[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20190709-5C6A6356-cstafford.png” parallax=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”300px||300px||true|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”5138c454-be54-4233-bd3b-f8e6a8747976″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”A Sustainable Solution for Rural Families in DRC” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”f0c675ea-2574-4d0e-b725-30f8550a8550″ title_level=”h4″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”27px” title_letter_spacing=”1px” title_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”13px” title_font_size_phone=”13px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” title_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22#22577a%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_heading title=”clean Cookstoves” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ddeb8c09-9078-4424-bc15-2efb6572e28e” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|–et_global_heading_font_weight||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”99px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.66)” custom_margin=”||30px|||” custom_padding=”||||true|false” title_font_size_tablet=”40px” title_font_size_phone=”24px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Sala Makala : Clean Cookstoves” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”c33f07d9-41e0-421a-8799-5799df695cce” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#454142″ title_font_size=”50px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”28px” title_font_size_phone=”20px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#57cc99″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.64)” text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.75em” link_font=”|IBM Plex Sans_weight|||||||” link_text_color=”#22577a” quote_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” quote_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_text_color=”#111111″ header_font_size=”72px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#111111″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#111111″ header_3_font_size=”32px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#111111″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#111111″ header_5_font_size=”18px” header_5_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#111111″ header_6_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”17px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_4_font_size_phone=”15px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_font_size_tablet=”15px” header_5_font_size_phone=”14px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_6_font_size_tablet=”13px” header_6_font_size_phone=”13px” header_6_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Sala Makala clean cookstove, developed by IMA World Health, addresses the critical health, environmental, and socio-economic challenges faced by families in rural Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Designed as a clean-burning, wood gasifier stove, it offers a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional cooking methods.<\/p>\n
This innovative stove has earned exceptional ratings in key areas:<\/p>\n
These certifications position the Sala Makala as one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly gasifier stoves available today. The primary goal of the stove is to reduce acute respiratory infections (ARIs) caused by the harmful smoke exposure from cooking over open wood fires\u2014particularly affecting women and children.<\/p>\n
Beyond its health benefits, the Sala Makala also positively impacts:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” height=”600px” custom_margin=”||150px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_slider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide use_text_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_font_size=”21px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/RS49929_Stafford-IDP-8331_scr.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”|800px|||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
\u201cThese stoves really helped us because by placing the firewood inside, you light them and your food is ready, once you’re done, you store the coal for the next day, you use the coal. The smoke is not much. If the firewood is lit then there’s no smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nerma Shaba, IDP<\/p>\n
Goma, North Kivu<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_text_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_font_size=”21px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/web-RS49994_Stafford-IDP-8167.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”|||800px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ran away in fear. We arrived here with nothing, that’s it. You couldn’t run away and take something on your head while seeing a dead body lying there, what could you take? We came like that. Nothing at all. You gave us the stove. And those of us here are thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Claudine, IDP<\/p>\n
Goma, North Kivu<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_fullwidth_slider][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/RS49929_Stafford-IDP-8331_scr.jpg” parallax=”on” height=”700px” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_image_phone=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/RS49929_Stafford-IDP-8331_scr.jpg” background_enable_image_phone=”on” parallax_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image title_text=”cookstoves-7432″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Features” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”5138c454-be54-4233-bd3b-f8e6a8747976″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Key Advantages of the Sala Makala Stove:” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”c33f07d9-41e0-421a-8799-5799df695cce” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#454142″ title_font_size=”50px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”28px” title_font_size_phone=”20px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-36px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#57cc99″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.64)” text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.75em” link_font=”|IBM Plex Sans_weight|||||||” link_text_color=”#22577a” quote_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” quote_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_text_color=”#111111″ header_font_size=”72px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#111111″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#111111″ header_3_font_size=”32px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#111111″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#111111″ header_5_font_size=”18px” header_5_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#111111″ header_6_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”17px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_4_font_size_phone=”15px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_font_size_tablet=”15px” header_5_font_size_phone=”14px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_6_font_size_tablet=”13px” header_6_font_size_phone=”13px” header_6_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Sala Makala cookstove is more than just a cooking tool\u2014it\u2019s a transformative solution improving the health, environment, and economic stability of families in rural DRC.