Flames of Hope

I just got the latest issue of Ode in the mail today! Your article titled "Designing a better world" by Andi McDaniel reminded me of a story I saw on fuel-efficient stoves designed for refugees in Darfur.

The troubles in Darfur have driven millions of African Sudanese into refugee camps that are in short supply of firewood. Women are forced to walk up to seven hours a day to gather enough firewood to fuel a meal. During this journey, these woman face threats of rape and mutilation.

Ashok Gadgil, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, designed a fuel-efficient stove specifically for Darfur cooking conditions. This lightweight stove will cut fuel wood demand in half and will reduce the pressure on the local environment, allowing it time to regenerate.

It's interesting to see how a very simple alteration in design can change daily life for people living in harsh circumstances.

For more information on the LBNL Darfur Cookstove project, click here: darfurstoves.lbl.gov