Research Article
Carbon Emission Reduction Potentials of Improved Biomass Cookstoves Used in Gambella Refugee Camps, Southwest Ethiopia
Fikre Destaw*
,
Alemayehu Gurmessa,
Amansisa Birhanu,
Nyagoa Biel,
Girma Tadesse,
Kuey Peter
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-11
Received:
21 November 2025
Accepted:
13 January 2026
Published:
6 February 2026
Abstract: In many countries of the world, households burn firewood or biomass to fulfill their cooking and heating needs. The excessive reliance on biomass fuels by inefficient traditional cookstove produces and emits substantial amount of smoke which brings effects associated with high indoor air pollution, deforestation, climate change and losses productivity. Therefore, this study focused on carbon emission reduction potentials of improved biomass cookstoves used in Gambella refugee camps and compares it with traditional open-fire stove. For this study, Water Boiling Test (WBT) was carried out at laboratory level. The most commonly used improved biomass cookstoves and the three stone traditional cook stove were selected for the assessment and comparison. The emission of greenhouse gasses (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matters) was used as indicators to compare the emissions of each stove. The results indicated that, three-stone open-fire traditional stove, Clay (User Centered Design-UCD), Flexy and Tikikil stoves were found to be the preferred mode of biomass cooking stove used by most refugees. From the experimental test results, the performance model showed a significant reduction in greenhouse gasses and/or pollutant (CO2, CO, and PM2.5) concentrations. The use of one Flexy stove could avoid the emission of 1.21 tons, Clay 1.15 tons, and Tikikil 0.96 tons of CO2e per stove per year. The average amount of CO emission from the three-stone stove was 1105ppm and from ICS was 370.3 ppm. Particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions of Flexy, Clay, Tikikil and Traditional cookstoves were recorded as 329, 339, 337, 614 mg respectively. Therefore, it can be conclude that improved biomass cook stoves can produce less smoke and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and health effects. Thus, concerned organizations should disseminate and monitor improved biomass cooking stoves for the refugees so as to protect individuals from negative impact of traditional three-stone cookstoves.
Abstract: In many countries of the world, households burn firewood or biomass to fulfill their cooking and heating needs. The excessive reliance on biomass fuels by inefficient traditional cookstove produces and emits substantial amount of smoke which brings effects associated with high indoor air pollution, deforestation, climate change and losses productiv...
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Research Article
Environmental Conservation: Effects of Land Use Types on Soil Physicochemical Properties in Gojera Kebele, Southeastern Ethiopia
Yohannes Shuka Jara*,
Alemu Nigussie Gari
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
12-27
Received:
6 January 2026
Accepted:
10 February 2026
Published:
21 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jeece.20261101.12
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Abstract: Understanding the effects of different land use types on soil physicochemical properties (PCPs) is essential for the sustainable management of soil resources and environmental conservation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various land use types on selected soil PCPs in the Dinsho district of Ethiopia. A total of 32 soil samples were collected from four land use types: forests, agricultural farms, grazing areas, and grasslands, at two soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm), with three replicates per type. The mean differences in physical and chemical parameters were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance. The results indicated that agricultural land and grasslands exhibited the highest values for sand and clay content. Forested areas showed significantly higher levels of SOM at 5.05% and TN with a p-value of less than 0.001. The mean available phosphorus ranged from 2.03 to 5.2 mg/kg, indicating a significant deficiency of available phosphorus in the study area. The mean bulk density and total porosity of the soils ranged from 1.14 to 1.37 g/cm³ and 42.02% to 51.5%, respectively, which are higher than the desirable limits for optimal soil health. The pH values ranged from 6.06 to 7.25, falling within an acceptable range. Additionally, the exchangeable basic cations, CEC, and PBS values were classified as high to very high across all land use types. These findings suggest that inappropriate land use practices significantly affect soil physicochemical properties, leading to detrimental effects on soil quality. Therefore, it is crucial to implement Land?Use Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) strategies to ensure the sustainable use of soil resources and promote environmental conservation.
Abstract: Understanding the effects of different land use types on soil physicochemical properties (PCPs) is essential for the sustainable management of soil resources and environmental conservation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various land use types on selected soil PCPs in the Dinsho district of Ethiopia. A total of 32 soil samples were coll...
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Review Article
A Review of the Geochemistry and Processing Pathways for Sulphur Recovery from Ethiopian Volcanic Deposits
Wakjira Tesfaye*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
28-37
Received:
9 January 2026
Accepted:
4 February 2026
Published:
21 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jeece.20261101.13
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Abstract: The geological architecture of the East African Rift System, specifically within the Afar Triple Junction and the Main Ethiopian Rift, provides a unique tectono-magmatic environment for the formation of extensive volcanogenic sulphur deposits. This review synthesizes the geochemical characteristics and potential processing pathways for Ethiopia’s dormant sulphur resources, which are becoming strategically vital as the nation seeks to mitigate its 100% dependency on mineral imports for its agricultural and industrial sectors. Current assessments identify significant native sulphur reserves at Dallol (7 million tons) and Dofan/Chebrit Ale (6 million tons), alongside over 2.5 billion tons of inferred mixed sulphates in the Danakil Basin. Geochemical investigations, supported by stable sulphur isotope systematics (δ34S), reveal a polygenetic origin for these deposits: primary magmatic degassing of H2S and SO2 at centers like Erta Ale (δ34S) of -0.5‰ to +0.9‰) contrasts with complex hydrothermal recycling and bacterial sulphate reduction in evaporitic sequences. While the study evaluates the technical feasibility of extraction methods including the Frasch process, froth flotation, and solvent extraction it notes that these pathways, despite recovery efficiencies exceeding 90%, must be meticulously adapted to the hyper-arid, high-enthalpy conditions of the Ethiopian Rift. Ultimately, the integration of domestic sulphur recovery with existing geothermal energy projects is proposed as a critical step toward establishing a self-sustaining industrial ecosystem. By addressing existing knowledge gaps in pilot-scale validation and environmental lifecycle assessments, Ethiopia can leverage its volcanic heritage to ensure national food security and regional economic influence.
Abstract: The geological architecture of the East African Rift System, specifically within the Afar Triple Junction and the Main Ethiopian Rift, provides a unique tectono-magmatic environment for the formation of extensive volcanogenic sulphur deposits. This review synthesizes the geochemical characteristics and potential processing pathways for Ethiopia’s d...
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