Nyamwage Group Revolutionizes Cooking with Energy-Efficient Stoves in Rufiji District.

Members of Nyamwage Group during Capacity Buiding Training conducted by TaTEDO-SESO under the LTC2 Project.

Nyamwage Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG) is a socio-economic group formed by smallholder farmers at Nyamwage Village with the support of the Light the Change (LtC2) Project.  The group was formed in 2023 to promote sustainable energy services in the village and neighboring villages. 

Nyamwage is a village located in  Rufiji District of the Pwani Region. In the heart of this Village, a small but determined group is transforming cooking practices.  The group was initially trained by TaTEDO-SESO, to produce energy-efficient stoves.  The stove's production and marketing are used as a symbol of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability in the village.

The improved cookstoves are designed to reduce the use of fuelwood by end-users who are either households, institutions, or food-vending SMEs.  The stoves are affordable and durable with a lifespan of more than three years.  The establishment of this sustainable energy group has changed the lives of group members, compared to other people in their village. With just 10 members, the group has manufactured 100 to 200 stoves in one month and has sold 50 to 100 of them to locals at prices ranging between TSh 10,000 and TSh 12,000.

"We call them efficient stoves because they use less charcoal and are built to last," says the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Sgnawe. "We use cement in manufacturing, which makes the stoves resilient, to water, in case of accidental spill during cooking."

The group began with some challenges but took a pivotal turn when they received training under the Leading the Change Project, implemented by TaTEDO-SESO with support from WWF. The training focused on sustainable energy solutions and governance, equipping the group with skills to produce Improved charcoal stoves and manage their operations effectively.

What started as a humble initiative has now gained momentum and has been widespread and recognized in the village and district. Improved charcoal stoves fabricated at Nyamwage are not just sustainable energy solutions, but also lifelines for the group’s members which is improving the livelihood of people in the village.

The income generated from stove sales has created new opportunities for economic growth. Beyond selling stoves, the group actively markets its products during village meetings and community gatherings, raising awareness about the benefits of sustainable cooking.

"We’re proud to be the only group in Nyamwage producing these stoves. People love them, and we’re deeply grateful to the government and organizations like TaTEDO-SESO for supporting us on this journey," said Daniel with pride.

Despite their success, the group faces hurdles, particularly in sourcing high-quality raw materials, such as durable metal sheets essential for stove production. However, their determination to innovate and grow remains unwavering.

Their vision for the future is ambitious. With continued support and access to resources, the group hopes to expand production, reach more households, and further promote sustainable energy solutions across Rufiji District.

Nyamwage Domestic Group’s story exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots initiatives, proper training, and community collaboration.

Their energy-efficient stoves are not only reducing charcoal consumption but also driving economic and environmental change in their village.

As the group looks to the future, their journey serves as a shining example of how small, community-driven efforts can inspire big change. It proves that with innovation and perseverance, even the smallest ideas can spark a revolution.