In November 2024, The Lady’s Heart Organization (TLH) had the privilege of participating in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing community-driven climate solutions from Kenya to the global stage. It was an incredible opportunity to share our journey, exchange ideas, and highlight how locally-led innovations can make a global impact.
After displacement during Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence, the community sought refuge in Chepalungu Forest, where reliance on firewood accelerated deforestation. From this experience, we developed a vision: protect forests while empowering marginalized groups, especially teen mothers, through clean energy innovation.
Our solution,the energy-saving jiko (stove), is made from locally available materials such as scrap metal, clay, and cement. With a smaller combustion chamber and clay lining, the stoves reduce firewood use by up to 90%, cut carbon emissions, and provide households with affordable, durable, and clean cooking. Beyond the technical benefits, every stove-making session doubles as a space for climate dialogue and community peacebuilding.
At the Tanzanian Pavilion, we shared how our innovation addresses both climate mitigation and adaptation:
The exchange with Tanzanian partners emphasized how African grassroots solutions can inspire cross-border collaboration in clean energy access.
At the IGAD Pavilion, our focus was on regional climate resilience. We highlighted how simple, affordable, and scalable innovations can complement government and multilateral efforts in climate action. The conversations reinforced the role of community organizations like TLH in bridging policy and practice.
Participating in COP29 was not just about showcasing stoves,it was about showing how local innovation, when scaled, can transform lives, conserve ecosystems, and drive Africa’s clean energy future.
As we returned home, we carry new ideas, partnerships, and inspiration to expand our work proving that solutions built in villages can shape conversations on the world stage.
