A loan helped to create a distribution center for fuel-efficient cookstoves.


Anibal's story

Anibal is an entrepreneur who has developed a small business that produces and sells fuel-efficient Ecocina cookstoves in Copan Ruinas, Honduras. These stoves eliminate smoke from the home, reduce wood consumption by 50%, and save families time collecting firewood. His E'Copan stove factory employs six people and has sold more than 5,000 stoves in three years. Prior to becoming a 'stover,' Anibal worked in agroforestry and served as vice mayor of the town of Copan Ruinas.

Anibal would like to expand his business throughout Honduras in order to reach more families who are still cooking over dangerous open fires. In order to do this, Anibal is requesting a Kiva loan to create a distribution center in Ocotepeque, Honduras. Anibal's nephew Manuel will be able to order 50 Ecocina stoves on credit from E’Copan, and the Kiva loan will be repaid as soon as the stoves are sold. Manuel and his wife will both be employed, and their business will save lives by increasing the number of families using safe, efficient cookstoves. Eventually Anibal would like to establish eight distribution centers throughout Honduras.



Loan details


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details