Mission: Enhancing the capacity of CBOs/NGOs, other organized groups and individuals to accelerate delivery of relevant and appropriate sustainable environment services to communities in Uganda. IRDI is the leading indigenous non government organisation dealing with rural energy issues and other issues which are also crucial in rural development. IRDI has implemented a project titled Reducing the Health Risks for Mothers and Children from Indoor Air Pollution in Uganda. This regional project is being implemented in collaboration with ITDG- East Africa which is funded by Health Foundation (UK). Its aim is to improve the health of mothers and children by eliminating smoke from kitchens. The three year project is currently being implemented in Wakiso District and it is in its third year. The following are some of the achievements: About 30,000 people in Wakiso District and the neighboring Districts in Uganda have so far been sensitized about the dangers of smoke in the cooking places. This has been done through workshops, posters, brochures, stickers, and radio programmes. 150 kitchens have been improved with hoods, chimneys, proper ventilation and energy efficient stoves. Local artisans have been trained in manufacturing and installation of hoods and chimneys. Women's groups have been trained to construct UPESI-stoves. IRDI in partnership with ITDG East Africa is organizing a national policy advocacy workshop in January 2005. The advocacy workshop will carry out further actions at national and local level which are needed to fill the knowledge gaps on successfully alleviating indoor air pollution. In Kanungu and Mbale districts IRDI in partnership with GTZ and the Ministry of Energy have introduced the Rocket Lorena stove, shielded 3-stone stove, and food warmers. The activities involved creating awareness about renewable energy, indoor air pollution, adverse health impacts of traditional household energy use, and the use of improved stoves. Training of trainers is conducted for the construction, use and maintenance of Rocket Lorena Stove and demonstrations are organized for efficient renewable energy technologies like institutional stoves, bakery ovens, solar and biogas. 3000 households have now access to cleaner cooking facilities.
Contact Information
IRDI is working in different districts in Uganda. We are targeting youth, men and women in rural and peri-urban areas. IRDI targets CBOs/NGOs, other organized groups, individuals and institutions at the district and national levels.
Our Experience And Interest In The Four PCIA Central Focus Areas
The following strategies are used to address the social/cultural barriers: Awareness creation through meetings, workshops, production and distribution of posters, calendars, brochures, bi-annual newsletter (Environment Concern) and publishing articles in newspapers; Participatory technology development, exchange visits and exhibitions.
Training artisans/entrepreneurs in manufacturing (using locally available materials) and business skills; Linking entrepreneurs to beneficiaries; Provision of market information.
Standard testing of energy efficiency of the Rocket Lorena Stove was carried out by GTZ and the Ministry of Energy; Standard dimension of the Rocket Lorena Stoves were established; Standard sizes of windows and ventilations were introduced to the beneficiaries; Training of Trainers to disseminate the technology.
Smoke monitoring exercise was carried out by ITDG to assess the level of smoke inhaled.
Relevant Publications or Studies
Publications in the newspaper NEW VISION: - Kitchen smoke increases chances of catching cancer see New Vision 05. October 2004 - Kitchen smoke is dangerous see New Vision 08. November 2004 - IRDI (2003) Environment Concern Magazine (Special Issue on Energy in Development): An Experience of IRDI - IRDI (2004) Annual Report 2003, Practical Solutions for Rural Development. - Samuel Bagabo (2000), Communicating Stove Innovations to subsisting Communities in Uganda. - IRDI (2000), The Construction and Management of a Tubular Biogas Digester, Training Manual
Our Contribution to the Partnership
IRDI is the leading national energy organization in Uganda, to spearhead activities aimed at reducing indoor air pollution not just on the technology design, but as a health, economic and environmental issue as well. IRDI has managed different projects to address indoor air pollution and its staff has been trained in construction, use, maintenance and training communities in implementing energy efficient technologies. IRDI has experience in publication of awareness raising materials, and creation of awareness among different stakeholders. IRDI has been involved in advocacy activities to create political awareness on the dangers of indoor air pollution. IRDI would like to participate in the partnership through implementing projects on clean indoor air, and carry out research on issues related to energy and health. We would like to exchange information through publications, attending workshops, conferences and exchange visits.
