Today, the production and use of this improved cookstove have expanded across nine fokontany in the district of Antsalova, Melaky region, covering the rural communes of Soahany, Masoarivo, and Trangahy. This progress has been made possible thanks to the commitment and determination of local communities, particularly the Kamado leaders, trained facilitators who teach communities how to build these stoves while raising awareness about the importance of forest conservation.

AIDE Venir, a Kamado leader in Soahany, testifies to his unwavering commitment to nature: “As soon as WWF launched a call for volunteers to promote the improved stove, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It was the perfect opportunity for me to make a tangible contribution to environmental protection. Today, I can see that our forests and natural resources are increasingly degrading. I’ve been a member of the community based organization for a long time to help protect dry forests and mangroves priceless treasures that must be preserved for future generations. I reaffirm my determination to act, and I will never give up.” Another Kamado leader, RAVELOKAMISY Edmond, president of the community-based organization in Soatanà (Commune of Trangahy), shares his experience and the benefits of the stove: “I own a small restaurant in my village, and I’m convinced that the Kamado really helps save firewood. Before, I used to buy about 2,000 Ariary (0.45 USD) worth of firewood per day, but since I started using the Kamado, my daily expenses have dropped to around 600 Ariary (0.13 USD). This means I save about 1,400 Ariary (0.31 USD) per day, which adds up to a significant amount by the end of the year.” Seeing these results, he encourages other community members not to hesitate to adopt the improved Kamado stove.

With WWF’s support, the promotion of the improved cookstove Kamado continues to expand through the transfer of knowledge and skills for its production within local communities, strengthening the resilience of the Manambolo-Tsiribihina forest. The Kamado leaders play a key role in this effort. For the year 2024–2025, about 468 Kamado stoves have already been produced in the communes of Soahany and Trangahy, and adopted by approximately 336 households.

The use of the Kamado may seem like a small gesture, but it represents a major contribution to the preservation of nature. If everyone does the same, nature as a whole will reap the benefits.