Gambia Community Stove Initiative

Over the years Dick has developed sustainable projects funded by carbon offset contributions from customers including our current Community Tree Planting and Mayan Turbo Stove schemes. Now as appreciation for all of the years of enjoyment he has had in The Gambia, Dick has set up at longer term community stove programme where customers and friends of The Gambia Experience are given the opportunity to sponsor an alternative fuel stove as a present for either a family they know or one selected on the basis of restricted income.

Through the community stoves programme each stove bought will replace the more traditional 3 stone fires with one of three newly designed alternative fuel stoves.

This brings many benefits

• They will reduce the time in collecting fuel wood (in some areas women spend one day in three collecting fuel wood)
• They can be used in commercial applications, thus creating supplementary livelihoods
• They will help to empower women through incorporation of women’s cooperatives in project activities
• They produce significant cost savings through the use of alternative fuels such as rice husk and peanut shells
• They reduce particulate matter by 67% compared with traditional stoves, this brings a number of respiratory and bronchial health benefits  and reduces indoor pollution
• Alternative fuels are much cleaner and less bulky than wood and charcoal
• They will last for several years

Each present will consist of the most appropriate new stove design for particular circumstances; an initial supply of 10kg of fuel and personal training by one of the programmes staff in use and maintenance.  The cost per gift is £20 or 800 dalasi and this can be paid either in the UK or in The Gambia.  Every donor will receive an acknowledgement and a digital photograph of the stove recipient as well as Dick’s personal guarantee is that every payment will result in a stove and fuel being supplied to a family in The Gambia.

If, like Dick, you do want to provide help to families who would benefit greatly from a relatively low priced practical and life improving gift then in the first instance contact him by email at dick@dicksisman.com or alternatively if you wish to place an order when in The Gambia contact Fanna Njie, Gambia Community Stoves sales executive on 7703041.