Friends of the Environment (FOTE), in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), successfully implemented the FOTE–BOI Clean Cooking Initiative: Cook Clean. Live Better in Ajegunle, Lagos State.
The initiative empowered 200 women with Improved Cookstoves, alongside hands-on training and live demonstrations on safe, efficient, and cleaner cooking practices.
Addressing Everyday Challenges
In many low-income communities, cooking remains a daily necessity that often comes with significant challenges—exposure to harmful smoke, high fuel costs, and the time-intensive nature of traditional cooking methods. These challenges disproportionately affect women, who are primarily responsible for household cooking.
Through this intervention, FOTE introduced Improved Cookstoves as a practical solution to these challenges. The stoves are designed to:
- Reduce smoke emissions and improve indoor air quality
- Increase fuel efficiency and lower daily cooking costs
- Provide a safer and more convenient cooking experience
From Clean Cooking to Economic Empowerment
Beyond the immediate health and environmental benefits, the initiative also contributes to women’s economic empowerment.
By reducing the time and effort required for cooking, beneficiaries are better positioned to engage in income-generating activities and improve their livelihoods. This aligns with FOTE’s broader approach of linking clean energy access with sustainable economic opportunities for women.
Community Engagement and Demonstration
The programme featured live demonstrations by FOTE’s technical team, showing participants how to properly use and maintain the Improved Cookstoves. Community leaders and stakeholders were actively involved, reinforcing local ownership and ensuring the sustainability of the intervention.
Partnership for Impact
FOTE expresses its appreciation to the Bank of Industry for its support and commitment to promoting clean energy access, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.
This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in delivering impactful, community-driven solutions that improve lives and support environmental sustainability.