The Impacts of the Use of Biomass Solid Fuels for Household Cooking in Sub-Saharan Africa - A Review

Abstract

The establishment of weak and inefficient institutions frameworks has left many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries in continuous use of biomass solid fuels (BSF) which hinders economic growth and development. The literature on BSF use in SSA shows significant variation in the type of fuel preferences for domestic purposes. This study performs a critical analysis of the impact of continual usage of solid biomass fuel for cooking among households across SSA countries. The analysis was carried out via a comprehensive search of systematic peer-reviewed database across disciplines and an extensive review of literature from 2010 to 2021 with a view to make recommendations. The findings indicate that over 900 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still rely on traditional, unprocessed biomass solid fuels for cooking. This poses a great risk as the fuel generates high levels of poisonous particulate matters and biomass smoke. In view of this, it is recommended that the government of various SSA countries should implement and strictly enforce WHO guidelines on air quality in the cooking area for improved health and safety. Interdisciplinary research and policy intervention on the adoption of improved stoves as well as clean fuel cooking solutions should be encouraged. There must also be an aggressive afforestation and conservation of natural vegetation by government through tree planting and control of flow of wood fuels.

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