Advancing Energy-Saving Solutions in Yumbe District: Stakeholders Reflect Meeting

On 27th August 2025, CARE International convened a review and dissemination meeting in Bayan Hotel, Yumbe District, under the SUSTAINED Project. The meeting engaged sales agents together with district stakeholders to assess progress in promoting the adoption of energy-saving stoves.

The session provided a platform to reflect on achievements, community feedback, and challenges in uptake, while exploring ways to strengthen collaboration between sales agents, local leaders, humanitarian actors, and civil society organizations.

Building Partnerships for Energy Efficiency

Participants included sales agents, CARE International staff, Yumbe District officials, community leaders, refugee settlement managers, and representatives from civil society. With funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the SUSTAINED Project is equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to embrace energy-efficient cooking technologies that conserve firewood, save household costs, and protect the environment.

The meeting aimed to review progress, identify areas needing improvement, and align stakeholders on practical strategies for scaling up adoption.

Why Energy-Saving Stoves Matter

In Yumbe District, both refugee and host communities still depend heavily on firewood and charcoal for cooking. These practices have led to rapid deforestation, environmental stress, and health risks from smoke exposure, while also consuming valuable time and money for families.

Energy-saving stoves present a sustainable alternative. By using less firewood and cooking more efficiently, the stoves allow families to save resources, reduce exposure to harmful smoke, and contribute to the preservation of local forests.

Insights from the Review

Through face-to-face discussions with sales agents and district stakeholders, several insights emerged:

• Growing awareness and interest: Over 200 people across Zone 3, Zone 4, Kululu, Odravu, and Midigo Sub-Counties have been sensitized about energy-saving stoves.

• Recognized benefits: Families value the stoves for their ability to reduce fuel use, shorten cooking times, and produce less smoke.

• Persistent challenges: Affordability and accessibility remain key barriers, especially among vulnerable households.

• Stakeholder reflections: District leaders stressed the importance of integrating energy-saving initiatives into district development plans and supporting them with private sector partnerships to guarantee a steady supply.

• Sales agents’ contribution: Their one-on-one outreach was highlighted as a powerful tool for building trust and encouraging household-level adoption.

The Bigger Picture

The discussions showed that the success of energy-saving stove adoption goes beyond household sensitization. It requires strong coordination among multiple stakeholders, including local government, the private sector, and humanitarian actors.

By fostering such partnerships, the SUSTAINED Project is not only improving energy efficiency but also strengthening community resilience and protecting the natural environment in Yumbe District.

Looking Ahead

CARE International, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will continue working to increase the adoption of energy-saving stoves in Yumbe District. Upcoming efforts will focus on:

• Strengthening supply and distribution chains.

• Creating affordable payment and subsidy options for low-income families.

• Sustaining community engagement and awareness creation.

• Supporting district-level integration of energy-saving solutions into development planning.

Call to Action

The review meeting on 27th August 2025 reaffirmed that the transition to energy-saving cooking solutions is a shared responsibility. CARE International calls on:

• District leaders to prioritize energy-saving stoves in development agendas.

• Private sector players to expand availability and affordability.

• Development and humanitarian partners to align their support with ongoing efforts.

• Community members to adopt and champion energy-efficient practices for healthier, more sustainable living.

By working together, stakeholders can transform daily cooking practices, reduce environmental stress, and improve livelihoods for refugee and host communities in Yumbe District.