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Improved Cookstoves in KenyaAuthors and contributors wanted![top] [end]Chepkube stoveThe Chepkube stove is a model that has been designed by women of the Kalenjin community in the Nandi Hills of Uasin Gishu District as well as the Cherangani Hills of Trans-Nzoia District. It's key component is an oven or food warming cavity which is built into the clay that the main structure of the stove is made out of. The idea behind it is that since the clay of the stove holds heat and radiates it slowly after use, that heat is able to be captured in some way. It is very efficient in terms of firewood usage, especially if more than one thing is cooked at once, and if food is kept in the oven/ warmer, thus avoiding reheating.Simple models have one opening for fuel (firewood, maize cobs) and two to four openings to sit pots on/in. The women smear clay around a metal can or small drum which is right next to the wall of the fire cavity. This must have a firm door (the lid of the can or a piece of metal) and acts as a food warmer, to keep food or water warm all day. A more complex model looks similar to the first, but it is raised about 50cm so that a small box for chicks is created under the clay. Chicks may be grown in here from one day old up to two months old, then grown somewhere else, or sold for market. The bottom part must have two doors- one that allows the user to insert food, water, and medicine and one that allows chicks easy passage to an enclosed chicken run, for when the heat from the fire is too intense. With regular (daily) use, the chicks get enough heat that the mother hen can be free to lay more eggs. The most complex model also includes a covered cavity with a soft bottom to act as an incubator for eggs. In this case, fertilised eggs can be kept there for the whole incubation period- 21 days- and hatch with an 80% success rate, if the user is vigilant in turning the eggs twice a day at regular times. Optional: make one burner to consume sawdust. Build a sawdust stove right into the main body of the Chepkube. All models are constructed from locally available materials- mud, bricks, metal rods, for the stove, and an iron sheet or (preferably) and old metal can for the oven. Smear it all with clay or dung mixture the kitchen walls are smeared with. Each woman's stove looked completely different from the next depending on the layout of the burners, oven, the designs built in the clay, and the colours used in the smearing. For the brooder version, extra bricks, an old blanket, a metal sheet, dry soil and old wooden boards (off-cuts) are needed. For the hatchery version, an extra metal can and some lining materials are used. Has anyone else heard of this stove? Please contact me if you know of it or have seen something written on it. - agratz@... | |
Page created:
30 September 2008; Last edited:
30 September 2008; Version: 0 | |
Pagename: ImprovedCookstovesInKenya @HEDON: QXNA | |
