WFP gives Uganda, Sudan sh1.8b
Jan. 6, 2010
THE World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a stove project worth $1m (about sh1.8b)
The fuel-efficient and improved mud stoves, which use less firewood, are expected to reduce risks of rape and attacks on women in the Internally Displaced Persons’(IDP) camps in Uganda and Sudan.
“With severe shortage of firewood around these areas, people have to travel far collecting firewood, which exposes women and children to possible rape and abuse,” Miria Mutagamba, the water and environment minister, said.
“Women and girls should not risk their lives and dignity, precious trees should not be lost in a simple act of trying to cook food for their families.”
According to a press statement, 100,000 women in Darfur and pastoralists in the drought-hit Karamoja region will also benefit.
“The project will provide more than 35,000 households and 50 schools with fuel-efficient stoves, as well as help women to find other sources of income,” stated a WFP official.
Speaking at the launching ceremony organised by the Danish government and the World Food Programme at the Bella Centre in Copenhagen recently, Mutagamba said the initiative would also help to reduce over-exploitation of trees and reduce health risks associated with smoke.
Mutagamba pointed out that the initiative would promote the Government’s efforts of addressing environmental concerns in IDP camps where the environment is under severe degradation.
She added that these areas are densely populated and a lot of firewood is used, which has led to severe deforestation.
The initiative is expected to start this month.
Source – http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/17/706309
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Does anyone know which stoves program/group is affliated with this project?
Which is the Stove supplier and program team managing this project.?