Qualitative Findings and Implications for Scaling Up an Improved Cookstove Project in Rural Kenya
The use of indoor, three-stone fire pits in resource–poor countries is a
substantial burden on human health and the environment. We conducted a pilot
intervention promoting the purchase and use of an improved cookstove in rural Kenya. The
goals of this qualitative inquiry were to understand the motivation to purchase and use;
perceived benefits and challenges of cookstove use; and the most influential promotion
activities for scaling up future cookstove promotion. Purposive sampling was used to
recruit 10 cookstove promoters and 30 cookstove purchasers in the Luo community.
Qualitative semi-structured interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis conducted.
Women reported the need for less firewood, fuel cost savings, reduced smoke, improved
cooking efficiency, reduced eye irritation, lung congestion and coughing as major benefits
of the cookstove. Cost appeared to be a barrier to wider adoption. The most persuasive promotion strategies were interpersonal communication through social networks and
cooking demonstrations. Despite this cost barrier, many women still considered the
improved cookstove to be a great asset within their household. This inquiry provided
important guidance for future cookstove implementation projects.
