The Improved Cooking Technology Program (ICTP), also referred to as Recho Paw, aims to set Haiti on a path towards long-term sustainable cooking solutions and achieve a significant reduction in charcoal consumption by large users and households. The program commenced in February 2012 and will continue until February 2015. This second annual report covers the period October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013.
Key achievements during the reporting period include the conversion of the SONAPI food zone from charcoal to LPG. In a tripartite agreement between SONAPI, Sodigaz, and ICTP, SONAPI’s food zone, where over 10,000 workers buy a hot meal every day, was switched over to LPG. SONAPI provided an in-kind loan for the purchase of commercial LPG stoves, which will be reimbursed on a monthly basis until the cost of the stoves is paid off. Sodigaz installed the LPG infrastructure, including two 100-lb gas cylinders for each cook. By switching from charcoal to LPG, approximately 800 tons of charcoal are saved each year.
The Government of Haiti waived import duty and all taxes on the importation of LPG, gas cylinders, pressure regulators, valves, and associated tubing in October 2012, directly as a result of advocacy from and work of ICTP. This action reduces the cost of both commercial stoves manufactured in Haiti and the cost of the LPG itself, making LPG substantially less expensive than charcoal. The government’s action is helping to promote and expedite the transition from charcoal to LPG in Haiti.
The program has established a solid commercial foundation for manufacturers of improved charcoal stoves in Haiti. Five efficient charcoal stoves are now being manufactured or assembled in the country: the Prakti Wouj stove assembled by Prakti Haiti S.A., the Plop Plop stove manufactured by International Lifeline Fund, the Eco Recho stove manufactured by D&E Green, the Haiti Metal Recho Mwen stove, and the Rena stove, manufactured by Ticadaie S.A. Two manufacturers, D&E Green and ILF, have benefitted from financial support from ICTP to improve their manufacturing and production processes. The distribution and retail network has been substantially strengthened, with over 69 retail outlets in Port-au-Prince selling improved cookstoves. A total of 12,777 improved charcoal stoves were sold in Port-au-Prince in FY201, surpassing the target set for the program by 27.8%.
The program successfully submitted a Program-of Activities under the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism, named ‘Improved Cookstoves for Haiti’. The PoA is now in the process of being validated and registered. Project partner C-Quest-capital is the Coordinating Managing Entity for the PoA. In support of this submission, ICTP conducted comprehensive national baseline surveys to assess the current state of cookstove use and emissions in Haiti. The surveys provided valuable data on the current market for improved cookstoves and the potential for expansion.
The program has also made significant progress in educating and raising awareness among consumers to increase the demand for cleaner technologies. ICTP has conducted a series of workshops and training sessions for consumers, retailers, and manufacturers to promote the benefits of improved cookstoves and cleaner fuels. The program has also established partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Government of Haiti, private sector partners, and NGOs, to promote the adoption of improved cookstoves and cleaner fuels.
Overall, the ICTP has made significant progress in achieving its objectives and has established a solid foundation for the long-term sustainable cooking solutions in Haiti. The program’s achievements have been recognized by the Government of Haiti, which has taken steps to promote and expedite the transition from charcoal to LPG. The program’s success has also been recognized by the international community, with the submission of a Program-of Activities under the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism.