Clauseph Biofuels
Granny Lesiamang, co-founder and director of Clauseph Biofuels in Botswana, is on a mission to revolutionize cooking practices in rural and suburban communities by providing clean, reliable, and affordable cooking technologies. Inspired by her own experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Granny returned to her home village only to find herself reverting to traditional firewood cooking methods, which not only lacked efficiency but also posed environmental concerns. Determined to find a sustainable solution, she embarked on the journey of establishing Clauseph Biofuels.
With the $500 Giving Joy grant, Clauseph Biofuels conducted site visits to two targeted communities—one rural and one suburban—engaging households to assess their clean cooking needs. Granny and her team identified 15 low-income households that would benefit from the biomass stoves. During the distribution, they provided demonstrations on stove usage, explaining how the stoves work and the advantages of transitioning from traditional open-fire cooking methods. They also conducted hands-on training workshops for recipients, focusing on safe stove operation, maintenance, and the environmental benefits of using biomass fuel. Additionally, they discussed the impact of clean cooking on reducing health hazards caused by indoor air pollution.
The distributed stoves have already made an immediate and significant difference in the daily lives of these 15 households, benefiting approximately 60 people, assuming an average household size of four. The excitement, particularly among older women, was palpable. One woman, who lives in a one-room house with her grandchildren, shared, “I will no longer need to collect firewood every day—my back will rest.”
Building on the momentum created by the Giving Joy grant, Granny and her team plan to distribute an additional 30 biomass stoves in neighboring communities in the coming months, in partnership with the elected Member of Parliament. They will also monitor the long-term impact of the stoves on households, focusing on fuel savings, health benefits, and user satisfaction. Additionally, they will conduct three larger-scale workshops to educate more households on the importance of clean cooking technologies and sustainable energy sources.
The grant significantly boosted Clauseph Biofuels' clean cooking initiative, enabling them to expand their reach into two new communities. It raised awareness about the importance of clean cooking technologies and demonstrated the effectiveness of their biomass stoves. The project also increased the company’s visibility among local stakeholders and strengthened relationships with local government officials, potentially leading to future partnerships aimed at addressing energy poverty.
This grant marks a significant milestone for Granny, as it is her first-ever grant. However, her vision and determination suggest a promising future for both her and Clauseph Biofuels. With this support, Granny is poised not only to address immediate challenges in her community but also to pave the way for sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Botswana.
