Levao Bemo: Leader KAMADO

Levao Bemo, a father and fisherman, has been a Kamado leader (a leader who teaches communities how to make improved stoves “Kamado” while raising awareness about the importance of mangrove wood) since 2023.

His life has changed since taking on this new responsibility: “The benefits of this improved stove are incomparable to the metal ones we used before. It consumes much less wood. With the improved stove, a small dugout filled with wood can last for two months, whereas with a metal stove, the same amount would be used up in just a week.” Levao has gained strong skills in Kamado stoves manufacturing through the training he received. The production process requires basic materials such as mud, a bucket of ash or zebu dung, and wood shavings. Ideally, red clay should be used, but it is not available in the region.
"At the end of practical Kamado-making training in September 2024, we raised awareness in the village about the benefits of this improved stove. We held meetings where participants could observe and practice building Kamado stoves. The trainers not only encouraged us to teach members of our own community but also to extend this training to other villages."
I'm young, and I chose this path. Every day, I use Kamado stoves exclusively for cooking. I am convinced of the importance of nature. It benefits us all. Mangroves provide us with a livelihood, such as crab and fishing, which is essential for us. If we cut down mangrove wood for cooking, the crabs will disappear. And if the crabs disappear, we’ll be lost."