Assessment of Household Energy Project from a Gender Perspective: The Case of GTZ-supported Mirt Dissemination Project in Bahir Dar City
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2010-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of the research was mainly to investigate women’s views, experience and
problems related to Mirt stove project in Bahir Dar City. Evaluation of integration of
gender aspects in the project cycle in respect to a strategy of gender mainstreaming,
environmental crisis affecting women and energy policies and strategies of Ethiopia were
the main focus. Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were used and
accordingly different methods of data collection such as quantitative survey, in-depth
interview coupled by personal observations, case studies and document review were
applied. Quantitative survey covered 256 and in depth interview 18 women where as key
informant interview covered 9 individuals including men.
Findings of the research showed that GTZ supported Mirt project has contributed positively
to environmental protection despite gender mainstreaming was not applied through the
project cycle. However, the project’s counterpart on the Government side which is Ministry
of Mines and energy is implementing gender mainstreaming and has a five year strategic
plan in this respect. The major house energy is biomass accounting to 89.1% of the energy
sources from which fire wood accounts 82.42% and 20-50% of respondents spend their
income on the fire wood causing pressure on women. Respondents accounting to 62.11%
are using Mirt stove for baking Injera and is definitely contributing to fire wood
consumption. The GTZ-Mirt project assumes 50% of fire wood will be saved compared to
the conventional stove however, in real life, conditions were found to discredit the
assumption.
Absence of timely updates of the technology, no consultation with users (women) and
shortage of finance for women to buy the stove are among the main limiting factors. From
the collective findings it is concluded that the assumed success of the Mirt project is not
fully attained and should not only be measured by the number of stoves distributed and
should have a regular real life test and should include gender aspects. Twin track approach strategy meaning Mirt stove dissemination should be undertaken in parallel with fuel wood supply enhancement through community forestry program to combat fuel wood deficit
Description
Keywords
Gender Studies