Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) has worked with families in rural farming communities in Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama since 1997. Using organic vegetable gardens, wood-conserving stoves, biogas digesters and a host of other projects, SHI's local field trainers work together with families, individuals and communities to preserve our planet's tropical forests while overcoming poverty. Our five-phase approach to solving the agricultural, ecological and economic problems of Central America is innovative, hands-on and long-term.
Contact Information
No input.
Our Experience And Interest In The Four PCIA Central Focus Areas
In Central America, the most common and traditional fuel is firewood and stoves are of the wood-burning variety. We promote different types of stoves that we hope will replace the more common stoves. Our two models are the biodigester stove, which operates with methane gas produced by farm animals, and the Lorena stove, which still uses wood but because of its design uses up to a third less wood. The Lorena stove also provides crucial health benefits as it is built with a chimney and thus health-damaging smoke is funneled out of the homes. The biodigester methane gas stove produces no smoke.
At this time, we don't have anyone working in construction of these types of stoves as a business. However, we have trained a number of local people in the construction of Lorena stoves, and when we have funds for these stoves we usually contract with them to direct the work. They are paid per stove, and the families receiving the stove are also expected to contribute labor.
We have standardized the type of construction used for Lorena stoves, with only slight variations in terms of ventilation. Some chimneys are free-standing and exit through the roof, and others are incorporated into a wall of the dwelling and exit directly outside. The biodigesters also make use of a standard technology.
SHI has not done any empirical studies on improvements in exposure or health with the families we work with in building these stoves. However, the difference between the traditional and improved stoves is plainly visible. The more commonly used stoves in Central America, produce a great deal of smoke in the homes, and the stoves that we advocate, produce little or no smoke.
Relevant Publications or Studies
None noted
Our Contribution to the Partnership
Our commitment is to improve the quality of lives for low-income families in Central America, and this includes both stove technology and promotion of sustainable agriculture. We would like to get more information about further improvements in the type of technology most appropriate to the families we work with, and feel we can contribute our experience and knowledge in this region with interested members of the Partnership.
