Perception of the adoption determinants of rice husk stoves by women of the regional union of women rice parboilers of the Hills (Urfer-c) in Benin

Rice currently represents the second cereal in production in Benin, after maize. This study aims to understand better the perceptions of women rice parboilers regarding the use of rice husk stoves and to analyze the socio-economic determinants affecting its adoption. To carry out this study, 105 women rice parboilers were sampled and submitted to individual interviews and focus group discussions realization, using an interview guide and a survey questionnaire. From the results obtained, it appears that at the level of the parboiling centers, 74.29% of the parboilers adopted the rice husk stoves but used them combined with traditional stoves (three-stone firewood system). As economic favorable determinants of the adoption of rice husk stoves, they raised, among others, a reduction in the cost of parboiling and losses in quantities of parboiled rice, a decrease in cooking time, an increase of the amount of parboiled rice per unit of time, and obtaining a better quality of parboiled rice. They also mentioned some favorable social determinants such as: the preservation of the environment and the women's health, the reduction of the risk of burning their loincloths, and the reduction of the arduousness of the work. Even though rice husk stoves present several advantages, many factors limit their adoption, notably their purchasing cost, which looks pretty high; their height, which is unsuitable for the average height of women; and the high weight of the stoves, which makes them not easy to move by them. Faced with these shortcomings, research and extension structures must work to make it affordable to women and introduce modifications in the design of the stoves to adapt them to their physical conditions better.