Public-Private Alliance Foundation

Since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti we have focused especially on the poverty-respiratory disease-deforestation trap of the country’s heavy reliance on charcoal for cooking.  Feeding one’s family shouldn’t kill, but the smoke and ash from traditional wood, charcoal and other stove fires afflict 40 percent of the world’s population, killing some 4 million annually – mostly women and children -- and sicken millions more.

The photos and video above help show why we are involved in this area.

Our research and pilot efforts, with assistance from the UN Environment Program and the Inter-American Development Bank, led to a partnership with a Haitian company to design a low-cost ethanol stove. The stoves will be added to the company’s existing product line and distributed after sufficient ethanol fuel is available. Most of the distributors are women, who understand the needs of their communities and the families they serve. 

PPAF is currently working with two distilleries to produce high-proof ethanol from sugarcane. Work was delayed because of Hurricane Matthew but now is continuing.

PPAF is also working with new colleagues to develop and market bio-digesters for biogas cooking and with a company that produces solar cookstoves.  These two kinds of cooking sources make a great combination.  Bio-gas can be used at any time, while solar cookers product excellent “slow cooking” meals and baking and can be used for household water purification.  In October PPAF helped establish a biodigester at the HEART School in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti.

We aim to meet a demand for improved cooking methods, new value for sugarcane crops (ethanol production), new uses for food and animal waste (bio-digesters), income for farmers and small entrepreneurs, less deforestation, improved health and greater opportunities for women and children. 

Our Mission -- We seek to improve lives by working with partners to help reduce poverty and achieve the UN Global Goals.  Our volunteer organization networks with business, government, non-profits, academia and others to stimulate entrepreneurship and jobs in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Madagascar.