At SustyVibes, we’re all about making sustainability actionable, relatable, and impactful for young Africans. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Naija CookWise Campaign, an initiative to promote the adoption of cleaner cooking fuels among one million women and youth in Nigeria.
Supported by the Urban Movement Innovation Fund, Naija CookWise is more than just a campaign—it’s a movement to transform lives, protect the environment, and promote healthier cooking practices.
Why Clean Cooking Fuels Matter
In Nigeria, cooking is a daily necessity, but for millions of households, the methods used come at a devastating cost. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2021), 68.3% of households rely on solid biomass like firewood and charcoal for cooking, while only 10.5% use liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and less than 1% cook with electricity. These traditional cooking methods are not just outdated; they are dangerous, exposing women and children to harmful smoke that causes severe respiratory illnesses and an estimated 95,300 deaths annually. They also contribute to deforestation and accelerate environmental degradation, endangering Nigeria’s forests. Additionally, they impose a significant time burden on women and children, who spend hours gathering fuel, limiting their opportunities for education and economic activities.
The Naija CookWise Campaign officially launched on January 26, 2025, to coincide with the International Day of Clean Energy. Here’s how we’re making cleaner cooking fuels a reality:
1. Social Media Advocacy
We’re using the power of storytelling, infographics, and interactive challenges to educate Nigerians about clean cooking. Through social media, we’re dispelling myths and sharing real-life benefits of switching to cleaner fuels.
2. Radio Tours in Indigenous Languages
To reach urban and rural audiences, we’re hitting the airwaves in Ibadan, Enugu, and Kaduna with radio programs in local languages. These shows will highlight the co-benefits of clean cooking—better health, time savings, and environmental protection.
3. Stakeholder Dialogue in April 2025
We’re bringing together policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, and women’s groups for a high-level dialogue to explore strategies for scaling clean cooking solutions nationwide. Together, we’ll chart a path toward a healthier, greener future for all Nigerians.
A National Effort Toward Sustainability
The Naija CookWise Campaign aligns with Nigeria’s broader sustainability goals, including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (2022) and the recently approved National Clean Cooking Policy (2024). Both initiatives aim to promote cleaner cooking solutions and support Nigeria’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Fill out our research survey to share insights on your cooking practices.
- Follow the campaign on social media @sustyvibes and join the conversation using #NaijaCookWiseCampaign.