This toolkit provides a step-by-step process for assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of a proposed fuel-efficient stove program.

Humanitarian organizations are becoming increasingly concerned about energy issues in communities, camps, or settlements where internally displaced persons (IDPs) or refugees are settled temporarily. At a minimum, all displaced people require fuel to cook, and the manner in which fuel is obtained and used can have significant impacts on displaced populations, host communities, and the surrounding natural environment.

Firewood and charcoal are always in high demand for traditional methods of cooking. Fuel-efficient stoves (FES) can have many positive impacts in a camp, settlement, or other IDP setting. For example, they can help save energy, reduce the time and burden of collecting firewood, and limit the associated exposure for collectors to physical attack and/or gender-based violence. FES can also reduce the risks of uncontrolled fires, as well as burns suffered by cooks and children.

There is much debate over what types and styles of stoves are the most fuel-efficient and user-friendly, and whether a particular stove will be useful to displaced populations. The purpose of this toolkit is to help humanitarian organizations determine if an FES program is feasible and appropriate for a given setting, and if so, how to design and implement an effective program for wood-burning stoves.

While these guidelines focus primarily on wood-burning stoves, OFDA also will consider funding applications for stoves that utilize other fuels. A similarly thorough needs assessment and justification analysis will be required for those programs as well.

The toolkit contains twelve steps. Each step includes an introduction, explanation of the task(s) to be conducted, tools to help readers carry out the task(s), and information on additional resources.

Read fuel-efficient stove programs in humanitarian settings: an implementer’s toolkit.