After the successful completion of the AKI project on the construction of energy-saving stoves, the communities in Gitega and Muhororo took the initiative to continue the work independently. What began as a project-driven intervention has evolved into a living example of sustainability, empowerment, and local leadership.

Initially, the project trained around 50 professional stove builders who constructed more than 5,000 energy-saving stoves for rural households. After the project ended, two self-organized groups - one in Muhororo and one in Gitega - decided to continue their work as local associations. These groups now build stoves for families and generate income through their craftsmanship, transforming a development initiative into a sustainable source of livelihood.

Voices from the Field

In Muhororo village, group leader Mr. Mélchiade Bizoza shared:

“The construction of energy-saving stoves has opened our eyes to a new way of life. With the money we earn, we can improve our financial situation.”

Group member Ms. Goreth Ntiringaniza added:

“For many years, women were not allowed to take part in construction. But now, the making of energy-saving stoves has changed our traditions and broken-down gender segregation.”

Beyond stove construction, the group in Muhororo has also established a pig farming cooperative to generate alternative income and strengthen mutual support within the community.

In Gitega, group leader Mr. Diomède Nduwarugira emphasized:

“Unity is the first step toward changing our lives. The construction of energy-saving stoves brought us together as one family. This new skill has given us hope and helped us see our future differently.”

He added that this qualification especially empowers women:

“Women can now contribute financially to their families and pay for their children’s education, just like men do.”

One of the group members, Ms. Espérance Nininahazwe, said:

“We used to depend entirely on men’s income. But now, with this new skill, we can also support our families and take part in their financial growth.”

AKI regards this lived sense of community responsibility as a key success of the project, as it not only created new jobs - particularly for women - but also sustainably challenged traditional gender roles in construction.

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