“Fueling Progress: AHDESA’s Clean Cookstove Initiative Fosters Women Empowerment and Economic Growth”

More than 30 years ago, the non-profit organization Asociación Hondureña para el Desarrollo (AHDESA) was established by its founder, engineer Ignacio Osorto, to serve vulnerable communities in Honduras.

In response to alarming deforestation in the region, AHDESA initiated a search for technologies to reduce the use of firewood for cooking. This endeavor ultimately led to the inception of the clean cookstoves development and distribution program, currently facilitated with the participation and training of stove builders: Maestros and Maestras Fogoneras.

An integral aspect of this program involves the training of local men and women stove builders, thereby contributing to the development of local economies and the empowerment of women. Traditionally, stove building has been perceived as a “man’s job,” but many women in Honduras are challenging this stereotype by becoming stove builders and earning income to support their families.

AHDESA has emerged as a pivotal entity in the clean cookstove sector in Honduras and has garnered recognition from global entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and GIZ. To date, over 30,000 stoves have been distributed across numerous rural communities.

At Trees, Water & People, we take pride in supporting this invaluable initiative. Through our partnership, in 2024, we have already trained 24 new stove builders, 14 of whom are women, hailing from 7 different municipalities. These individuals will play a crucial role in transforming fuel usage in the country, reducing dependence on firewood, enhancing air quality, promoting gender equity, and positively impacting Honduran families.