KEY POINTS
- UNDP brings solar cooking systems to rural Angola to reduce deforestation and indoor pollution.
- Solar power initiative empowers local communities with training and job opportunities.
- Clean energy projects improve health and environmental outcomes for rural households.
In a bid to increase uptake of energy in rural Angola, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has embarked on a solar power project that will change the traditional method of cooking for at least 3000 families in the Luanda Province. This new project is likely to bring light, a renewable energy source, and an environmentally sound solution to the conventional method of cooking using wood and charcoal.
As revealed by a report from UNDP Angola, the project aims at fixing the solar cooking systems in the areas that have not had a stable electricity supply, most of which are in the rural areas. These compact solar ovens are expected to help minimize the reliance on firewood hence, curbing deforestation in Angola and enhancing the home air quality, especially for the women and children who are most at risk of the effects of indoor smoke pollution.
Sustainable energy for rural empowerment
The solar power initiative is not only about providing cleaner cooking solutions but also aims to empower rural communities by creating new economic opportunities. As part of the project, locals are being trained to assemble, install, and maintain solar cooking systems, thus fostering local entrepreneurship.
In Cabinda, a region often isolated from the national grid, the introduction of solar power is seen as a game changer. “We now have a reliable source of energy for cooking, which will save us money and time,” said Maria José, a resident of the area. According to UNDP, over 10,000 families in rural Angola will benefit from the program by the end of the year.
Addressing environmental and health challenges
Angola’s reliance on biomass fuels for cooking has posed significant environmental and health challenges. In rural areas, firewood is the primary source of fuel, contributing to deforestation, and climate change. Additionally, the burning of wood and charcoal produces harmful smoke, which leads to respiratory diseases and poor indoor air quality.
The solar power initiative is a direct response to these concerns. By replacing traditional stoves with solar-powered alternatives, the project not only reduces the environmental footprint but also improves the health and well-being of communities. UNDP Angola is also collaborating with local health organizations to monitor improvements in air quality and health outcomes as part of the project’s impact assessment.
A brighter future for rural communities
This solar energy initiative is part of the UNDP’s broader efforts to support Angola’s sustainable development goals, particularly in energy access and climate action. The program is expected to pave the way for future renewable energy projects in other regions of Angola, where access to clean and affordable energy remains a challenge.
Looking ahead, the UNDP aims to expand this project across additional rural communities in Angola, with plans to integrate other renewable energy technologies, including solar-powered water pumps and lighting systems. By enhancing access to sustainable energy, the UNDP hopes to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and mitigate the environmental impacts of conventional energy sources in Angola.
