A study suggests that 83% Nepalese live in rural areas. Out of that 75% use firewood as fuel for cooking. And, about 80% from those are affected by household air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that household air pollution causes serious diseases including stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Open fire for cooking is one of the main sources of household air pollution. It has caused many health issues, especially for women who mostly spend time in the Kitchen in Nepal.
In addition, excessive use of firewood would invite environmental degradation and many natural calamities. Therefore, since 2011 Unica Foundation has been working together with the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) Kaski to implement Metallic Improved Cooking Stove (MICS) projects in the hilly villages. Bhachowk is the 21st village we are working on.
Lesser use of firewood and no smoke inside the house are the main benefits of the MICS. As the firewood is getting expensive, this project is effective financially as well. The villagers get awareness training on how to use the oven and how to clean the chimney periodically. There is a users committee formed locally to coordinate with all households in this matter. Finally, all users get a MICS installed in their house.
Bhachowk village is located in a hilly region of Kaski district, quite remote from the hub of Pokhara. The demographic dominance of the village is Janajatis (ethnic groups), Dalits and Brahmin / Chhetri respectively.
Information
Benificiaries:
80 household (299 population: 123 Female, 176 Male)
Location:
Madi – 10, Kaski district
Start date: End date:
01-10-2020 31-05-2021
Status:
Completed
Techniques
Improved cooking stoves
Partners & sponsors
Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), Kaski (partner)
Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) (subsidy)
Unica Foundation