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cookstoves-7432.jpg” parallax=”on” height=”700px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image title_text=”cookstoves-7432″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Transforming Health with Sala Makala Stoves” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”c33f07d9-41e0-421a-8799-5799df695cce” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#454142″ title_font_size=”50px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”28px” title_font_size_phone=”20px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#57cc99″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.64)” text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.75em” link_font=”|IBM Plex Sans_weight|||||||” link_text_color=”#22577a” quote_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” quote_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_text_color=”#111111″ header_font_size=”72px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#128ec0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#111111″ header_3_font_size=”32px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#111111″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#111111″ header_5_font_size=”18px” header_5_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#111111″ header_6_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”17px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_4_font_size_phone=”15px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_font_size_tablet=”15px” header_5_font_size_phone=”14px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_6_font_size_tablet=”13px” header_6_font_size_phone=”13px” header_6_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Sala Makala cookstove was developed with a singular, urgent goal: to improve the health of the Congolese people, particularly women and children. While there has been progress in reducing diseases like malaria and diarrheal illness in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), acute respiratory infections (ARI) have remained largely overlooked. Unfortunately, even when addressed, previous clean cookstove solutions haven\u2019t been efficient enough to make a measurable impact on ARI rates.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The World Health Organization (WHO) sets clear guidelines for safe levels of indoor air pollution: annual average concentrations of PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) should not exceed 5 \u00b5g\/m3, and 24-hour exposure should never surpass 15 \u00b5g\/m3 more than a few days a year. However, a study in Ghana<\/a> showed that PM 2.5 levels in an enclosed space with a traditional 3-stone fire reached a dangerous 135 \u00b5g\/m3\u2014far beyond the recommended levels. Even cooking outdoors with a 3-stone fire exposed people to 23 \u00b5g\/m3 of PM 2.5, a harmful level for daily exposure.<\/p>\n In rural DRC, where 97% of households still rely on 3-stone fires for cooking, the majority of the population is unknowingly exposed to harmful levels of PM 2.5\u2014often multiple times a day. Many families cook inside their homes, where the pollution is even more concentrated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to the WHO<\/a>, each year in DRC, over 72,000 deaths are attributed to lower respiratory infections (ARI)\u2014a staggering statistic that\u2019s 3.5 times higher than maternal mortality. A key contributor to this is the exposure to indoor air pollution from cooking fires. Particulate matter (PM 2.5), the tiny particles found in smoke, is a known cause of ARI<\/a>. In fact, 19% of all childhood deaths under the age of five are due to ARI, and nearly 50% of pneumonia deaths in children under five are directly linked to inhaling these harmful airborne particles from indoor cooking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Sala Makala stove is a revolution in reducing the risks of ARI. Its Tier 4 efficiency rating means it emits 24 times less PM 2.5 than a traditional 3-stone fire. This results in a threefold reduction in the risk of childhood pneumonia<\/a>. In fact, studies show that switching to a gasifier stove like Sala Makala could reduce exposure to harmful smoke by up to 90%, based on research from a similar stove in Kenya<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A longitudinal study by Swiss TPH found that families using the Sala Makala stove experienced a statistically significant reduction in ARI cases compared to those still relying on 3-stone fires. If just a portion of rural families in DRC adopted the Sala Makala stove, it could save thousands of lives each year\u2014reducing both the burden of disease and the devastating health impact of indoor air pollution.<\/p>\n By adopting this technology, we have the opportunity to protect generations to come from the deadly effects of indoor smoke.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=” ” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”c33f07d9-41e0-421a-8799-5799df695cce” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#454142″ title_font_size=”50px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”28px” title_font_size_phone=”20px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/web-RS49994_Stafford-IDP-8167.jpg” parallax=”on” height=”700px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image title_text=”cookstoves-7432″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=” ” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”c33f07d9-41e0-421a-8799-5799df695cce” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#454142″ title_font_size=”50px” 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Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#111111″ header_6_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”17px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_4_font_size_phone=”15px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_font_size_tablet=”15px” header_5_font_size_phone=”14px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_6_font_size_tablet=”13px” header_6_font_size_phone=”13px” header_6_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Sala Makala cookstove is more than just a tool for healthier cooking\u2014it\u2019s a powerful ally in the fight against deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental degradation. Thanks to its innovative gasification technology, this stove burns wood more efficiently by converting the gases emitted during the heating process into clean energy.<\/p>\n But the benefits don\u2019t stop there. After cooking, the stove produces charcoal\u2014a valuable byproduct that can be used in other charcoal stoves, sold, or even turned into biochar. This soil-enhancing material improves soil nutrient retention, helping to combat soil degradation.<\/p>\n In comparison to traditional methods, the Sala Makala stove offers an incredible boost in efficiency. Traditional charcoal production is notoriously wasteful, with up to 80% of the energy in firewood lost during conversion, especially when using inefficient earth pit kilns (which have an efficiency rate of just 8-12%). The Sala Makala stove not only uses wood more effectively but also helps reduce the environmental toll of charcoal production.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In DRC, widespread use of the Sala Makala stove could be a game-changer in reducing deforestation and the harmful release of greenhouse gases. On average, a household using the stove will produce between 600 and 800 grams of charcoal per day from just 3-4 kg of firewood.