Since 1990, Darfur has lost approximately one-third of its forest cover. Desertification has reduced living standards and contributed to the intense competition for scarce resources that underlies the present crisis.
Women frequently have to walk more than three hours to collect wood – exposing them to the risk of rape and other forms of violence.
To address these problems, Lifeline launched a fuel-efficient stove program in Darfur in mid-2006.
Over the next two years, this program resulted in the production of some 15,000 fuel-efficient stoves in just two years, which profoundly improved the lives of about 80,000 displaced persons in North and West Darfur. Though Lifeline has temporarily suspended operations in Darfur as a result of restricted access to those persons living in camps, staff continues to consult various international and UN agencies.
Click below to learn more about our fuel-efficient stove project — the heart of Lifeline’s environmental initiatives.