The Township Caterer's Project: Experiences from the student chapter of Engineers Without Borders

Chemically treated construction wood is being used as fuel for cooking for street vendors in the township of Nyanga in Cape Town. The emissions from burning treated wood contain levels of copper and arsenic that are possibly dangerous to human health and the surrounding environment. The Township Caterer's Project is concerned with the provision of improved wood cook stoves that are cleaner and more fuel efficient when compared to conventional cooking methods. The initial technology-driven approach was revised to accommodate an approach informed by community needs. The project is undertaken by students working within the challenges of an interdisciplinary research team.