Within the framework of realization of the wood-energy economy activities, 200 improved firesides have been experimented in 200 households of the West province of Cameroon.

This field experience was preceded by an office work, which consisted of the elaboration of an experimentation protocol. According to the protocol the experimentation will be done in 6 out of the 8 Divisions that make up the West province. These divisions include, Nkoungkhi, Hauts-Plateaux, Noun, Menoua, Bamboutos and Mifi. The targeted localities are Bafoussam and Mbouda for urban areas and Bandjoun, Bangou, Bandrefam, Bayangam, Foto, Foumban for rural areas.

In the distribution, 56% of mobile improved firesides were experimented in the urban milieu against 44% in the rural milieu. Concerning fixed improved firesides 44% were experimented in urban area and 56% in rural area.

The identification and preparation of households for the experimentation was done following sensitization meetings on the risks and consequences of climate-change; 21 households in Bangou, 12 households in Bandjoun, 22 households in Mbouda and 78 households in Bafoussam were selected to participate to the experimentation

The installation of firesides in households was easy in certain villages thanks to Peace Corps Volunteers and their peers in the villages. In other areas, the participation of traditional rulers as well as the organization of households in religious groups (Christian and Muslim) allowed easy mobilization of recipients. Different households each received a characterization form that allows us to locate the household; to have data on their wood-energy consumption and on their knowledge of the improved firesides. Each month, a follow up on the use of firesides is in the households; a monthly follow-up form is given out and the previous one is taken. In the urban milieu, the economy of combustibles does not concern only wood-energy as is the case in rural areas, but also other combustibles such as gas, kerosene, shaving, sawdust and charcoal;

Up to date, 30 households which are not part of the experimentations have approached craftsmen to get an improved fireside, 50 other households in rural area wished to receive the mould to fabricate their own firesides at home. Analyses of the first data show that improved firesides in rural area greatly reduce the amount of work done in collecting wood. Households really gain time in the preparation of meals and there is a real reduction in wood consumption. All things considered, the adoption of improved firesides by households will surely improve the living conditions of populations.