In the Ejisu-Juaben District in Ghana traditional wood fuel cookstoves are used by Ga and Fante Kenkey makers. Ga and Fante Kenkey is a staple dish, originating from the Ga and Fante inhabited regions in West Africa. It takes too much time for households to prepare Kenkey for themselves a so a new business emerged: (mainly) women make large quantities of Kenkey and sell smaller portions to households in the nearby areas. Therefore the cookstoves are used all day long by the Kenkey makers, which is affecting their health, the local livelihood and the environment. Indoor air pollution and the exposure to toxic smoke cause health problems. The local livelihood could be improved by saving time on collecting fuel wood and spending it on other opportunities, like education and income-generating activities. The environment is affected by air pollution and deforestation, which leads to climate change as well.
Although the Ghanaian government is stimulating the catalysing of the market for clean cooking solutions, there are currently no improved wood fuel cookstoves on the market that cater the needs of the rural population, including the Kenkey makers. Therefore the project can make a big difference.