At the beginning of April 2025, AKI, in collaboration with its local partner in Burundi, organized a two-week practical training in Gitega focused on the construction of local energy-saving cooking stoves. The target was to promote energy efficiency and climate protection in Burundi.

To lead the training, a qualified expert, Mr. Allan Ojok from Uganda was invited, ensuring practical, high-quality instruction. The goal was to build local capacity and ensure that the skills stay within the country.

Graduation of local stove builders

Thirteen local stove builders (8 men and 5 women) have received certificates recognizing their achievement. These newly graduated stove builders are now able to support the communities of Kibwete, Ndaro, Gisuru, Nyabiraba, and Muhororo in the dissemination of the special stoves. The qualified stove builders will further train other communities to build their own at home. This aligns with the project’s core principle of “helping people to help themselves,” promoting long-term self-reliance and community development.

Involving and empowering women

Women play a vital role in Burundian society, bearing the main responsibility for household and caregiving tasks. Recognizing this, five women were trained as professional stove builders - challenging traditional beliefs that construction work is only for men. In the future, even more women will be empowered to take on greater roles in stove building. 

Trainer Allan Ojok from Uganda reported: “A key decision by the Project Manager of AKI, Mr. Teklezghi Teklebrhan, was to involve another gender. The women are extremely happy for the opportunity to learn. It's a miracle for them to gain this skill - not just in stove making, but also in construction. This work shows that, when given a chance, women can make a great impact in society.”

Further innovation of the cooking stoves by the newly trained stove builders

The team is continuously improving the stove designs to maximize efficiency. For example, one of the trainees, Ezekiel NDIKUMANA tested models that can use either charcoal or firewood. When using firewood, the charcoal holders are simply removed. 

Feedback Highlighting the Stoves’ Strong Acceptance and Impact

AKI Project Manager Teklezghi Teklebrhan states, "As this is a community-based project, involving local people in the activities ensures its sustainability and fosters a sense of ownership. With this approach, AKI strengthens the long-term success of the project.” He also notes, “The stove builders are demonstrating creativity and innovation, which highlights the great relevance of these stoves for the Burundian society.”

Allan Ojok said: “We are not only building stoves, but this is also life changing. It is seen in the work and in the people. The joy in the people is wow. Everyone wants to get involved.”

The project has been met with strong community engagement and enthusiasm, reflecting its relevance and impact on everyday life. The energy-saving cooking stoves are simple, affordable, and locally made solutions that reduce firewood use, smoke, and cooking time while preventing accidents. In a country like Burundi, where firewood is scarce and costly, they are essential for every household. 

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).