Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) Program:

The annual consumption of these fuels is about 39 million tons and it is about 83% of the total consumption in the country. It should be noted that only 4% of the population is covered through the natural gas supply networks in Bangladesh. Even most of the semi-urban and urban population use traditional fuels for cooking purpose. The use of traditional fuels is also being increased with rapid population growth. As a result, deforestation and consequently a change in the ecosystem are happening that in turn leading to soil erosion and climate change. Therefore, wise use of traditional fuel is necessary to protect vegetation. Improved cook stove, instead of traditional biomass cook stove can ensure efficiency in use of traditional fuels1 (World energy council 2005). Moreover, improved stove reduces smoke emission and health hazards especially to the cook2. Improved stove saves 50-70% fuels compared to traditional ones. In the case of chimney stove, flue gases are also taken out of the kitchen so that the kitchen becomes more comfortable for the cook. Other benefits of improved stove are: save cooking time, less smoke, less blackening of the utensils, saving of fuels, portable stove can be shifted easily during rainy season, etc. Institute of Fuel Research and Development (IFRD) in Bangladesh developed a number of models of improved stove. Besides, some of the NGOs in Bangladesh are actively involved in dissemination of ICS technology among the community members especially in the rural areas. A variety of improved cook stoves have been designed and developed which include fixed and portable type, metal and clay, single and multiple pot, with chimney and without chimney, with grate and without grate, etc.
Objective of participating in the project by AID Organization is to installation of Improved Cook Stoves (ICSs) in areas where traditional cook stoves are used as the primary mode of cooking (the “Project”). To accelerate dissemination of ICSs across Bangladesh with a view to fulfilling the basic energy requirements in the rural areas as well as to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution, as AID Organization has been implementing program.
There are different models of Improved Cook Stove (ICS) being used in Bangladesh. This study attempted to know which type of ICS people accepted more. There are some limitations of using ICSs mentioned by the respondents. However, majority of the users mentioned some advantages of ICS that include creating less smoke in the kitchen, less time to cook, saving energy (fuel), etc. Fifty-six percent of the households used traditional cook stoves in addition to ICSs. A number of reasons behind using traditional cook stoves they mentioned which include feeling comfortable, fuel easily available, cheaper to use, meeting seasonal demands etc. However, majority of them said that they were habituated and felt comfortable in using traditional cook stove in addition to ICS. Study shows that 24% of the households faced problems related to fuels such as: cost of firewood, availability, and smoke especially in the rainy season etc. However, all of the households were agreed to use ICS continuously.
Aid Organization has distributed 1800 Improved Cook Stove (ICS) among the poor families at Barisal city corporation area during the period 2010-2013 funded by BCSIR. BCSIR also provided all sorts of technical support including training. After distribution it has been noticed through our monitoring process that the women of each family feel comfortable to cook their daily food and save at least 2 hours in each day which the women can utilize for other household works. The women feel that this type of Improved Cook Stove (ICS) is saving money and good for health and environment that extremely reduced the common diseases of all level of the members of their family. It is of course a modern technology which also reduced the use of fire wood and that will help to protect over all green house effect.