In addition, they are cheap to construct and easy to maintain. The skills involved in making mud
stoves are easy to transfer, adopt and replicate. Since the user is involved in all stages, it helps the
community to give value to indigenous skills and local knowledge. The technology is user-friendly and
even the young and the differently-baled can make and use them. The stoves can use different
biomass fuels with little need for processing. A combination of the above features make them the most
cost-effective way of addressing the stoves and household energy problems of the communities in
East Africa.
Figure 2.3 Mud stove technology can be introduced in institutions
Mud stoves are important in emergency situations, especially in refugee camps since they can be
made from any available soil material. The technology can be introduced in both the institutional and
domestic sectors.
Figure 2.4 Mud stoves are important in refugee camps
In some cases, mud stove designs originate spontaneously from communities responding to firewood
scarcity. This happened with the Wasambaa stove in East Usambara in Tanzania and the Nyungu
stove in the central region of Kenya. The technologies have developed without outside influence
mainly due to necessity and creativity on the part of communities involved.
One noticeable aspect of stove technologies that develop spontaneously is their flexibility in
design and style of finishing. Other aspects that relate to appropriateness are the ability to reduce
effects from smoke because of increased combustion, there are less accidents in the kitchen, and the
kitchen as a work place is beautiful and clean while the owners feel empowered.
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