The solar power cookers offer partial solutions to the plight of Sudanese refugees in Eastern Chad, says the charity Cord…

The scheme is expected to improve the quality of life for Sudanese migrants who will have a clean and reliable source of cooking energy, and also reduce the negative environmental impact from foraging for wood for cooking and warmth.

The charity's plans are based on conducted research and look set to assist thousands of people with solar cooking technology as a result.

Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese fled the border from Sudan into Chad following conflict in Darfur in 2003...

As such the charity Cord has highlighted tensions between migrant communities and the local Chadians, such tensions which often lead to battles for firewood for cooking and heating as well as other dangers associated with foraging for supplies.

Cord commissioned research by Bolivia Inti Sud Solaire identified the hard grind can take ten hours looking for wood needed for cooking and warmth and the foraging for wood was also having a damaging environmental impact on tree cover.

As a solution the team proposed the introduction of solar cookers as an alternative to wood for fuel.

On March 13 at the House of Commons the charity Cord is going to announce an extension of its innovative programme of solar cooker deliveries and essential training. The scheme which has already been delivered to thousands of people in the refugee camps will now reach thousands of others.

Cord is hosting its parliamentary reception on March 13 with MP for Warwick and Leamington Chris White, who is backing the scheme.

International development charity Cord has been working in Chad since 2004 assisting tens of thousands of people with day to support and access to education.

Brian Wakley, Chief Executive of Cord, has stressed that while conflict causes poverty it is often an overlooked outcome that poverty can cause conflict again…

The charity says its scheme allows people to take control of their own lives and provide food and education for their children.