Transitioning towards cleaner cooking fuels: an analysis of consumer preferences in Ghana's cookstoves market

Globally, attention has been paid to policies that promote the manufacturing, distribution, and usage of 'cleaner stoves' to minimise the negative impact of inefficient cooking. The key objective of this study is to understand the factors that affect consumer preferences for local or imported improved stoves, identify the underlying factors that influence the performance of locally made improved stoves, and ascertain the weaknesses and strengths of locally made improved stoves. A survey method was applied to collect data across 10 regions of the country from households, restaurants, institutions, retailers, and manufacturers. The survey had a response rate of 86% out of a total of 1500 respondents (consumers). In addition, data was collected from 196 distributors and 35 manufacturers. The study finds that the critical strengths of imported improved stoves are relatively lower emissions, efficiency, and quality. On the other hand, their weaknesses include high prices, inability to meet traditional cooking requirements, limited rural market penetration, long supply chain, and repair turnaround. Locally manufactured improved cookstoves thrive on lower prices, proximity to market and easy repair if needed, potential for new entrants, distribution partnership, and access to rural market.