The role of optimized cookstove technology in improving rural Rwandan household management
This study is based on the results from fieldwork conducted in November of 2014 in the Gasabo and Kamonyi districts of Rwanda and aims to provide a cross-sectional insight into the potential of optimized cookstove technology for rural Rwandan households. The economic benefits of a transition into more sustainable cookstove practices are recognized, by examining links between farming structures, waste management and energy use. Rwanda confronts many challenges in the face of climate change and increasing land pressure, which go hand in hand with energy efficiency. In order to tackle the problems related to deforestation, land degradation and loss of soil fertility, key factors, such as the use of cookstoves, must be identified and adapted. The use of gasifier cookstoves can for example produce biochar, which when used as a soil amendment, can sequester carbon, improve soil biology and increase agricultural productivity.
Fieldwork results show that current cooking practices in the Gasabo and Kamonyi districts do not enable efficient use of fuel. More than half of the farms that were interviewed bought their firewood supplies, although functioning agroforestry systems were observed on most of the farms. Food and crop waste was managed through composts and mulching to cycle nutrients, and all farms fertilized their crops with cow dung. Nonetheless, ever-increasing use of heavier fertilization was regarded as a requirement to achieve anticipated crop yields.
Furthermore, optimized cookstove technology, such as the TLUD, the Philips Stove, Biogas and Solar stoves are examined to discuss their economical suitability for rural Rwandan households based on the criteria; fuel efficiency, time efficiency, household air pollution levels and added benefits such as production of biochar in the case of gasifier stoves or fertilizer from the biogas digester.
Söderberg, A. (2014). The role of optimized cookstove technology in improving rural Rwandan household management. Bachelor’s Thesis. University of Dalarna.
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