Biomass fuel use, burning technique and reasons for the denial of improved cooking stoves by Forest User Groups of Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh

Abstract

Use of biomass fuel in traditional cooking stove (TCS) is the long-established practice that exhibits incomplete combustion and generates substances with global warming potential (GWP). Improved cooking stove (ICS) has been developed worldwide as an alternative household fuel burning device, a climate change mitigation strategy as well. A study was conducted in the female Forest User Groups (FUGs) of Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh to assess the status of ICS disseminated by the Forest Department (FD) under Nishorgo Support Project along with the community's biomass fuel consumption pattern. Consumption of wood fuel was highest (345 kg month-1 household-1) followed by agricultural residues (60 kg month-1 household-1), tree-leaves (51 kg month-1 household-1) and cow-dung (25 kg month-1 household-1). Neighboring forest of the sanctuary was revealed as the core source for wood fuel with little or no reduction in the extraction even after joining the FUG. Twenty two species, both indigenous and introduced, were found in preference for wood fuel by the community.None of the respondents were found willing to use ICS although 43% of them owned it; either as the status symbol or to meet the condition of the FD to continue membership in FUG. Seven negative features of the disseminated ICS were identified by the households that made them unwilling to use it further. Manufacturing faults may be responsible for the ICS's demerits and FD's negligence was liable to the failure of convincing the community. A proper examination of the disseminated ICS's efficacy is crucial with active involvement of the community members. The Sustainable Energy Triangle Strategy (SETS) could be implemented for this purpose. Findings of the study would be of immense importance in designing the strategy for the introduction of ICS in Bangladesh.

Factors Influencing Household Uptake of Improved Solid Fuel Stoves in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Systematic Review

“…Time savings associated with cooking on multiple pot-holes, were considered an important advantage [18,31,32,34,36,40]. …”

Patterns and extent of threats to the protected areas of Bangladesh: the need for a relook at conservation strategies

“…As an alternative to traditional state forest management, people-oriented forestry has been introduced in Bangladesh to increase the country's forest cover (Muhammed et al, 2008) and community-based forest management using the co-management approach (Borrini-Feyerbund, 1996) was introduced in Bangladesh's protected areas in 2004 (Chowdhury et al, 2011). Sarker & Roskaft (2011) commented that this approach has grown out of attempts to find new solutions for the failure of the so-called 'fences and fines' approach to conservation in the country.…”

The Influence of Underlying Stresses from Environmental Hazards on Resilience in Bangladesh: A System View

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