Malena cookstove
The Malena cookstove is a technology designed by EnDev Bolivia that has been implemented throughout the country since 2007 (Malena stands for Mejor Aprovechamiento de Leña, i.e. better use of firewood). It uses wood or animal waste and is built with local material (improved clay mix); its design has been certified to guarantee that it allows for a decrease in fuel consumption when cooking food. These cookstoves have a chimney that eliminates smoke and toxic gases from inside the house, thus reducing health risks for women and children, as they are the ones who spend more time in the kitchen.
This technology has had considerable impact because families spend considerably less time collecting firewood and less money in case they have to purchase it. The improvement in families’ health is also transcendental, as is the reduction in deforestation.
This technology has currently been transferred to local partners for its construction and implementation.