Background
Almost half of the world's population depends on biomass fuels to meet domestic energy needs, producing high levels of pollutants responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality.
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In the Andes of Peru, the use of llama or alpaca poop is very common. The latter produce intense combustion, guaranteeing the fire they need to cook.
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Indoor air pollution
Solid fuel smoke has been associated with a variety of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in women, acute respiratory infection in children, and lung cancer in women (if exposed to coal smoke). Other associated diseases, such as tuberculosis, asthma, respiratory tract cancer, and interstitial lung diseases, may also be associated with inhalation of solid fuel smoke.
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At Con Corazón we identified this problem and thanks to the collaboration of Rotary Club Aarau we were able to dream of the idea and its implementation. We knew it would be of great help to the population.
Health promotion talks
Prior to the implementation of the project, the beneficiaries received awareness talks about the nature of this great idea. They learned about the harmful health effects caused by the use of open kitchens. Also, one of the most difficult parts was the ability of the beneficiaries to stop using their traditional stoves and replace them with SMS. A practice that has been carried out since its ancestors, is a challenge to introduce SMS and therefore acquire new cooking and life habits. We firmly believe that Health Promotion is key for changes to happen
Smokeless Metal Stoves – SMS
The smokeless metal stove protects people's health since not only is the combustion process much more efficient, but it also removes all smoke from the room through a chimney. In this way, the indoor air is cleaned and the consumption of firewood is drastically reduced by between 40% and 50%. It allows you to cook everything at once since it has three burners. In addition, the 9-litre stainless steel water tank, attached to the side of the smokeless metal stove, provides clean, hot water for drinking and washing. We used the plans of the Swiss engineer Alex Zahnd from the NGO organization RIDS as a prototype. Many thanks for the constructive exchange and the provision of the plans.
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The implementation process
After giving the green light to the project, immediately afterward the construction of the fifteen SMS proceeded, according to the original design in a meticulous manner. This activity was carried out by an expert in metal welding, which was essential for the success of the project.
Once the kitchens were built, a truck was rented to transport them to the town of Marampaqui.
Due to the political and social situation in Peru, this includes strikes and roadblocks, the implementation took longer than planned. After overcoming this, the SMS were delivered to the fifteen beneficiaries of Marampaqui. For this, they were instructed about the preparation of the SMS before installing them in their respective homes.
The reception of the SMS was with great joy and happiness. The enthusiasm is remarkable and now we hope that the use of this new way of cooking will serve to show them that there are better alternatives to live and take care of their health. We are sure that the rest of the population will see these changes with enthusiasm.
Funding
This project was made possible by the Rotary Club of Aarau. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rotary Club for the donation, the many years of trust and the excellent cooperation.
