The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN has estimated that about half the world's population is cooking its meals on a fire of wood or charcoal. Firewood covers 15% - 18% of the world's need for primary energy. In a country like Burkina Faso that is up to 90%.

Wood becomes increasingly in short supply, especially in the dry areas, such as the Sahel. Obtaining firewood takes more time or money; and children are increasingly engaged in the collection of it. The consequences are increasing poverty, less education to children, poorer health and detrimental effects to the environment and nature, causing deforestation and desertification.

The mission of the Dutch Foundation KoZon (Cooking with the Sun as the source of heat), is to improve this situation.