women entrepreneurs for the climate (fec)

In Benin, deforestation has been intensifying for decades, largely due to the widespread use of firewood by rural populations. This resource accounts for around 60% of household energy consumption, a demand that is increasing with population growth and income-generating activities. This dependence is linked to the widespread use of open fires for cooking. In addition, women, who are often responsible for collecting wood and cooking, are most exposed to the health risks caused by breathing in fine particles and harmful gases. To address these challenges, Ucoopia (formerly Eclosio) and its partner Eco Bénin have initiated actions to improve cooking stoves and train people in their maintenance, thereby helping to reduce environmental impact and protect household health.  

The goal is that, at the end of the project, each municipality will have: 

• a Manufacturing Unit, responsible for producing and selling improved stove kits and clean cooking equipment.
• 5 collective enterprises (women's groups) that build and distribute improved stoves (one per village), responsible for meeting local stove needs.
• six individual entrepreneurs who manufacture and distribute improved stoves (two entrepreneurs per municipality) 
• 2 to 3 Village Savings and Loan Associations.    

Our action

Ucoopia (formerly Eclosio) and its partners are involved in several areas:   

• We train women entrepreneurs in the techniques of production, installation, maintenance, and use of renewable energy devices and improved stoves.  

• We are setting up Village Savings and Credit Associations (VSCA) to strengthen women's financial capabilities. VSCA gives them access to the funds they need to develop and improve their income-generating activities.   

• We promote the adoption of energy solutions among the general public. We also facilitate the creation of spaces for exchange and innovation, particularly through competitions aimed at stimulating creativity and improving practices within the companies we support.   

• We organize exchange visits between women-owned businesses to encourage collaboration, mutual learning, and experience sharing.