´s heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal as primary energy sources exacerbates environmental issues such as deforestation. Over 90% of the country’s energy needs are met using biomass. This dependency has led to severe ecological consequences: between 2001 and 2024, Burundi lost approximately 37,500 hectares of tree cover.

To tackle these urgent challenges, AKI promotes the use of dual-use energy-saving stoves that are affordable, portable, and made from locally sourced clay. These stoves can run on either firewood or charcoal, offering flexibility and efficiency. These stoves reduce firewood and charcoal use while improving indoor air quality with cleaner, low-smoke combustion.

Women, who manage most household energy needs in Burundi, are key to this initiative. By learning to build the stoves, they gain skills, income opportunities, and greater independence. The goal: communities that can build and maintain their own stoves in the long term.

This project is implemented with financial support from the State Parliament and the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg through the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ).