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INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Multiple communities, Kenya | Sunny Solutions

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Sunny Solutions is an initiative to increase market-based solar cooker access in areas affected by environmental degradation, waterborne illnesses, and high incidence of HIV/AIDS.

In partnership with the Nyakach Community Development Association (NYACODA), Solar Cookers International (SCI) is providing local women with opportunities to generate income by making and selling solar cookers and goods baked in them. In turn, these women entrepreneurs ensure decentralized access to inexpensive solar cookers, like the CooKit.

Sunny Solutions was launched in July 2003 in Nyakach, Kenya. A network of Solar Cooker Representatives (SCOREPS) led solar cooker demonstrations at marketplaces, churches and other public venues, creating widespread awareness of solar cooking and solar water pasteurization throughout the area. After CooKits are sold, SCOREPS visit customers to answer questions and provide follow-up services. Some women also sell solar-baked cakes, while others use solar cookers in their restaurants.

The “OYWA” CooKit, developed and assembled locally by Nyakach women, is more affordable and more durable than factory-built models. The OYWA, and the women that developed it, received a top award at the 2005 Pan-African Women Invent and Innovate awards ceremony, organized by the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network, whose awards are considered the world’s leading accolade for women inventors and innovators.

In early 2006, SCI expanded the project to two additional Kenyan communities, Kadibo and Kajiado. Further expansion is planned for 2007 and 2008.

Sunny Solutions achievements include:

23 trained women make and sell CooKits
3000+ CooKits sold or being paid for in installments
75000 community members are aware of solar cooking
Decentralized production of hand-assembled, locally-adapted CooKits
Solar cookers and supplies are stocked in four local energy shops
Solar water pasteurization has reduced diarrhea among small children by nearly half
Solar cooks realize firewood savings of up to 40%

To support this project and other SCI programs, click here. (A mail-in membership form is available in pdf and doc formats.)