User Perspectives of Characteristics of Improved Cookstoves from a Field Evaluation in Western Kenya

Abstract

Over half of the world’s population uses biomass fuels; these households cook on open fires indoors, increasing their risk of adverse health effects due to household air pollution (HAP) from biomass combustion. This study evaluated six improved cookstoves (ICS) for effectiveness and acceptability in a rural community in Western Kenya. This paper describes women’s views on each ICS compared to the traditional three-stone fire. Views on stove characteristics, fuel consumption, health effects and acceptability were assessed through structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were coded and analyzed using a thematic approach. In total, 262 interviews and 11 focus groups were conducted from 43 women. Overall, women preferred the ICS over the traditional three-stone fire for various reasons including ease of use, efficiency, fuel efficiency and perceived reduction in smoke and improved health. However, there were clear preferences for specific ICS with almost half of women preferring a Philips stove. Despite acceptance and use of ICS, women used multiple stoves to meet their daily needs. Qualitative studies are essential to field evaluations to provide insight into user perspectives and acceptability of ICS and to inform research and development of technologies that are both effective in reducing HAP and practical in use.

Assessment of traditional and improved stove use on household air pollution and personal exposures in rural western Kenya

“…In their qualitative assessment, Loo et al (2016) found that there was a clear preference for the Philips stove among the mothers in our study population based on factors such as ease of use and cooking speed. Furthermore, they reported often using another stove in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the ICS under evaluation because of the need to cook for large groups, the inability to cook local dishes with the ICS, or unfamiliarity with the ICS.…”

“…Qualitative findings on stove characteristics and functionality, fuel consumption, health effects, and user acceptability were collected through in-depth structured interviews and focus group discussions can be found at Loo et al (2016) and Stanistreet et al (2015).…”

“…), help document actual use and the reasons for the choices made by households in carrying out their cooking tasks. Given the complexity and detail inherent in the different methodologies, we report key components of the work separately (Stanistreet et al, 2015; Loo et al, 2016; Lozier et al, 2016) and then synthesize overall findings and explanations in the paper by Pilishvili et al (2016). The overall goal of this exposure paper was to provide information to support the identification of stoves emitting the lowest concentrations of PM 2.5 and CO, based on kitchen and personal measurements.…”

Effectiveness of Six Improved Cookstoves in Reducing Household Air Pollution and Their Acceptability in Rural Western Kenya

“…Focus groups carried out after households had tested four stoves (round 4) and again at the end of the study explored participants’ views on stove functionality, design and acceptability, as well as reasons for multiple stove use (i.e., concurrent use of TSF along with ICS). [11]…”

Use of Temperature Sensors to Determine Exclusivity of Improved Stove Use and Associated Household Air Pollution Reductions in Kenya

“…We used TAL data in this analysis, and other behavioral data regarding stove acceptability are published elsewhere. 18 …”