The work of Maasai Stoves & Solar 

The Maasai Stoves & Solar Project designs and installs smoke-removing and efficient wood-burning chimney stoves and solar panel-based electrical systems in the people’s homes. We also install settlement-wide solar panel-based microgrid electrical systems for shared power. In addition,  safe water and livestock management projects are important work for us. The focus is on local solutions, manufacturing right in the area, stimulating the economy and empowering the people.

The Project started in Monduli district, Tanzania and we also work in Longido  district. We also have an additional campus, The Cypress Hill Institute in Monduli district,  serving as a Community Resource Center, with a library, computer center, and training facilities.

We aim to improve the homes of more than 200,000 people. Therefore, with additional resources, the Maasai Stoves & Solar Project will continue to move forward towards a better life for the people.

Health, economic, empowerment, and environmental challenges

Perhaps you are already aware of the danger of smoke in the homes of pastoral people in the developing world, caused by cooking indoors with open fires. This is a profound international health challenge that affects millions.

You are invited to explore the health, empowerment, economic, and environmental conservation issues and the Maasai Stoves & Solar approach.

 

Read a first-hand account of the Project from a teacher’s blog

“It can be hard to realize how necessary these stoves are that the International Collaborative is building until you’ve been in a home without one. The homes in the bomas are circular structures with thatched roofs and walls made of wood. These are  then patched over with a mud that is strengthened with cow dung. Then the women make a traditional fire, set within three large stones so that they can cook on it,  Things can get pretty smoky. From the outside, you can see smoke leaking out through the thatched roof. It’s easy to wonder how the roofs don’t just burn down.

We had an opportunity to enter a house like this. The second we walked in, the smoke hit us. The acrid smoke was so intense that our eyes immediately started watering. Finally, when we came out, theold woman sitting outside asked us what we would do if we couldn’t find a good house. What if we had to stay in and  sleep in a home with that much smoke? She told us that she had eye problems because of being in that smoke her whole life.”

   –Blog excerpt by visitors Stephanie Toledano and Erica Wilson