Reduce deforestation, improve livelihoods: Large-scale solar ovens for bakery cooperatives

With only 14 per cent of Malawi’s population having access to electricity, biomass is the main energy source. Nevertheless, the energy sector is responsible for a quarter of the country's CO2 emissions. By 2040, emissions are predicted to triple under the business-as-usual scenario. This project pilotes climate-neutral, renewable energy sources for commercial users in the Karonga and Zomba Districts. It targets two bakery cooperatives consisting of 61 cooperative members, including 53 women and ten youth, as well as 210 policymakers. The number of beneficiaries is estimated at about 2,500 people. Users get trained in the use and in business management of two solar ovens that are procured by the project. The cooperatives are supported in the reforestation of degraded forest areas. In addition, selected young people are trained in the production of solar ovens for subsequent dissemination, including the promotion of business start-ups.