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 population. World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that household air pollution causes non-communicable 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 uses of firewood would invite environmental degradation and many natural calamities. So, Unica has been working together with the NRCS Kaski to implement Metallic Improved Cooking Stove (MICS) project in the hilly villages since 2011. And, Makaikhola is the 24th village we are working on.
Lesser use of firewood and no smoke inside the house are the main characteristics 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 chimney periodically. There is a user’s committee formed locally to coordinate with all household in this matter. Finally, all users get a MICS installed in their house.
Makaikhola village is located in a hilly region of Kaski district, quite remote from the hub of Pokhara. The demographic dominance of the village is Brahmin /Chhetri (50%), Janajatis (26%) and Dalits (24%) respectively.
Information
Beneficiaries:
160 household (800 people: 384 women, 416 men)
Location:
Madi – 10, Kaski district
Start date: End date:
01-06-2021 31-01-2022
Status:
In progress
Techniques
Improved cooking stoves
Partners & sponsors
Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), Kaski (partner)
Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) (subsidy)
Unica Foundation
