Assessing factors responsible for low adoption of improved fire cook stoves in Akeriau sub county, Amuria district.

Abstract

This study was carried out in Akeriau Sub County, Amuria district of North Eastern Uganda. The main objective of the study was to assess the factors responsible for tow adoption of improved fire cook stove technology in Akeriau Sub County. The specific objectives were; to find out the different types of improved fire cook stoves used by households in Sub County to establish the different sources of fuel wood materials used for cooking and their impacts to house hold health and the environment in Akeriau Sub County, and to find out the rationale for improved fire cook stoves adoption and family wood lots in food preparation and other cooking related activities. A descriptive study design was used involving 82 respondents drawn from all different parishes in Akeriau Sub county the technical sub county and District staffs were also interviewed. Questionnaires were self-administered observing the cook stoves types in use, Akeriau sub county five-year plan, Amuria district statistical Abstract, and Akeriau Sub county housing census report was sought for more data. The findings reveal that nearness to cooking materials and their availability dictate on acceptance of a cook stove, in a typical rural setting rather than age, education level, cost, culture, gender, income level as asserted by different scholars. The. results further reveal that biomass burning in open fires is a leading cause of indoor air pollution at homes. The researcher recommends the introduction of a new policy. The Integrated Kitchen Environment Care Policy (TIKECP), establishment of demo sites for demo construction, introduction of cook stove energy law focusing on compulsory use of improved fire stoves and setting up pocket friendly prices. Akeriau sub county community, all technical and political leadership and the sub-county local government should focus on implementing the recommended policy and other suggested ways.