Fuelwood is the major source of energy for cooking, heating and lighting in Malawi and is becoming very scarce as harvested wood greatly exceeds the maximum sustainable supply.
Fuelwood for household and agricultural use is often sourced from forest reserves. With increasing population density and growing demand for traditional biomass fuels, Malawi has one of Southern Africa's highest deforestation rates (2.8% p.a.).
With increasing fuelwood scarcity as indicated by increased prices and by changing species use, demand for fuel-efficient devices is high. Hestian’s Stoves and Rocket Barns reduce woodfuel consumption by up to 80% and 75% respectively.
A declining natural resource base results in householders, usually women, walking longer distances to source fuelwood, which detracts time from productive economic activities and other household chores.
Reduced deforestation mitigates major environmental costs and brings socio-economic benefits in terms of
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Improved end-use energy efficiency household and institutional cook stoves and rocket barns