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SOLUTIONS AND PATHWAYS TO SCALE A range of clean cooking solutions are available, each with its own set of benefits and trade-offs: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): LPG is clean at the point of use, reduces time spent collecting fuel and has lower emis- sions than biomass. However, its large-scale adoption often requires subsidies. Electric Cooking: E-cooking is efficient and clean but de- pends on reliable electricity access. Advances in electrifica- tion and falling appliance costs make it an increasingly viable option. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, 43 percent of house- holds lack electricity. Biogas and Bioethanol: These renewable fuels offer co-bene- fits such as improved waste management and reduced emis- sions. Nevertheless, biogas production requires significant infrastructure investment, while bioethanol depends on sus- tainable agricultural supply chains. Improved Biomass Cookstoves: These stoves are more ef- ficient and produce fewer emissions than traditional stoves. They are a transitional solution, especially in rural areas, but their health benefits are sometimes questioned due to lower- than-expected emission reductions in real-world conditions.
CHALLENGES IN THE TRANSITION TO CLEAN COOKING The transition to clean cooking faces several barriers: Affordability: The cost of new cooking appliances and fuels remains a significant constraint for low-income households. Improved cookstoves cost around US$15-30, LPG stoves US$50-100 and biogas systems require a substantial upfront investment (2024 prices). Sociocultural Factors: Traditional cooking practices and gen- der roles influence the adoption of clean cooking solutions. Cultural attachments to traditional cooking methods and gender norms that limit women’s decision-making power are significant barriers. Fuel Stacking: Many households retain traditional methods alongside newer clean cooking solutions, reducing the overall benefits. This practice, known as fuel stacking, reflects both cultural preferences and economic constraints.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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