Families First: BBS’s Continuing Effort to Protect Afghan Households

In 2024, Business for Better Society (BBS) reinforced its commitment to improving the lives of families and communities in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan through our ongoing household breadmaking oven initiative. Collaborating with the UN Mission in Badakhshan and the Afghan non-profit SALEHO, this program addresses critical health and environmental challenges while also providing economic opportunities for women in the region.

The primary goal of this initiative is to create healthier home environments by reducing household wood consumption and mitigating smoke inhalation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution remains one of the most severe health risks facing impoverished populations. Alarmingly, 54,000 Afghans, most of them children under five, die annually from smoke-related illnesses caused by heating and cooking activities. Over 95% of Afghanistan’s 30 million people rely on solid fuels like wood and coal, placing the nation among the top 10 countries most affected by indoor pollution.

To combat these challenges, our program introduces advanced breadmaking stoves that significantly reduce firewood consumption and smoke production. Each unit, costing approximately US$50, has the potential to transform the lives of families by improving their health and reducing their reliance on scarce resources. However, adoption has been limited by cost, making your support essential to scaling this initiative.

A key advancement in 2024 was the local production of these stoves in the town of Zebak, where women, under the guidance of a local trainer, began manufacturing the ovens. This shift not only reduced transportation costs, allowing for the delivery of additional stoves, but also created a vital source of income for local households. By empowering women with practical skills and employment opportunities, the project has evolved into a multifaceted program that addresses both health and economic needs in the community.

Despite the ongoing challenges in the region, this initiative offers a beacon of hope. As we move into 2025, BBS will continue to expand this program, delivering more ovens and empowering more families to create healthier and more sustainable home environments. Your support is crucial to this mission. By contributing to our donation drive, you can help us reach even more families in need.

Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Afghan families. Donate today to sponsor a breadmaking oven and be part of this transformative change.