Clean Cookstove Technology Use for Energy Efficiency in the School System

Abstract

Globally, clean cookstoves represent the best substitute for open fire biomass stoves in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fuelwood. Prospects to transfer this technology to Botswana are being explored. Our research objectives were to transfer the clean Institutional Cookstove (IC) technology to Okavango Research Institute (ORI), quantify the amount of mopane (Colophospermum mopane) fuelwood it consumes in comparison to the traditional biomass energy system, and analyze its potential to be used as a substitute for the open fire cooking method. The clean IC technology transfer to ORI was successfully completed before testing its energy efficiency and financial viability. It consumed approximately two-thirds less fuelwood than the traditional three stone stove. This presents an opportunity for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fuelwood consumption in Botswana. This is a critical consideration in an environment where there is limited readily available fuelwood. The use of clean cookstoves allows enhanced carbon sequestration by live mopane woodland resources. A financial viability analysis of implementing the clean IC in primary schools showed that it has the potential to save money spent on fuelwood. Our case study provides essential pertinent results on the energy efficiency of the developed prototype, which forms a basis for further research on the use of clean cookstoves for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from fuelwood consumption in Botswana and the entire Cubango-Okavango River Basin. A comprehensive analysis of cultural barriers to adoption of the technology will be carried out through piloting the construction of the clean cookstove.

Adoption of improved cook stoves by households in informal settlements of Woreda 12, Yeka subcity, Addis Ababa

“…They improve the taste and flavor of food and the quality of life [4][5][6]. Likewise, they help to manage demand and save energy by replacing conventional energy technologies [7], efficiently convert biomass into energy, emit very little smoke associated with complete combustion, and contribute to the sustainable use of scarce resources [8][9][10]. Switching to modern stoves and fuels and using ICS with better technological designs transforms lives by improving health, protecting climate and environment, empowering women, lowering households' expenses on medicines; reducing the workloads of women and children; and improving flexibility for women with regard to labor, time and money [11][12][13].…”

“…Padam et al [18] underlined the importance of providing incentives and arranging flexible payment systems and credit facilities. A study compiled by Mfundis and Commeh [7] indicated that socio-cultural, behavioral and competence-related barriers also make the adoption of ICS technology socially unacceptable at the household level. For example, youth in Botswana have made collecting fuel wood and making fire part of their culture.…”

“…The cost of cooking appliances such as kittles, flat Mitad and pots are cheaper and the technology is more easily adaptable than electrical items such as electric ovens, toasters and water boilers. Culturally, people like to see open fire and be around it, smoke makes food smell nice, and women like to go out collecting fuel wood as it gives them a space to socially interact [7]. Traditional three-stone stoves can be easily set up, fit all pot sizes, the heat from the fire provides warmth, light, a sense of comfort and the use of biomass is often the only available, accessible and affordable fuel for most households [15].…”