Mélchiade Bizoza is a Burundian citizen from Makabuko Zone, Muhororo District, who gained skills in energy-saving stoves and energy efficiency through the AKI training in Gitega (2024). He was among the first eight trainees to complete the program. Following the training, he established an association of five members and now supports rural communities in Muhororo by constructing energy-saving stoves, raising awareness, and generating income. Here follows an interview with Mélchiade Bizoza.

Q1. Can you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Mélchiade Bizoza, and I come from Makabuko Zone, in the Muhororo District. I am a father of two children and was born into a family of five brothers and two sisters. I completed my primary education but could not continue my studies due to a lack of school materials and financial constraints, as my parents had very limited income-generating opportunities.

Q2. How did you hear about the training on energy-saving stoves in 2024 and what motivated you to participate in the AKI training in Gitega?

I learned about the energy-saving stove training through Brother Remegie Nkurunziza from the Ordre Saint Camille, who had worked in Muhororo District in 2015. I had remained in contact with him, and he later informed me about this opportunity. Knowing that I work as a local house builder, he encouraged me to participate. I was particularly motivated when I learned that energy-saving stoves could protect the environment by reducing firewood consumption. In my household, we used large amounts of firewood for cooking and heating water. The idea that I could use less firewood at home while selling more to support my income strongly motivated me. 

Q3. What key knowledge did you gain during the training?

Before this training, energy-saving stoves were where not known to me. I gained both technical knowledge and practical skills, learning how stoves reduce firewood use, improve indoor air quality, and prevent accidents, protecting children and adults. 
The training also taught me about climate change in Burundi and the impact of environmental practices, such as cutting trees. Additionally, I strengthened my soft skills, becoming confident, learning public speaking, and mobilizing my community. I now hold meetings with village leaders to promote environmental protection and sustainable practices. Thanks to this training, I feel empowered to be a local leader, applying both technical and social skills to inspire change in my community.

Q4. How did being among the first trainees influence your journey afterward?

Being one of the first trainees gave me the opportunity to train others. I began conducting training in my village, mobilizing community members to protect the environment. This experience transformed me into an environmental advocate. Even marginalized groups, such as the Batwa, were reached through my training. Being among the first trainees allowed me to lead by example, ensuring environmental awareness and sustainable practices reached all members of the community.

Q5. Can you tell us about the association you created and its members?

Our association is called “KEREBUKA DUKINGIRE IBIDUKIKIJE KUGIRA TUBEHO NEZA,” which means “Beware and Protect Our Environment for a Better Life.” I created it because environmental problems in our village were becoming increasingly serious. We started as a group of five dedicated members - three men and two women - working together to raise awareness, mobilize the community, and take practical action to protect and restore the local environment, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable life for everyone.

Q6. What activities does your association carry out in the rural areas?

Our association conducts awareness campaigns on environmental protection and the importance of clean kitchens to prevent respiratory illnesses. We construct energy-saving stoves for households who request them, promoting health and sustainable fuel use. We also train and mobilize youth, encouraging them to join income-generating activities, which are especially important given limited employment opportunities. Through these efforts, we aim to create a healthier environment, empower young people, and improve livelihoods.

Q7. How have energy-saving stoves benefited the local communities?

Energy-saving stoves save time, as cooking is faster, allowing, for example, teachers to prepare meals and get to work on time. They consume less firewood or charcoal, reducing household expenses. Health benefits are significant: coughing, respiratory problems, and eye irritation have decreased, and homes are now cleaner. Parents feel safer about their children, unlike before, when traditional three-stone stoves posed serious health and fire hazards.

Q8. What challenges did you face when sharing the idea of energy-saving stoves and how did you overcome them?

Convincing people to adopt new practices was initially difficult, especially because of traditional habits, such as using three-stone stoves for heating. Logistics and time management were also challenging, as households are spread out, requiring long travel. Additionally, some community members did not always adhere to agreed-upon times for stove construction. We overcame these challenges through awareness-raising, patient explanations, and community mobilization. Over time, people became more receptive, and our work became more efficient.

Q9. How has this work contributed to your income and livelihood and what are your future plans?

This work has greatly improved my daily life and family well-being. I was able to buy clothing for my wife and children, invest in two pigs for manure and additional income, and rent plots of land to enhance food security. Thanks to the income and resources from this work, I can now cover household needs and medical expenses without difficulty, significantly improving our quality of life.

My plans are to raise environmental awareness, inspire young people to pursue green careers, and demonstrate that environmental protection can sustainably improve livelihoods.

Q10. Is there anything else you would like to share?

I suggest conducting training directly in villages, as many people face challenges due to limited access to education. There are few trainers available for modern skills and sustainable practices. I also recommend continuing support from AKI to establish initiatives like a youth club, providing guidance, training, and support to strengthen community development and environmental protection.

Q11. Mélchiade, thank you very much for your time and for talking to us.

I am very grateful to the AKI project for the opportunity to learn new skills that have improved my life and opened doors for a better future. This experience has benefited me personally and allows me to contribute positively to the well-being of my family, community, and country.