PRACTICAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR CLEAN COOKING STOVES

The SESA project Smart Energy Solutions for Africa (SESA) project, funded by the Research & Innovation programme of the European Union is working to accelerate the uptake of clean cooking solutions by testing and scaling innovations in Africa. As part of this effort, this capacity-building manual has been developed to equip technicians, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, and everyday users with practical knowledge and skills that go beyond “how-to” instructions – helping communities unlock the full potential of clean cooking technologies.
The following are the core objectives of the manual:
• To provide comprehensive user guidance on the two cookstove models featured in the manual. This includes detailed information on stove components, step-by-step assembly instructions, and safety precautions for proper use.
• To equip owners and users, including households and small business proprietors, with a deeper understanding of clean cooking technologies and practical insights into the operational efficiency of clean cooking stoves. This involves learning how the stoves function, how to monitor their performance, optimize fuel consumption, manage costs, and ensure long-term durability.
• To emphasize safety protocols that safeguard users and help prevent accidents during stove use, installation, and maintenance.
• To offer practical guidance on routine maintenance and recognizing when professional assistance is needed to maintain safe and efficient stove operation.
• This manual also supports users in reducing costs and avoiding unnecessary expenses (such as repairs or fuel waste) by promoting best practices for independent operation and maintenance of clean cooking stoves. In doing so, it contributes to broader goals of sustainable energy use, helps reduce indoor air pollution, and supports climate resilience.