Agri-friendly Cookstoves in Bangladesh

Countries:

Bangladesh

Start project:

2019

Partners:

Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh

Since October 2016, ICCO Cooperation, together with Kerk in Actie, is supporting their local implementing partner, CCDB, in introducing a low-cost and agro-friendly cookstove - Akha Stove- in Bangladesh. The stoves produce biochar that enhances the soils ability to retain nutrients and water, thereby making it more productive with less inorganic fertiliser.

Background

Akha Stoves produce biochar that enhances the soils ability to retain nutrients and water, thereby making it more productive with less inorganic fertiliser. Households using these stoves can therefore use the biochar in their agricultural land to increase soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemicals. As a result of this innovative project, beneficiaries are now generating additional income (in the form of selling biochar to other smallholder farmers and by saving money from reduced fuel costs), which also encourages others in the community to adopt the new technology.

The project has been receiving technical guidance from a number of universities including Bangladesh Agriculture University, Mymensing, Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture University, Dhaka, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agriculture University, Gazipur, Haji Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, and other national agricultural research institutions like BARI, SRDI, BJRI, WRC in Bangladesh. The researchers from these academic and research institutes have conducted a good number of research studies on biochar, its use and effect in soil and crop production.

Project Updates

Training on Akha Stove use

Biochar Project beneficiaries are receiving Hands-on training on Akha Stove use, Maintenance and Biochar Production. In this survey, the project stuff finds out which household is able to use Akha properly. Generally, a group made up to 10/12 members and each member get 3 days training on Akha use and maintenance and biochar production. In these sessions they cognizance the advantages and disadvantage among Akha and traditional stove. Total of 580 participants joined in control cooking test training and refresher training.