“Cooking Sustainably: How Changu-Changu Mbaula has Transformed Cooking in Manganani Village”
Most families in Manganani Village rely on firewood as their main source of energy for cooking and it has resulted to a significant negative impact on the environment. Recognizing this challenge, CADECOM Karonga Diocese through the Climate Just Communities project which is being implemented with funding from Scottish Government through DAI Global UK is promoting the use of energy efficient stoves which are being called “Changu-Changu mbaula” by the local community. Esther Mhango a 51-year-old mother of six and a farmer is one of the community members who were introduced to these stoves and is currently using the Changu-Changu mbaula for cooking at her household.
Esther shares her experience, “I was introduced to the Changu-Changu stoves by Wezi Nyasulu who is a promoter in the project, ever since then I have been using the stove for cooking. One day, my husband asked me how I was able to prepare the food in a short time and when I told him about the new stove, he was very impressed”.
“With the design of the stove, I am able to cook both nsima and relish at the same time which helps me to prepare meals faster. The amount of firewood we are using to cook has been reduced also and we are cutting less trees hence contributing to the conservation of the environment”.
With the introduction of Changu-Changu stove promoters, households in Manganani have been introduced to the energy efficient stove technology and the number of users keeps on growing. The promoters not only introduce the stoves to the community but spread the message of the fight against climate change.