In a significant step towards empowering rural women, the Ivorian Center for Economic and Social Research (CIRES) began distributing 500 improved stoves in the Tonkpi region on July 22, 2025.
The initiative aims to ease the strenuous daily chores of women by reducing cooking time and exposure to harmful smoke.
The launch took place in Man’s regional council meeting room, attended by local authorities and the first group of beneficiaries.
This distribution forms part of the project titled “Use of the improved TIKA oven to reduce the domestic workload of women in rural Ivorian areas,” funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) under the Scaling Care Innovations in Africa partnership.
Following earlier rollouts in the Tchologo and N’zi regions, Tonkpi now joins the list, with pilot activities focused in the sub-prefectures of Ziogouiné, Yapleu, and Goulaleu.
N’guessa Coffie José, Deputy Director in charge of administration at CIRES, highlighted the tangible benefits of the stoves: “The improved TIKA stove we are introducing today consumes up to 60% less wood, reduces exposure to harmful fumes, and saves women about two hours a day.
Two precious hours they can devote to productive activities, raising children, or their own well-being.”
The General Secretary 2 of Man Prefecture, Bley Rolande, who officially handed over the stoves, praised the initiative and urged women to embrace the project fully.
“You are the key players in the transformation of our communities… your involvement will be the key to its success,” she said, pledging continued support for women’s economic and social development.
Beneficiaries like Loué Solange and Goty Salomé welcomed the stoves, emphasizing how the technology alleviates their daily struggles. “Before, it was with bundles of wood, but now with the stove, it’s becoming interesting and easy.
We can save time and take the trouble to do something that pays off, like a small business,” shared Ms. Goly.
By making cooking more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly, the TIKA stove initiative serves as a catalyst for social, economic, and ecological progress.
It contributes to improved living standards for rural women while helping combat deforestation and gender inequality in Côte d’Ivoire.
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