Kenyan and Tanzanian Groups Express Interest in HotPotTM Pilot Projects

In June 2006, Director of Programs for Latin America and East Africa, Camille McCarthy, traveled to Kenya and Tanzania to meet with governmental agencies, NGOs, and private sector representatives to explore the feasibility of cooperative solar cooking ventures. Many groups expressed interest in Solar Household Energy pilot solar cooking projects.

Solar Household Energy is currently finalizing partnerships in East Africa.

Posted: Spring 2007

Background Information: Kenya and Tanzania

Kenya and Tanzania are experiencing a demographic and an environmental crisis.

Kenya has a population of about 35 million and Tanzania of around 37 million. Both countries have a fertility rate of almost five children per woman. This rapidly growing populace places extreme pressure on the environment. For example, forests are being diminished rapidly in significant part by demand for fuel wood. A case in point: between 1960 and 1980, the Amani forest in Tanzania was reduced by 50%. For every 28 trees cut in Africa today, only one is planted.

As forests around communities are degraded, women and children must forage for fuel wood further and further from home. In some places, women must camp overnight in the bush. When the distances become too great, some families must pay 25% to 50% of their income to buy cooking fuel.