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The Trading with Climate Smart Supply (TracSS) project, managed by Imani, is a three year programme funded by the Scottish Government through their International Development Fund. The Fund aims to enhance the government’s contribution to the global fight against poverty through activities designed to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and economic growth in developing countries.
TracSS aims to act as the catalyst for sector development in 3 target value chains in Malawi namely tea, coffee and pigeon peas. As the second largest tea producer in Africa, tea is one of Malawi’s top 5 most valuable export commodities. Coffee has a strong smallholder production base, and ranks 5th in terms of Malawi’s exports by value. Particularly valuable at household level as a fuel source are pigeon peas, which are considered an integrated solution to income, food security and environmental adaptation. TracSS hopes to improve the competitiveness of these targeted value chains in an inclusive manner, improving incomes to smallholders and reducing natural resource depletion. These aims are interwoven with an application of climate smart thinking, given the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate changes.
One of the key aims of the TracSS project is to see an increase in the use of renewable energy technologies being engaged across the tea, coffee and pigeon pea sectors. This specifically relates to the production and distribution of fuel-efficient clay stoves known as ‘chitetezo mbaula’. The stoves are produced locally by groups working with the Satemwa Tea and Coffee Estate and the Msuwadzi Smallholders Association.
The stoves are environmentally and economically efficient, reducing cooking times and using much less firewood than traditional stoves. They are also a potential source of income for users when carbon funds commence for the first stoves in early 2015. Due to its low-smoke design, users also enjoy healthier cooking environments. Beyond the individual benefits, there are also far-reaching benefits as the stoves contribute to the establishment of new sustainable businesses, additional employment, and boosting the local economy.
The stove activities are being implemented and managed by Clioma Ltd who has extensive experience delivering stove programmes throughout Malawi. They worked closely with Satemwa and Fairtrade to ensure a sustainable programme, with the surrounding communities well-educated in its use and potential benefits. The revolving fund put in place through TracSS has enabled the pre-financing of the production group to assist with the establishment of, as well as payment for, the initial batches of stoves. The costs are then being reclaimed through payroll at Satemwa, ensuring a transparent process with the auditable supply chain required for both the carbon finance and Fairtrade elements of the business.
Two and a half years into the project, 2 071 stoves have been distributed to the employees, smallholders and surrounding communities. A good local market for the product has been established with expansion being considered for a wider market through partnership with a local non-profit organisation who works with similar production groups in Malawi.
