Uganda leads the way in opening up carbon finance for suppliers of improved cook stoves in Africa
Across Africa it just got a lot easier for organisations that supply improved cook stoves to earn carbon finance that will boost their activities.
The Uganda Carbon Bureau (UCB) now has a registered umbrella programme called Improved Cook Stoves for East Africa (ICSEA) that can help any eligible stove supplier to earn carbon credits under the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
It already covers Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, and is quickly being extended to South Africa and Lesotho. The umbrella programme is ‘stove neutral’ and any eligible stove suppliers from a participating country can join. They will receive support for their stove enterprise from the ICSEA Stove Support Facility, and benefit from a quick and affordable way of earning carbon credits.
What’s so special about this umbrella programme?
This is the first time that stove suppliers will keep 100% of their carbon credits. They just pay a one-off joining fee, and then an annual subscription fee. These are both kept at low levels by the generous sponsorship that the programme has received. The money earned from selling the credits allows stove suppliers to lower their prices, and to offer attractive benefits to stove users, such as free maintenance and community projects. This will revolutionise the improved cook stove market.
Fair trade carbon finance at last
“We are delighted that this important umbrella Programme of Activities has been registered, it’s the first in the world to cover more than one country – all the hard work and effort has paid off, and this means that our fair trade and open access approach can now benefit stove suppliers and stove users across the whole region” said Bill Farmer, the Chairman of the Uganda Carbon Bureau.
Who has supported ICSEA?
Improved Cook Stoves for East Africa was developed by the Uganda Carbon Bureau with support from several international development partners – GIZ, GIZ/CIM, DFID, the Nordic Climate Facility and CARE Denmark with the CARE country offices in East Africa.
Who should find out more about this?
Large manufacturers, importers or distribution companies who have been thinking about the stoves sector will find this to be a smart way to enter this rapidly expanding market. The same goes for small businesses that either make or distribute improved stoves.
The untapped demand for these stoves is massive – at a major clean cooking conference held in Kampala recently, delegates learnt that only 0.001% of Ugandan households use an improved stove. However, with soaring charcoal prices, improved stoves that only need half the usual amount of fuel are catching on fast.
Is this for me?
If you are already distributing fast moving consumer goods to households, think seriously about adding improved cook stoves as a new product line. You choose which improved cookstove to distribute – you can buy them from others or make them yourself.
What will the ICSEA umbrella programme do for me?
You can earn carbon finance directly without having to deal with brokers and other intermediaries who, in many cases, overcharge for their services. It’s a bit like joining a fair trade cooperative. You will be helped to earn extra cash for your business or organisation. Each improved stove that is recorded annually as being ‘in use’ can generate income or benefits for its user and for its supplier.
This sounds too good to be true?
When you learn about the details of how the ICSEA umbrella works, you will realise that this really does deliver carbon finance to those that need it in Africa. This multi-country programme is pioneering a fresh approach to accessing the money that is generated from selling certified greenhouse gas emission reduction certificates (carbon credits).
Who is joining ICSEA?
The International Lifeline Fund, based in Lira, Uganda is a supplier of high quality locally-made stoves, and is the first registered member (www.lifelinefund.org). Many others are now lining up to join – don’t be left behind.
Why are improved cook stoves so important for Africa?
- Energy saving stoves are safer and reduce indoor air pollution
- They use less fuel – massively reducing the need for wood fuel and deforestation
- They cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change
- Their manufacture, distribution and repair create many jobs
- The carbon money generated can be used to lower their price, pay for their
- maintenance and provide other household and community benefits
How can I learn more?
For all questions, or a copy of ICSEA’s ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ note, please email virginiaechavarria@ugandacarbon.org. You can also download the ICSEA flyer from the Uganda Carbon Bureau website (www.ugandacarbon.org).
The Improved Cook Stoves for East Africa Programme of Activities (ICSEA PoA) is a Clean Development Mechanism/Gold Standard (CDM/GS) registered carbon project. It is managed by ICSEA Ltd, a wholly owned enterprise of the Uganda Carbon Bureau.