StoveTeam International

Mission

StoveTeam International establishes loally-owned sustainable factories to produce durable, safe, efficient wood-burning Ecocina cooking stoves. Ecocina stoves reduce wood use by over 50%, and air pollution and carbon emissions by 70%. They reduce burns, respiratory, eye and skin problems, are low cost and built from all local materials and are adapted to local customs. They are quick cooking, portable and require no installation or chimneys. Information is available on our website at www.stoveteam.org

Organization Type Non-Governmental Organization

Contact Information

This information has been removed as it is likely no longer accurate

Primary Initiatives, Target Populations, and Scope of Work:

In the first year of operation, the demand for the Ecocina was so great that over 6,000 stoves were produced and sold in El Salvador alone. In response to the demand, additional factories were opened in Guatemala,Nicaragua, Honduras and Mexico. In 2011 over 11,000 stoves were produced and sold from these factories.
In 2009, Nancy Hughes was awarded Rotary International's prestigious Service Above Self award, out of only 122 given out worldwide, for her work as the founder of StoveTeam International and the development of the Ecocina stove. In 2011 she was awarded the International Purpose Prize for her work and in 2012 the Ruby Award from Soroptimist International.
In 2011, Nancy was also awarded the International Purpose Prize for her work with StoveTeam International.

Fuels/Technologies: Biomass
Other
We assist local entrepreneurs establish factories to produce and sell fuel-efficient stoves.		 Sectors of Experience: Behavior Change
Energy
Environment
Forestry
Health
Rural Development
Small Business
Stove design, factory development, business development, Rotary grants		 Countries of Operation: El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua

Our Experience And Interest In The Four PCIA Central Focus Areas

Social/Cultural barriers to using traditional fuels and stoves:

In El Salvador it is quite common for people to collect and dry wood prior to cooking. In Guatemala, it is more common to use green wood and thus some training is necessary to show the advantages of drying wood. In Mexico it is more common to use propane to re-heat meals but biomass to cook meals.

The factory owners in Central America have needed some business training in operating factories. StoveTeam International has developed a business operations package for factory owners.

Market development for improved cooking technologies:

Demand for portable Ecocina stoves has exceeded supply. Stoves are distributed via PeaceCorps, women volunteers and other community development persons thus giving on-site training in the use and distribution of stoves.

Technology standardization for cooking, heating and ventilation:

The Ecocina is made with a standardized mold provided by StoveTeam International. StoveTeam provides a stove cost calculator so individuals can determine, on their own, the cost of a stove. All entrepreneurs are also given marketing and business training.

Indoor air pollution exposure and health monitoring:

StoveTeam International volunteers are regularly in Central America and Mexico testing the Ecocina stoves. Peace Corps volunteers also monitor the acceptability of the stoves. In 2012, StoveTeam began Kitchen Performance Testing in the field in both Honduras and Mexico

Relevant Publications or Studies

Publicity is regularly posted on our website at www.stoveteam.org

Our Contribution to the Partnership

We have one paid Administrator and otherwise are an all volunteer organization happy to share our experience with others.