Climate action from the kitchen
In many rural communities across Kenya, the kitchen is more than a cooking space; it’s a frontline in the fight against climate change. In Lamu, women are not just caregivers and homemakers; they are climate champions. Amid rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and vanishing forests, the women of Lamu are quietly leading a green revolution with a humble yet powerful tool, the energy-saving jiko.
July 30, 2025
By Purity Kadzo – Lamu Women Alliance
With the support of SouthSouthNorth under the Voices for Just Climate Action programme, LAWA visited some of these women in Lamu, intending to identify what women are doing in climate mitigation. In most households, women have adapted to using these energy-saving Jikos. For them, it is a rebellion against climate injustices. It is essential for:
Protecting Mangroves and Coastal Forests
Lamu’s forests and mangroves are unique ecological treasures that not only protect coastlines from erosion but also absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide. The overharvesting of firewood for cooking threatens these ecosystems. By using less fuel, energy-saving jikos help preserve the very forests that protect Lamu from the worsening impacts of climate change.
Reducing Carbon Emissions in Rural Kitchens
In villages like Kipungani and Kiunga, where access to clean energy remains a challenge, traditional cooking methods release thick black smoke. Energy-saving jikos produce less smoke, which not only helps the planet but also protects the lungs of women and children.
Easing the Burden on Women
In Lamu, it is often women and girls who walk long distances to fetch firewood, especially in remote areas. With fuel-efficient jikos, this burden is lessened, freeing up time for income-generating activities, schooling, or community involvement.
Women as Agents of Change
Through initiatives by local organisations like the Lamu Women Alliance, women are not just adopting energy-saving jikos; they are training others, building them locally, and advocating for wider adoption. This grassroots leadership is key to creating sustainable and climate-resilient communities in Lamu.
Economically Empowering Women
By using less fuel, families save money that would have otherwise been spent on purchasing firewood or charcoal. This economic relief allows women to invest in other areas, such as education, healthcare, or small businesses, making them active participants in sustainable development.
The energy-saving jiko is not just a tool; it is a symbol of climate leadership at the grassroots level. Empowering women with sustainable cooking technology gives them agency in the climate movement and ensures that solutions are both practical and inclusive.
MOVING FORWARD
Promoting the adoption of energy-saving jikos must be a priority in community-based climate programs. NGOs, local governments, and donors should invest in awareness campaigns, capacity building, and micro-financing schemes to scale up the use of these jikos.
Climate action begins at home. And sometimes, it starts with a jiko.
