By Diallo Afadhali | New Markets Fellow
Field Work Results:
Since our last update on Refining Field Work and Improving Service Delivery, Potential Energy has completed 2 pilot projects that aimed at expanding to new states within Darfur. On this work, two partners, NIDAA in West Darfur and Malam Darfur Peace and Development (MDPD) in South Darfur, were chosen to collaborate in promoting and selling a total of 600 stoves to new customers in these regions. We were struck by both partners’ commitment to their clients and their positive reputations within their local communities. As we set out to do sales trials, we didn't know what the reaction would be among new clients; our stove was of that kind in these regions, and women typically have not been exposed to this technology. What we found was very promising; customers appreciated the stoves, and in many cases the demand for the stoves exceeded the supply we were able to produce. In particular, women were impressed by the design of the stove, and the fact that it can save them up to $35 USD/month. We are energized by the initial results of this pilot, and we are working to expand from piloting to working with these partners to build businesses for the sale of stoves in these new regions.'
New Projects:
In addition to the work we are doing to expand our reach in the field and improve service delivery, we are also working with our local partner, SAG, to encourage increased project sustainability. With close guidance from our Country Manager, SAG has begun to develop a fund to be able to purchase their own stove flatkits directly from our supplier. Working with Potential Energy, SAG has set up an account and is already making great strides in order to move the Darfur Stoves Project towards full sustainability.
Finally, we are excited to announce that we are in the process of planning an upcoming survey in order to evaluate our work on the Darfur Stoves Project. This survey, which will be conducted via mobile entry, will allow Potential Energy to learn more about stove usage, how much families save, and how they are using the savings. Stove owners will be selected from SAG's client base and will be able to answer questions via an automated mobile questionnaire designed specifically for this use. We are proud and excited to conduct this survey and are excited to learn more about our stove users. Thank you for your support!
By Diallo Afadhali | New Markets and Health fellow
By Debra Stein | Associate Director
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