The West Africa Clean Cooking Fund aims to revolutionize cooking practices in a region where over 267 million people still rely on traditional biomass fuels. This reliance contributes to serious health problems, particularly for women, and leads to environmental degradation, including deforestation and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
The fund will be accelerated through an initial US$1 million contribution from The Worthington Companies Foundation, alongside other supporting organizations. The funding will support qualified projects that develop infrastructure, provide necessary equipment, and offer training to promote the long-term adoption of clean and safe cooking methods using liquid propane gas (LPG). Interested non-governmental and impact-driven organizations are encouraged to express their intent to participate.
Support from the LPG industry may include contributions of products such as LPG fuel, stoves, and cylinders, as well as financial grants. These resources will assist in project implementation, infrastructure development, and public education to ensure community-wide adoption of clean cooking solutions.
Selected NGOs will manage and implement approved community projects by mobilizing and distributing resources. These projects will include behavior-change campaigns to promote LPG use through demonstrations, cooking classes, and community engagement activities, ensuring cultural relevance and long-term adoption.
Consumer education will be an essential component, providing communities with knowledge on the health, environmental, and economic advantages of LPG. This information will empower individuals to transition from traditional fuels to cleaner alternatives.
To improve affordability, the fund will support consumer financing through microcredit and flexible payment schemes. These mechanisms will allow more households to access LPG and its associated equipment, supporting a smooth transition away from biomass fuels.
The program also focuses on empowering women by offering training, leadership development, and resources to help them take active roles in household energy decisions. This initiative aims to enhance their economic participation while promoting healthier and safer communities.
Target countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The fund will benefit households, communities, and organizations committed to clean cooking. NGOs with financial stability and proven experience in outreach or clean energy projects will be selected to lead implementations. While direct government funding is not permitted, the fund supports collaborations that promote access and shared knowledge.
Implementing organizations must submit quarterly progress reports detailing distributions, training, and community engagement activities. Audits may be conducted to ensure compliance, transparency, and proper use of funds.
All project expenditures must adhere to budgetary guidelines set by the fund. Implementers are required to ensure that LPG equipment meets national and international safety standards and follow all ethical and regulatory rules during the project period.
The initiative calls for coordinated efforts between NGOs, LPG suppliers, and relevant organizations. Community insights will guide project design, and partnerships will be built to address the health, environmental, and social challenges facing West Africa. The program aims to create collaborative, scalable solutions for cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cooking.
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