The APEARE Clean initiative, is a transformative program aimed at promoting clean cooking practices across rural and urban communities in Nigeria and other African countries. Recognizing the significant environmental, health, and socioeconomic challenges posed by the prevalent use of biomass for cooking, our focus is on bridging gaps in the clean cooking industry by addressing accessibility, affordability, and awareness issues related to clean cooking technologies. Our approach is holistic, combining community engagement, technology distribution, and advocacy to create a sustainable shift towards clean cooking practices.
1.) Spelling Tree Competition: The Spelling Tree Competition is an engaging and educational program designed to raise awareness among school children about the importance of trees and the negative impacts of deforestation. By organizing spelling competitions centered around environmental themes, we promote the conservation of forests and the need to protect our natural resources.
2.) Walkers Day: Walkers Day is an annual event that encourages individuals of all ages to come together and participate in a community walk to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions. This event raises awareness about the benefits of walking as a mode of transportation, promoting physical fitness while reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuel-driven vehicles.
3.) State of the Environment Conference: The State of the Environment Conference brings together experts, policymakers, academics, and environmental enthusiasts to discuss and address pressing environmental issues. This platform serves as a knowledge-sharing hub, fostering dialogue, and promoting innovative solutions to tackle challenges related to oil spills, land degradation, waste management, and pollution. By facilitating collaboration, we aim to drive positive change and influence policy decisions.
In Nigeria, while fossil fuel emissions are significant due to the country’s status as one of Africa’s largest oil producers, a substantial portion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originates from a different source: the widespread use of biomass, particularly fuelwood, for cooking. This is especially prevalent in rural and some urban communities where modern energy services are either too expensive or simply not accessible. Here’s the evidence to support this claim:
- High Dependence on Biomass: It is estimated that about 70% to 80% of Nigeria’s population relies on biomass, mainly firewood and charcoal, for cooking and heating. This dependence is primarily due to the lack of access to cleaner fuels and poverty.
- Emissions from Biomass Burning: When biomass is burned inefficiently in open fires or traditional stoves, it releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), all potent greenhouse gases. Moreover, incomplete combustion also produces black carbon, a component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which has a warming effect on the atmosphere.
- Sectoral Emissions Data: According to the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment, the country’s Second National Communication to the UNFCCC highlighted that the land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector, which includes emissions from biomass burning, was a significant source of GHG emissions. In comparison, the energy sector, which includes fossil fuel combustion, also contributes a major share, but the specific emissions from biomass burning for cooking have been identified as critically high in certain assessments.
- Impact on Deforestation: Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, much of it driven by the harvesting of wood for fuel. Deforestation further contributes to CO2 emissions, exacerbating the effect of biomass burning on greenhouse gas emissions.
- Health and Environmental Impact: The practice of using biomass for cooking is not only a significant source of GHG emissions but also has severe health impacts due to indoor air pollution, which underscores the urgency of addressing this issue from both environmental and public health perspectives.
1. Health Improvements
2. Environmental Conservation:
3.) Economic Empowerment:
4.) Gender Equality:
5.) Sustainable Energy:
Workshops & Training:
Adopt a Cleaner Future:
- Collaborate for Impact: Let’s join forces to scale this initiative, bringing clean cooking technologies to every home.
- APEARE CLEAN is more than an initiative; it’s a commitment to a greener, healthier Nigeria. By embracing clean cooking technologies, we’re not just altering how we prepare our meals; we’re changing the course of our environmental and health trajectory.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join us on this journey to cleaner cooking and a brighter future. Together, we can protect our planet, improve our health, and preserve our forests. Contact us today to learn how you can be a part of APEARE CLEAN.