[Bonga 14- 16 May, 2026] The Water and Land Resource Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Energy, conducted a three-day capacity development training on energy-efficient improved cook stove design, utilization, and promotion to support forest conservation and strengthen Integrated Water Resources Management in the Woshi Catchment.
The training brought together over 40 participants from Kaffa Zone Water, Mines and Energy Offices, gender experts from the South-West Region Energy Agency, energy and gender experts from four Woredas within the catchment, local stove producers, and representatives of kebele-level watershed committees. .
Through engaging discussions and hands-on practical demonstrations, participants gained valuable skill on improved cook stove production and utilization, while exploring how these technologies can reduce fuelwood consumption, support healthier hydrological systems, ease the burden on women and children, and improve household health. The sessions also emphasized the importance of integrating gender-sensitive approaches into environmental conservation and water resource governance.
The next immediate action will focus on distributing the improved stoves for acceptability testing within the catchment. The training was facilitated by Ms. Selamawit Amaha (MoWE) and Dr. Engdasew (WLRC), as part of the Gender and Social Inclusivity sub-project of the BRIGHT Project financed by the EU and EKN in Ethiopia.
