Délégation Fondation Akwaba
The Pitch
Délégation Fondation Akwaba’s BOVIVE-CD initiative built energy systems, instituted new waste management and farming practices and created public spaces in Bouaké to turn it into a sustainable, green city.
The Problem
Residents of Bouaké lacked information about low-energy input appliances and solar energy options, resulting in community members using inefficient cookstoves that produced emissions and pollution and generated health hazards. In addition, the city’s waste management system was informal, public spaces lacked regulated care and greenery and farmers burned their fields to clear them—generating additional carbon emissions and air pollution.
The Process
- Used caravans and awareness-raising campaigns to introduce local communities to energy-saving appliances
- Trained craftsmen and traders in solar energy installation
- Conducted outreach to farmers about sustainable agricultural practices
- Formed “Community Neighborhood Development Committees” to help residents work towards improving their living environment
- Facilitated a connection between the city and waste management authorities
- Planted trees, grass and flowers in public spaces
The Impact
- Reduced the city’s energy use: 1,300 households now use low-energy lamps and the Town Hall runs on solar energy, serving as an example that the local community can follow
- Created new job opportunities for community members trained in solar installation
- Promoted the adoption of solar energy in unlit zones
- Influenced the creation of new waste management solutions through a participatory framework: Bouaké now uses an integrated waste management system that reduces litter and landfill hazards
- Introduced farmers to crop rotation methods via educational programming
- Prompted a pledge among farmers to no longer clear farms with harmful chemicals and bush fires
- Inspired Bouaké to develop an Action Plan for Sustainable Energy Access and Climate, which outlines the city’s plans to switch to renewable energy and adapt to climate change in all sectors; its budget has funded the creation of additional community parks, a sustainable rainwater management system, preparations for climate refugees, promotion of cleaner stoves, tree-planting initiatives and an improved sanitation system
- Motivated the city to train 25 people annually on biogas and renewable alternative energies; so far, trainees have distributed 3,000 universal nozzles to households in need and constructed 6 biogas units
- Allows the city to shift its energy towards developing zero-emissions public transportation infrastructure, such as cycling paths