<\/p>\n When scaled, this could lead to an estimated reduction of 12 metric tons of firewood per day, as 1,400 stoves in use would displace inefficient charcoal production from traditional earth pit kilns. The environmental benefits are clear: less deforestation, preserved biodiversity, reduced soil erosion, and better water infiltration\u2014all of which help protect vital ecosystems and support water sources like springs.<\/p>\n The Sala Makala stove isn\u2019t just improving the environment\u2014it\u2019s transforming the lives of women and families, too. Around the world, women and children can spend up to 5 hours a day collecting firewood, or face high costs buying charcoal. With the Sala Makala stove, less wood is needed, meaning less time spent gathering firewood.<\/p>\n Because the stove burns wood in \u2018batches\u2019, once it\u2019s lit, there\u2019s no need for constant attention\u2014unlike traditional cooking methods like the 3-stone fire or a rocket stove. This means women can use the saved time for other activities, from earning an income to caring for their families, giving them more freedom and a higher quality of life.<\/p>\n In urban and peri-urban areas of Congo, low-income families often spend up to 33% of their monthly income just on charcoal for cooking. The Sala Makala stove can help reduce this financial burden by allowing families to produce their own charcoal as a byproduct.<\/p>\n For those in peri-urban areas, this means lower fuel costs\u2014they can burn wood and produce charcoal for their own use or sell it. In rural areas, where most families cook with wood, the charcoal produced by the stove becomes a new source of income, as it can be sold to nearby urban centers. This not only makes cooking more affordable but also creates new economic opportunities for families across the region.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Why Choose Durable Solutions?” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”c33f07d9-41e0-421a-8799-5799df695cce” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#454142″ title_font_size=”50px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”28px” title_font_size_phone=”20px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#57cc99″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.64)” text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1.75em” link_font=”|IBM Plex Sans_weight|||||||” link_text_color=”#22577a” quote_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” quote_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_text_color=”#111111″ header_font_size=”72px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#111111″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#111111″ header_3_font_size=”32px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#111111″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#111111″ header_5_font_size=”18px” header_5_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#111111″ header_6_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”17px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_4_font_size_phone=”15px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_font_size_tablet=”15px” header_5_font_size_phone=”14px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_6_font_size_tablet=”13px” header_6_font_size_phone=”13px” header_6_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By focusing on innovative, locally-relevant methodologies, Durable Solutions is committed to empowering communities, preserving ecosystems, and building a healthier, more sustainable future for the DRC. Together, we can create durable change that will resonate for generations to come.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Gallery” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”5138c454-be54-4233-bd3b-f8e6a8747976″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Capturing Our Impact” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”f0c675ea-2574-4d0e-b725-30f8550a8550″ title_level=”h4″ title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#e57b14″ title_font_size=”14px” title_letter_spacing=”1px” title_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”13px” 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global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”0504de1e-f5ff-4281-ba60-cbbe4edf98bc” text_font=”IBM Plex Sans|IBM Plex Sans_weight|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.75em” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#FFFFFF” quote_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” quote_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”72px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”32px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_5_font_size=”18px” header_5_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”IBM Plex Sans Condensed|IBM Plex Sans Condensed_weight|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_6_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”17px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”18px” header_4_font_size_phone=”15px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_font_size_tablet=”15px” 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Your support can help us implement sustainable solutions that enhance health and protect the environment. Together, we can empower communities and create a brighter future. Act now to make a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Get Involved Today” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ab15fb74-61a3-43aa-96b3-41e09aeef654″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_text_color=”#22577a” button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”100px” button_font=”IBM Plex Sans|700|||||||” custom_padding=”12px|24px|12px|24px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_url=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/index.php\/donations\/fundraising-campaign\/” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/durablesolutionscongo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/RS49936_Stafford-IDP-8335_scr.jpg” alt=”African woman carries water” title_text=”RS49936_Stafford-IDP-8335_scr” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”6ed8fd5c-62c5-4100-98c3-7b8b6d2c2ee6″ border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Sala Makala clean cookstove, developed by IMA World Health, addresses the critical health, environmental, and socio-economic challenges faced by families in rural Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Designed as a clean-burning, wood gasifier stove, it offers a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional cooking methods. This innovative stove has earned exceptional ratings in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-135","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Hidden Toll: ARI and Air Pollution<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Game-Changer: The Sala Makala Gasifier Stove<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Real Impact: Saving Lives<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
Tackling Deforestation: Every Stove Makes a Difference<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Empowering Women and Reducing Labor Burdens<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Boosting Livelihoods with Charcoal<\/strong><\/h2>\n